HUYNH TRƯỞNG TÂM CHÁNH PHẠM THỊ HOÀI CHÂN

In Loving Memory of Venerable Nun Thích Nữ Tịnh Ngọc

Lay Dharma Name: Tâm Chánh – Phạm Thị Hoài Chân

Born: November 22, 1932 – Passed: April 16, 2025

Worldly age: 93 – Monastic age: 21 years

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha

Amid the sorrow that fills our hearts, we—her disciples and members of the Buddhist Youth Association (Gia Đình Phật Tử)—bow our heads in remembrance of the profound virtues and lifelong dedication of our beloved teacher and venerable elder in the monastic community, Venerable Nun Thích Nữ Tịnh Ngọc, also known in lay life as Trưởng Tâm Chánh – Phạm Thị Hoài Chân. She peacefully passed away at 10:25 PM on April 16, 2025, in Garden Grove, California, USA.

Born in Northern Vietnam on November 22, 1932, Sư Cô carried with her a graceful spirit, unshakable determination, and a deep vow to walk the path of enlightenment. Before entering monastic life, she was a devoted leader (Huynh Trưởng) in the Buddhist Youth Association, known as Trưởng Tâm Chánh—a big sister and compassionate guide to generations of young Lam-uniformed members.

We can still clearly recall her image: dignified and firm, yet ever gentle, passing on each sutra verse, each lesson drawn from the living Dharma. She often reminded us to embody the spirit of the Six Harmonies, and to live by Compassion – Wisdom – Courage, guiding principles for both human life and our roles as youth leaders in GĐPT.

Beyond the responsibilities she carried within the organization, Sư Cô was the founder of GĐPT Pháp Vân, and the guiding light for many young members in their first steps toward embracing the Dharma. Under her care, generations flourished, growing in both worldly understanding and spiritual depth.

From weekly activities, retreat sessions, pilgrimages to temples, to her simple yet profound Dharma talks—each became a treasured part of our lives, lessons we carry to this day.

Before entering monastic life, Huynh Trưởng Tâm Chánh – Phạm Thị Hoài Chân served as the Gia Trưởng (Chapter Head) of GĐPT Huyền Quang. In that role, she was not only a respected leader but also a compassionate mentor who devoted herself wholeheartedly to nurturing the spiritual and moral development of each member in the chapter. Her calm presence, unwavering dedication, and wise guidance laid a strong foundation for the unit, shaping its identity and inspiring generations to come.

During her time serving at GĐPT Huyền Quang, Sư Cô—still known as Trưởng Tâm Chánh—showered special care and love on the youngest group, the Oanh Vũ. Though a senior leader, she never hesitated to kneel and help a child tie their belt, adjust their hat, or gently explain each lesson from their beginner’s handbook.

She often told us, “If you want to see the future of GĐPT, look into the bright eyes of the Oanh Vũ today.” She found joy in the moral and spiritual growth of her young students. Even the simplest of activities became moments filled with laughter, warmth, and quiet but profound teachings.

Thanks to her boundless love and nurturing, many generations of Oanh Vũ at Huyền Quang have grown up grounded in the spirit of the Six Harmonies, carrying strong moral foundations into their lives.

To me, Sư Cô was more than a teacher or spiritual advisor—she was a Huynh Trưởng who dedicated her life to the ideals of GĐPT.

She often told us:

“To be a true Huynh Trưởng, one must first learn to care for one’s own family, to balance time and responsibilities—so that we may still be present on Sundays for our youth and our organization.”

Her words were not just Dharma teachings but lessons on how to live with integrity. She reminded us: take care of your spouse and children at home, stay humble in public, and always keep a heart of compassion, joy, and forgiveness. Every action bears karma—good fruits come only from good seeds.

The days we spent with her are precious memories I will never forget.

After work, my wife and I would visit her, listening as she reminisced about GĐPT activities, from when she was just a little Oanh Vũ in her hometown in Vietnam. Her eyes lit up when she spoke of those early days, and even after decades had passed, she would always leave us with the same heartfelt message:

“Please help grow and support GĐPT Huyền Quang, both of you, Tâm Phúc.”

To me, she was the living embodiment of the Lam ideal—someone who gave her all to the Dharma, to life, and to the Buddhist Youth Association.

And until her final breath, her heart remained fully devoted to GĐPT, unwavering and full of love.

Now that Sư Cô has peacefully entered Nirvana, she leaves behind deep love, reverence, and gratitude in the hearts of all members of the Buddhist Youth Association.

May her enlightened spirit ascend to the Pure Land, and may she soon return to this world to continue guiding and liberating sentient beings.