Phuong Thanh shaved her head and went to study Buddhism in India.

Phuong Thanh said she arrived in India on September 13th to participate in a two-week spiritual retreat.

Because she was attending a meditation retreat with some other Vietnamese people, Phuong Thanh was absent from the prayer service she initiated for singer Minh Thuan – her close colleague who was undergoing treatment. The short retreat and the act of shaving her head were part of Phuong Thanh's long-term plans, not solely for praying for Minh Thuan.

When the singer posted her new photos on her personal page, she received many messages of support and empathy from her fans. Phuong Thanh thanked everyone for their concern and support in any role she undertakes.

The photo of Phuong Thanh shaving her head and wearing a nun's robe has attracted a lot of attention from viewers.

Phuong Thanh has been a devout Buddhist for many years. Last year, the singer also participated in several pilgrimages to India – known as the land of Buddha – but she did not shave her head.

The practice of Buddhists shaving their heads, even for short-term ordinations, is quite common in many parts of the world, including Vietnam. Whether or not a Buddhist decides to shave their head depends on their aspirations. They will undergo a ceremony at the temple and live with monks and nuns for a period of time. Some monastic traditions even allow Buddhists to go on alms rounds. After the retreat ends, they return home and can grow their hair back.

According to VNE