Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s self-immolation commemorated in HCM City

Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s self-immolation commemorated in HCM City. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) - A ceremony to commemorate Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc, who set himself on fire 60 years ago to protest against the repression of Buddhists by the American-supported Saigon Government, was held at Viet Nam Quoc Tu pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on June 7.

The event was jointly organised by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Central Committee and the VBS Executive Board in HCM City.

VBS Supreme Patriarch Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang recalled his memories with Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc before the day of self-immolation, emphasising that the Bodhisattva's simple lifestyle with a noble soul and his wisdom is a shining example for future generations of monks and nuns to follow.

At the ceremony (Photo: VNA) 

Most Venerable Thich Quang Duc was born as Lam Van Tuat in Van Khanh commune, Van Ninh district, the central province of Khanh Hoa in 1897.

He actively fought for religious freedom and equality in the southern region when it was governed by the US-backed Saigon administration.

On June 11, 1963, when a procession of over 800 Buddhist monks, nuns and followers arrived at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung boulevard (now Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street) and Le Van Duyet Street (now Cach Mang Thang Tam Street), Thich Quang Duc soaked himself in petrol, struck a match and set himself on fire.

He was honoured as a Bodhisattva in 1964 after the unified VBS came into being.

Chairman of the VBS's Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon stressed that Thich Quang Duc’s self-immolation is a noble example of sacrifice and pure patriotism for the independence and unification of the country, the survival of the Buddhism and freedom of belief, sparking a sense of national solidarity among Buddhist sects across the country.

Nhon said Buddhist monks and nuns, and the VBS will make every effort to develop the VBS, and promote the patriotic tradition and the bonds between Buddhism and the nation, thus making more contributions to the nation’s development./.