Socialist Republic of Vietnam

More than 2,500 Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns attended the 7th Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha, which was held at Pho Quang Pagoda from April 24-26.

The congress also saw the attendance of representatives from Buddhist Sanghas of 34 provinces and cities and other religions in the country.

Speaking at the plenary session on April 26, Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Head of the Executive Board of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha, emphasised the need to reform activities of the Sangha under the motto of “Dharma-Nation-Socialism.”

Over the past five years, Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers in the city have raised a total of VND 215.6 billion (roughly US $13.3 million) to support charitable activities and build and restore over 200 pagodas, he said.

The congress elected a 56-member executive board for the municipal Buddhist Sangha, 7th term. Venerable Thich Tri Quang, who is also Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, was re-elected as Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Board.

The Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee took the occasion to present Certificates of Merit and gifts to 262 organisations and individuals for their positive contributions to Buddhist affairs, charitable activities and national solidarity.

VNA