Scientific conference 'President Ho Chi Minh and Buddhism'

Attending the seminar on behalf of the Buddhist Church were Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu - Standing Vice Chairman of the Executive Council, Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province; Venerable Thich Thanh Dat - Standing Member of the Executive Council, President of Science at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hanoi; Venerable Thich Tho Lac - Standing Member of the Executive Council, Head of the Central Culture Committee, Standing Vice Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province…

Venerable Thich Tho Lac delivered the opening speech. Photo: Huu Tinh

Representing the central government were Mr. Vu Chien Thang - Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior; and Associate Professor, Dr. Chu Van Tuan - Director of the Institute of Religious Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

Representing Nghe An province were Mr. Le Hong Vinh - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of departments and agencies of Nghe An province, along with professors, doctors, researchers, and scholars...

The seminar is not only a forum for scientific exchange and sharing of information and documents, but also an opportunity to learn from and follow the moral example of Ho Chi Minh, and to spread his ideology and spirit to Buddhism not only in society but also among monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers nationwide.

In his opening remarks, Venerable Thich Tho Lac, Head of the Central Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Nghe An province, stated: “During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh clearly saw the suffering of the oppressed and exploited people, and he also clearly saw the position and role of religion in the cause of national liberation and reunification, especially Vietnamese Buddhism – a religion that has always been closely associated with and accompanied the Vietnamese nation and people for many centuries.”

This conference will focus on studying President Ho Chi Minh's perceptions, views, thoughts, and conduct towards religion in general and Buddhism in particular. According to research documents, the beloved President Ho Chi Minh absorbed the essence of Vietnamese Buddhism and applied it in his practical life.

In a letter to the Vietnam Buddhist Association dated August 30, 1947, Ho Chi Minh wrote: “Since our country became a Democratic Republic, and our Constitution respects freedom of religion, Buddhism has also developed conveniently. Thus: When the country is independent, Buddhism can easily expand,”... and during the two wars of resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, Uncle Ho repeatedly sent letters to inquire about and encourage monks, nuns, and Buddhists. He wrote, “Buddhist monks, nuns, and compatriots have made worthy contributions to the cause of building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam.”

Mr. Vu Chien Thang, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior, speaks at the workshop. Photo: Huu Tinh

The seminar focused on four main topics: Nguyen Sinh Sac and Buddhism; the influence of Buddhism on Ho Chi Minh; Ho Chi Minh's views, perceptions, and conduct regarding Buddhism; and the contemporary value, significance, and suggestions for improving religious policy based on Ho Chi Minh's perspective on Buddhism.

Mr. Le Hong Vinh - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province, speaks at the seminar. Photo: Huu Tinh

The organizing committee received 50 papers from venerable monks, scientists, and researchers nationwide. These papers covered a wide range of topics with rich content, many of them meticulously prepared, providing valuable information and materials on the topic of President Ho Chi Minh and Buddhism.

Leaders of Nghe An province presented flowers to congratulate the workshop. Photo: Huu Tinh.

Furthermore, the conference also received many opinions, exchanges, and discussions from researchers and audience members, aiming to clarify and honor Ho Chi Minh's relationship with Buddhism, and the influence of Buddhism on Ho Chi Minh's personality, thoughts, and actions.