Since its introduction into Vietnam, Buddhism has integrated into the Vietnamese social life and become an important element in the national culture, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said in a reception for a delegation of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha after the success of the 9th National Buddhist Congress on November 29.
He noted the development of Buddhism in Vietnam, which is a major religion in the country with more than 18,500 worship facilities, nearly 55,000 monks and nuns and over 14 million followers.
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| VBS leaders present a bodhi leaf sculpture to PM Pham Minh Chinh (right) at the reception__Photo: VNA |
The Government leader highlighted Buddhism’s great contributions to the struggles for national independence and reunification, as well as in national construction.
“The VBS has always led in patriotic emulation campaigns, uniting religions and affirming the close bonds between religion and the nation,” PM Chinh said.
He added that the VBS also plays an active role in building the administration from local to central levels, citing as an example that there are four Buddhist dignitaries in the 15th National Assembly and 72 Buddhist dignitaries in all-level People’s Councils in the 2021-26 tenure.
He praised the VBS for its engagement in social welfare activities, especially during the past fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PM asked the VBS to continue encouraging monks, nuns and followers to follow the Party’s orientations, the State’s policies and law, and taking the lead in building the great national unity bloc and religious solidarity, while upholding fine values, advocating the good and joining in building a peaceful and prosperous country for the people to live in sufficiency, freedom and happiness.
Leaders of the VBS briefed the PM that the 9th National Buddhist Congress had been a success, calling on monks, nuns, and followers at home and abroad to practice the Buddha's teachings and uphold the slogan of "Discipline - Responsibility - Solidarity - Development" to join hands in building the VBS which grows stronger in the hearts of the nation.
