Vietnamese Buddhism accompanies the nation in the new period

In his opening speech, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Permanent Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, emphasized that since the early days of its introduction, the light of compassion and wisdom of the Buddha has blended with the indigenous beliefs and ardent patriotism of the Vietnamese people, forming a unique Vietnamese Buddhist identity with the spirit of "Entering the world" and the mission of "Protecting the nation and bringing peace to the people".

Since the Ly - Tran dynasties, the national teachers and the Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong have left a deep mark, demonstrating the connection between religion and life. That tradition continues to foster the patriotic spirit of Vietnamese Buddhism, so that when the country was in danger, many monks, nuns and Buddhists "took off their cassocks and donned their armor", joining the entire people in fighting against foreign invaders. Many ancient pagodas also became "revolutionary fortresses", sheltering cadres, printing documents, storing weapons, and nurturing faith in the victory of the revolution.

Continuing that spirit, the introductory report of Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Chieu, University of Social Sciences and Humanities affirmed that the conference not only had academic significance, but was also an important political and social event to clarify the organic relationship between Buddhism and the Vietnamese revolution. More than 170 papers were submitted, including many works by international scholars, contributing to affirming the historical role as well as the contemporary value of Buddhism in the cause of national liberation, construction and development of the country.

The discussions also focused on analyzing the encounter between Ho Chi Minh's ideology and the worldly philosophy of Buddhism. The spirit of compassion, selflessness, and altruism of Buddhism has gone hand in hand with the ideal of independence, freedom, and happiness for the people, becoming a great spiritual driving force, gathering the strength of great national unity.

In his closing speech, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien emphasized that the conference clarified two major topics: the role of Buddhism in the struggle for national liberation and in the cause of building and defending the socialist Fatherland. He affirmed that the spirit of "Buddhism - Nation - Socialism" will continue to be the compass and orientation for Vietnamese Buddhism to accompany the nation in the new period.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/phat-giao-viet-nam-dong-hanh-cung-dan-toc-trong-giai-doan-moi-post810067.html