(VOVWORLD) -The 8th National Congress of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), themed “wisdom, discipline, integration, and development” took place in Hanoi on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Congress reviewed Vietnamese Buddhism’s contributions to national development and set its goals in the integration process.
 Monks watch a photo exhibition of Vietnamese Buddhism's achievements
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Since it came to Vietnam 2,000 years ago, Buddhism has promoted patriotism and supported national defense and construction.
Buddhism supports national defense, peaceful life
Looking back at Vietnam’s history, all the dynasties upheld a tradition of self-reliance, independence, and bravery and a spirit of Dharma and nation. For example, Buddhist monks Khong Lo and Van Hanh wholeheartedly supported the Kings in national construction and defense. King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong twice personally led battles to defeat Mongol invaders.
During the struggles for national independence, the Vietnamese Buddhism continued to promote its fine traditions. Many Buddhists became revolutionaries and dedicated their lives to the struggle for national independence and unification.
Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue spoke at the 8th Congress of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha: "During its 2,000 years in Vietnam, Buddhism has contributed to national construction and defense. Buddhist tenets and values have been absorbed by the minds of a majority of Vietnamese people and helped nurture the fine characters of the Vietnamese people. Vietnam’s history has acknowledged Buddhism’s contributions to safeguarding the nation.”
Buddhism accompanies national development
In peace time, Vietnam’s Buddhism has continued to adhere to the tradition of contributing to national construction and defense under the motto “Religion – Nation – Socialism” and work with the people toward national reform in a spirit of unity and harmony. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has acknowledged the role of monks and nuns in encouraging people to get involved in social and cultural activities.
President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Tran Thanh Man said: “The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has expanded its social security activities, together with the Party, State, and the Front caring for the poor, national contributors, and orphans. It has also implemented programs to assert and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and prevent attempts by hostile forces to split and sabotage national unity. These activities have raised the Sangha’s position and reflect the Vietnamese Party and State’s policy of respecting freedom of religion and belief.”
Buddhism enhances international cooperation
The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has strengthened international cooperation with other Buddhist organizations worldwide to promote peace, friendship and solidarity. The VBS is a member of a number of global Buddhist organizations, a founding member of the World Alliance of Buddhists in India, and the International Committee of the UN Vesak Celebration in Thailand.
The Sangha intends to further expand its cooperation with other Buddhist organizations and closely unite Vietnamese Buddhist followers overseas. Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien is Secretary General of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha: “The VBS aims to expand its external activities. Vietnamese people always want to build a Vietnamese pagoda in their area of residence. The pagoda must embrace Vietnamese characters, architecture, customs, culture, and spirit and encourage Vietnamese people to turn their hearts to the homeland.”
Presentations at this Congress highlighted the development of Buddhism in Vietnam and Party and State support for religious practices. Buddhist dignitaries and followers expressed confidence in, and determination to promote political stability and unity toward the goals of a wealthy people, a strong country, a fair society, and democracy and civilization.