Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh joins a ritual at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA) The Government leader highlighted Buddhism’s companionship withVietnam over the past nearly 2,000 years, saying the religion has played animportant part in the spiritual and cultural life of Vietnamese people.
Buddhism has significantly contributed to nationalconstruction and defence, he said, adding that Buddhist activities have beenreformed over the past years, receiving the warm response of followers andpeople.
The PM also lauded Buddhism’s material and spiritualcontributions to the COVID-19 combat, as well as post-pandemic socio-economicrecovery and development.
Through the organisation of UN Day of Vesak for threetimes, the VBS has importantly contributed to the development of Buddhism globally,improving the position and role of Vietnam Buddhism, and promoting the image ofVietnam and its people to international friends.
Chinh used the occasion to thank the VBS, monks,nuns and followers both at home and aboard for their contributions to thecountry over the past time.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns. (Photo: VNA) For his part, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon,President of VBS’s Executive Council, said under the leadership of the Party,State, Government, Vietnam Fatherland Front, ministries and agencies, LordBuddha's 2567th birthday has been celebrated nationwide, testifying to religious freedom in a peaceful and united country.
Buddhism always accompanies the nation, he affirmed,informing that the VBS earmarks more than 2 trillion VND (85.21 million USD)each year to social welfare and charity.
He called for further support from the Party andState for the practice of Buddhist followers, and pledged that the VBS willcontinue guiding monks, nuns and followers across the country to observe theParty’s guidelines, the State’s policies, and the VBS’s chapter, thuscontributing to national construction and defence./.
VNA
