VFF leader congratulates Buddhists on Lord Buddha’s birthday

Doves are released at a ceremony to mark Lord Buddha's birthday

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man has sent the best wishes to Vietnamese Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers both at home and abroad ahead of the 2562nd birth anniversary of Lord Buddha and the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat.

In his letter, Man noted that throughout history, Buddhism has always stood side by side with the country and considerably contributed to national development.

In 2017, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) successfully organised the 8th national congress for the 2017-2022 tenure, in which it adopted the revised Charter, consolidated its organisational apparatus, and specified the Patronage Council’s supreme role in leading and monitoring activities of the VBS and the Executive Council, thereby helping to reinforce the Sangha.

He said aside from Buddhist works, the VBS has actively participated in many campaigns, including “All people unite to build new-style rural areas and civilized cities”, “Vietnamese people prioritise using Vietnamese goods”, and “Being united and creative to improve productivity, quality, effectiveness and integration into the world.”

It has actively taken part in activities to help ensure social welfare, provide vocational training and medical examination and treatment, protect the environment, respond to climate change, and ensure food and traffic safety. The Sangha has also had many initiatives to encourage Buddhists and people to follow a civilized lifestyle.

The official expressed his belief that all dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers of the VBS will unceasingly uphold the fine traditions of the Vietnamese Buddhism, actively respond to patriotic emulation movements and campaigns launched by the VFF Central Committee, and instruct monks and nuns to lead of a pious and simple life.

He said these activities would be practical contributions to the great national unity bloc so as to achieve the goal of rich people, a strong country, and a democratic, fair and civilized society.