Doves are released at a ceremony to mark Lord Buddha's birthday (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – President of the Vietnam FatherlandFront (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man has sent the best wishes toVietnamese Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers both at home andabroad ahead of the 2562nd birth anniversary of Lord Buddha and the annualBuddhist Rains Retreat.
In his letter, Man noted that throughouthistory, Buddhism has always stood side by side with the country andconsiderably contributed to national development.
In 2017, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)successfully organised the 8th national congress for the 2017-2022 tenure, inwhich it adopted the revised Charter, consolidated its organisational apparatus,and specified the Patronage Council’s supreme role in leading and monitoringactivities of the VBS and the Executive Council, thereby helping to reinforcethe Sangha.
He said aside from Buddhist works, the VBS hasactively participated in many campaigns, including “All people unite to buildnew-style rural areas and civilized cities”, “Vietnamese people prioritiseusing Vietnamese goods”, and “Being united and creative to improveproductivity, quality, effectiveness and integration into the world.”
It has actively taken part in activities to helpensure social welfare, provide vocational training and medical examination andtreatment, protect the environment, respond to climate change, and ensure foodand traffic safety. The Sangha has also had many initiatives to encourage Buddhistsand people to follow a civilized lifestyle.
The official expressed his belief that alldignitaries, monks, nuns and followers of the VBS will unceasingly uphold thefine traditions of the Vietnamese Buddhism, actively respond to patrioticemulation movements and campaigns launched by the VFF Central Committee, andinstruct monks and nuns to lead of a pious and simple life.
He said these activities would be practicalcontributions to the great national unity bloc so as to achieve the goal ofrich people, a strong country, and a democratic, fair and civilizedsociety.-VNA
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