Various activities were organized nationwide to celebrate the 35th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) (November 7, 1981-2016).

On October 30, the VBS Central Committee of Dharma Popularization hosted a ceremony marking the anniversary in Trung Hau pagoda in Me Linh district, Hanoi, attracting Buddhist monks, nuns and followers from northern localities.

Scene of the ceremony in Trung Hau pagoda, Me Linh, Hanoi. (Source: phatgiao.org.vn)

Addressing the event, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice Standing Chairman of the VBS’s Executive Council delivered a message from the Patriarch of the VBS to Buddhists across the country and abroad.

In his speech, Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Bui Thanh Ha highlighted the vital role played by Buddhism in the cultural and spiritual lives of the nation.

He called for greater contributions from Buddhist monks, nuns and followers in spreading the Buddha’s teachings.

Previously, the VBS Executive Committee’s chapters in the Mekong Delta province of Long An and the central provinces of Quang Ngai and Quang Tri also held celebrations.

Organizations and individuals in Quang Ngai and Quang Tri were presented with certificates of merit for their contributions to Buddhism in their locality.

Source: VNA