Role of Buddhism in Vietnam’s development reviewed

Role of Buddhism in Vietnam’s development reviewed

The contribution of primeval Buddhism in Vietnam’s human and national development was explored in depth at a symposium in Ho Chi Minh City on January 18 marking the 57 years since it was introduced to the country.

Primeval Buddhism is a branch of the religion based on the Pali canon, an older version of Buddhist scriptures handed down by the Theravada in Pali, known as “the school of the elders”, which is the most ancient of all Buddhism schools. Its followers worship Sakyamuni and avoid superstitious practices.

The primeval Buddhism community played their part in the establishment of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in 1981, said Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Vice President of the VBS Executive Council and head of the Vietnam Buddhist Research Institute.

Rector of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) Vo Van Sen emphasised that Buddhism in general, and primeval Buddhism in particular, have long played an important role in the spiritual lives of the Vietnamese.

The event focused its discussion on philosophy, Buddhology and primeval Buddhism in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, offering participants an overview of its nature, history, development and values.

Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Bui Thanh Ha commented that the Party and State pay special attention to religious activities, adding that moral and cultural values of all religions are made clear in guidelines and policies.

The symposium was co-hosted by the USSH and the VBS’s Vietnam Buddhist Research Institute.-VNA

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