The Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam has issued an official document suggesting that Vietnamese people following the religion refrain from burning joss paper at Buddhist temples nationwide. A number of Vietnamese people send this kind of offerings to dead relatives in the afterlife in the belief that their spirits can live comfortably there and help them in many aspects in return. The document is signed by Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, permanent vice-chairperson of the Sangha’s managing committee. It proposes that the Sangha chapters in municipalities and provinces across Vietnam give directions to local monks and nuns heading monasteries or pagodas, especially those recognized as historical relics, regarding the organization of celebrations in a civilized, thrifty and non-ostentatious fashion in accordance with the Vietnamese and Buddhist traditions. Categorizing joss paper burning as superstitious, the document also underlines that lectures at the above places should draw attention to the preservation of positive points in national customs, and spread the value of compassion, generosity and religious tolerance to the listeners. On the official website of the Sangha, Venerable To Lien disapproves of the ghost money practice by affirming that the Buddha did not teach anything on that. Conventional wisdom has it that the dead have needs similar to those they have when alive; and many people, out of great love for the deceased, purchase various paper offerings in the form of houses, cars, air-conditioners, mobile phones and U.S. banknotes in order to send them, he wrote. “Where amongst Buddhist scriptures and Confucian doctrines can Vietnamese… [Read full story]
The charter, approved at the 6th National Buddhist Congress, comprises 12 chapters and 52 articles concerning the role, position, goal, ideals and sphere of activities of the Sangha. It affirms the Vietnamese Buddhism’s inheritance of a 2,000-year history of promoting Buddhist doctrines and helping people. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is the only representative organisation of the country’s Buddhism.The charter also includes regulations on the organisational structure of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the status of the Patronage Council and the Executive Council, as well as rules relating to ordainment, commendation and punishment.In regard to the UN Day of Vesak, which…... [read more]
In the latter, Huynh Dam acknowledged the positive contributions made by the Sangha and its monks, nuns and followers to the cause of national great unity, as well as national construction and defence over the past 30 years. He noted that since its establishment, the Sangha has mobilised its monks, nuns and followers to carry out Party guidelines and State laws, and take part in exemplary role model movements. He stressed that the coming into being of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is the continuation and inheritance of the Vietnamese Buddhist tradition, demonstrating voluntary unity of all Buddhist organisations and sects…... [read more]
Ms Khiet made the statement in Hanoi on May 5 while visiting and congratulating the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha on the occasion of 2008 Buddha’s Birthday - (Buddhist calendar year 2552). She praised the patriotic tradition of dignitaries, monks and Buddhist followers nationwide, as well as their contributions to the country’s national renewal process. Ms Khiet also expressed her wish that all dignitaries, monks and Buddhist followers would strengthen solidarity and build a prosperous nation to ensure a happy and stable life for all people. Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council, said that…... [read more]
(Cinet)- On October 30, in Dong Mo, Son Tay, Hanoi, Deputy Minister Ho Anh Tuan had a working day with some leaders of the Government Committee of Religious Affairs and Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to organize “National Great Solidarity: Vietnam Cultural Heritage” Week in Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism. Accordingly, the Organization requires that the Government Committee of Religious Affairs and Vietnam Buddhist Sangha participates into two activities including the opening ceremony of “National Great Solidarity: Vietnam Cultural Heritage” and the inaugurating ceremony of Khmer pagoda together with cooperation with Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and…... [read more]
As many as 1,500 delegates from the VBS, the State, diplomatic corps in Hanoi, and other organisations will attend the event, said Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Deputy General Secretary of the VBS at a press briefing in Hanoi on October 12. A message of the VBS leader will be delivered to Buddhists across the country. High State distinctions will be awarded to the VBS and dignitaries in recognition of their contributions to Buddhism and the nation. Award recipients are those who have actively taken part in providing free medical care for the unfortunate, caring orphans and street children, supporting…... [read more]
