Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 8 for His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, Djigme Padma Aungchen.

Deputy PM Phuc said that since its presence in Vietnam thousands of years ago, Buddhism has contributed significantly to the country’s national construction and development.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) is the only organisation representing all Vietnamese Buddhist monks, nuns and followers at home and abroad, Phuc said, adding that together with domestic activities, the VBS has also strengthened connections with its counterparts in the region and the world.

Phuc expressed his hope that the 12 th Gyalwang Drukpa, together with Buddhist sects in Vietnam and around the world, will continue promoting the value of Buddhism thoughts in social life, for the development of each country towards the building of a peaceful and prosperous world.

He informed the guest of the organisation of the United Nations Day of Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday, Enlightenment and Passing Away) celebrations in the northern province of Ninh Binh from May 7-12.

Meanwhile, His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa shared with the host the efforts by Buddhist dignitaries and followers in the protection of the natural environment, clean water sources and forests.

On this occasion, he also conveyed his profound condolences to the VBS and Vietnamese Buddhist dignitaries and followers over the death of Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh in late March.

Gyalwang Drukpa is the honorific title of the head of the Drukpa School, one of the independent Sarma (new) Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Djigme Padma Aungchen is the twelfth and present incarnation of the Drukpa lineage.

He first visited Vietnam in 2007.-VNA