Talking with the dignitaries, DeputyMinister of Home Affairs and head of the Committee for Religious AffairsPham Dung acknowledged contributions made by Buddhism throughout thecountry’s long history.
As the largest religion inVietnam, Buddhism has accompanied the Vietnamese nation for thousandsof years, he said, expressing his hope that dignitaries, monks, nuns andBuddhist followers will continue building on the tradition ofsolidarity within the religion as well as with other religions andnon-religious people, contributing to the national construction anddefence.
Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, PermanentVice President of the VBS Executive Council, briefed the delegation onthe Sangha’s activities over the past time as well as its plans for therest of the year.
He asked the ministry to help inthe establishment of Buddhist executive boards at localities, especiallythose in the Northwestern region such as Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bienwhich are home to a large number of followers.
Onthis occasion, the Most Venerable also called for help from theCommittee for Religious Affairs in recognising VBS chapters overseas.
On those days, the nation has livened up with a broad range of activities to celebrate Lord Buddha’s birthday.
The Buddhist Sanghas in all cities and provinces held rituals and ceremonies for followers.
Authorities in many provinces and cities also visited local Buddhist Sanghas and pagodas on this occasion.-VNA