Vietnamese Buddhism and the spirit of "protecting the nation and ensuring the people's well-being"

Buddhism and the cause of building, protecting, and developing the country.

The diversity of Buddhist schools, each with its own distinct path of practice, also meets the increasingly diverse needs of Buddhists and the general public, allowing the religion to become more closely intertwined with life. This not only enriches the spiritual and religious lives of the people but also contributes to the continued development of Buddhism.

Over 100 Buddhists traveled from Vinh City and surrounding areas to Tu Hieu Pagoda to pay their respects to Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, the second most influential Buddhist leader in the West, after the Dalai Lama. (Photo: Archival image)

During the thousand years of Chinese rule, temples served as centers of community life. Monks also taught literacy, provided medicine, and taught the people how to live according to righteousness, to love their country and their people, and to foster a spirit of national independence. As the country built its independence, Zen Master Ngo Chan Luu assisted King Dinh Tien Hoang in governing the nation and ensuring peace for the people; confidently asserting independence and sovereignty in foreign relations with neighboring countries. During the early Le Dynasty, Zen Master Do Phap Thuan, and especially Zen Master Van Hanh, played a significant role in assisting King Le Dai Hanh in the resistance against the Song invaders and later helped Ly Cong Uan ascend the throne, establishing the Ly Dynasty – a dynasty that adopted Buddhism as its national religion, built a peaceful and prosperous society, and aimed at the well-being of its people as its governing goal.

Monks and Buddhist followers at Duc Hau Pagoda welcomed 150 monastic students from the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hue, led by Venerable Thich Thien Chi, who visited An Hau Pagoda. (Photo: Archival image)

During the two wars of resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, Buddhism always served as a pillar of the revolution. Many temples became bases of activity, sheltering revolutionaries. A large number of Buddhists, both lay and lay, actively participated in the resistance struggle for independence and national reunification. Many monks temporarily set aside their monastic lives, leaving the temple to join the revolution in the countryside, such as Venerable Thich Thien Chieu, Thich Minh Nguyet, Thich Thien Hao, Thich The Long… many monks bravely sacrificed their lives for the cause of national liberation.

Originating from the Buddhist festival of filial piety, the Vu Lan Festival has become a familiar event for many, carrying profound meaning about gratitude and filial devotion in Eastern culture. (Photo: Ho Chien)

In particular, the self-immolation of Venerable Thich Quang Duc on June 11, 1963, in Saigon to protest the repressive policies against Buddhism by the puppet regime of Ngo Dinh Diem, became a flame that ignited the conscience of the entire world, calling on the world to support Vietnam in its struggle for national liberation. The image of the Venerable's "eternal heart" carries the noble meaning of the engaged spirit of Vietnamese Buddhism. These Buddhist followers were ready to sacrifice themselves for the cause of national unity, justice, and peace.

That spirit continues to shine brightly, amplified throughout the resistance war against the US, reunifying the country, and is continued and developed in the cause of national construction and development today.

"Buddhism - Nation - Socialism"

Over the past 20 years, the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hue has trained nine cohorts, with more than 1000 monks and nuns graduating with Bachelor's degrees in Buddhist Studies. Thirty graduates from the Academy have now earned Doctorates in Buddhist Studies; the majority of graduates are currently engaged in Dharma propagation and undertaking important Buddhist activities at central and local Buddhist institutes throughout the country and abroad. (Photo: Archival image)

"Only when a country is independent can Buddhism easily spread."President Ho Chi Minh affirmed this during his lifetime. Throughout its history, Buddhism has continuously developed, asserting its position as a major religion in Vietnam. The profound cultural and humanistic values ​​of Buddhism have positively influenced the thoughts, morals, and lifestyles of the vast majority of the people, contributing to the perfection of individual morality, shaping a gentle and tolerant lifestyle, and promoting healthy social relations. The attitudes and values ​​of Buddhist thought and philosophy have blended with the national cultural traditions, becoming a precious heritage and identity of the Vietnamese nation.

Venerable Thich Quang Bao - Standing Committee Member and Head of the Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Association of Nghe An Province, discusses with delegates and Buddhists about the Buddha's Enlightenment Day, Buddhist doctrine, and the spread of Buddhism worldwide… (Photo: Archival image)

It is possible that some individuals and religious institutions may still exploit the people's faith to engage in unrighteous acts that tarnish the reputation of Buddhism. These isolated incidents have been condemned by society and are being investigated and appropriately handled by the government and relevant authorities to restore the sanctity of Buddhism and ensure that the people's religious beliefs are always illuminated by the compassion, benevolence, and forgiveness inherent in Buddhism.