My Journey from Birth to Present

Chapter 1: A New Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City**

I woke up as the bus arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, where a distant relative of my maternal grandfather picked me up. Our house was about 40 minutes away from the city, by a sandy river. Returning home, I felt neither particularly happy nor sad, perhaps because I had yet to realize the impact of my presence on my parents' lives.

My mother had remarried and had another child. Both my mother and stepfather worked tirelessly, running a crowded beef hotpot restaurant with additional helpers. Initially, I didn't realize the man my mother had introduced me to at the temple was her soon-to-be husband. Gradually, I got used to calling him "uncle," and eventually "dad." Holding my little sibling for the first time, I felt a newfound affection.

**Chapter 2: Adjusting to a New Life**

Adapting to my new life meant no more daily scriptures, early wake-up calls, or beatings. Sometimes, I'd wake up abruptly in the middle of the night, not from fear but out of habit, hearing distant temple bells. It took a week to adjust, during which I learned about various vegetables, shellfish, and beef—new experiences for me, like a curious child.

Returning to school in my first year of sixth grade, I had to collect my report card from my grandfather's place. The teachers said I was too playful and neglected my studies, potentially failing the year. I didn't understand why I refused to study back then, a mistake that cost me dearly. When I returned home, my mother didn't scold me; she simply said if I couldn't study, I should help in the restaurant. Despite my fear, I found satisfaction in helping out.

**Chapter 3: Family Struggles and Personal Growth**

A conflict with my stepfather's younger brother over a toy led to me refusing to call him "uncle" anymore. During dinner, when my mother asked me to address him as "uncle," I refused, leading to her anger and an attempt to hit me, which was stopped by my stepfather. Confined to my room for the night, I felt a mix of fear and confusion. I had hoped my mother would be different from my grandfather, but she was the same, insisting on clear communication and no arguments.

My parents often argued and broke things in the house. One night, my mother, finding me hungry, bought a steamed bun—my childhood favorite. We shared it, but she ate very little, looking at me with tears in her eyes. She expressed her desire to die and shared her past. A few days later, my stepfather apologized, and they reconciled, but I felt more alone than ever.

**Chapter 4: Return to the Temple**

I still wanted to go back to the nearby temple, where I had stayed before. Everyone there was cheerful, and nobody hit me. However, I was afraid to ask my mother. A woman had spoken to her about it before, and I had said yes. This time, I officially began my journey into monastic life, taking refuge in the Buddha and becoming a novice monk.

And so, my story continues, shaped by the twists and turns of life, filled with moments of joy, fear, and profound learning. Thank you for listening to my journey. If you have any thoughts or questions, please leave them in the comments below. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content. Thank you!