At the reception, held on the occasion of the Buddha’s 2565th birthday, Most VenerableThich Thien Nhon lauded the success of the Government in the 2016-2021 tenurein all fields.
He said that the VBShas grown comprehensively during its 40-year development,with its Buddhist affairs and activities in building religious solidarity and great national unitybloc lauded by people from all walks of life.
It has raisedtrillions of dong for the needy, while actively engaging in the movement ofplanting 1 billion trees as part of efforts to deal with climate change inthe country, he said, adding that the organisation has also given strongresponse to the call regarding COVID-19 prevention and control.
The Sangha has hosted the UN Day of Vesak for three times, saidMost Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, recognising the support from President NguyenXuan Phuc for the work. Meanwhile, it has paid special attention to thematerial and spiritual lives of Buddhist followers abroad, he added.
For his part, President Phuc congratulated the VBS and allBuddhist followers on the occasion of the Buddha’s birthday.
He thanked Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon and other leaders of the VBS for theirvaluable opinions, while hailing the efforts of monks and followers in COVID-19prevention and control.
Describing Buddhism as a religion accompanying the nation, the Stateleader noted that the organisation has taken the pioneering role in patriotic movements and religious solidarity. He also spoke highly of its charity activities.
He affirmed that the achievements of the Vietnam Buddhism have proved that the right to freedom of belief and religion of Vietnamese peoplehave been protected by the Constitution and law.
The important contributions by the VBS has shown not only the closerelations between Buddhism and the nation but also the unity between religion and life, between the Sangha and the country, as well as betweenVietnam and the world.
He clarified that Vietnam is home to diverse religions withmore than 90 percent of the population following a belief or religion and 24 million ofreligious followers, accounting for 27 percent of the country’spopulation.
The consistent policy of the Party and State in this field is respecting and observing the right to freedom of belief and religion of the people,he stated, pledging that the State works to ensure all religious practices take place in line with the law and regulations recognised by the State, while creating conditions for religious followers and dignitaries inreligious practicing and performing their duties as a citizen.
He said he hopes the VBS will continue to promote its role and prestige instrengthening the national great unity bloc and the solidarity among religions,thus optimising the strengths of beliefs and religions as well as culturefor the national development.
He also reminded ministries, sectors and localities to showstrong performance in implementing ethnic and religious policies, whilecombating the abuse of beliefs and religions which go against the law.
He said he believes that the VBS will successfully organise upcoming important events,including the 40th anniversary of the organisation and the Buddhist congresses at all levels towards the national-level Congress./.