Buddhist dignitaries and monks at an activity of the culture week marking the VBS's 35th founding anniversary in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan has congratulated Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers on the 35th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS).
In a congratulatory letter dated November 4, Nhan, who is also a Politburo member, said the foundation of the VBS was based on the solidarity and unanimity of all Buddhist organisations and sects in Vietnam.
Since the sangha’s inception, all Buddhist monks and followers have weathered a range of difficulties and challenges to contribute to the national construction and protection.
The VBS has established itself as an active member of the VFF, he noted, adding that it has encouraged Vietnamese monks and followers both at home and abroad to engage in developing the country, especially in caring for disadvantaged people and building new-style rural areas, thereby helping to solidify the great national unity bloc.
The front leader expressed his belief that the VBS will continue to play an active role in the VFF’s operations and well perform the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress.
The VBS should also make careful preparations for the organisation of the eighth national Buddhist congress, slated for 2017, Nhan said, hoping that it will spare no effort to turn Vietnam into a Buddhism centre in the world and promote peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and the globe as well.-VNA
