The Government’s Religious Affairs Committee visited the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) at Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on August 15 on the occasion of Vu Lan (Ullambana) – a major Buddhist festival.

Deputy head of the committee’s standing board Bui Thanh Ha wished the VBS dignitaries health and progress in their religious life.

Deputy head Bui Thanh Ha (fifth, left) presents flowers to congratulate the VBS.

Appreciating the VBS’s contributions, he said he hopes the Sangha will continue standing side by side with the nation during the development process.

On behalf of the VBS, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice Standing Chairman of the VBS’s Executive Council, said Vu Lan festival, which falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month (August 17 this year), is an occasion to pay tribute to parents, teachers, the nation and the Three Refuges (the Buddha, the Dhama and the Sangha).

It also marks the end of the three-month summer retreat, which lasts from the 15th of the fourth lunar month to the 15th of the seventh lunar month. On that day, monks and nuns who reside in one place and devote themselves to their practice during the retreat will become one year older in the Order, he noted.

He said the VBS will continue making good practices of the Buddhism to help bring about peace and happiness for all people.

Vietnam is now home to more than 48,000 Buddhist monks and nuns who are practicing the religion in over 17,000 Buddhist worshipping sites.

Source: VNA