The exhibition, titled “45 years of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha: Growing with the nation - Entering a new era,” was inaugurated on April 1 at Viet Nam Quoc Tu in Ho Chi Minh City. It is part of activities marking the 45th anniversary of the Sangha’s establishment (November 7, 1981 - November 7, 2026), while also celebrating the first Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist community for the 2026-2031 term.

Featuring 450 images and documents across 17 thematic sections, the exhibition retraces the formation and evolution of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, beginning with the historic unification conference in 1981 and spanning nine national congresses, alongside achievements in religious affairs, propagation, culture, education and social charity.

The 1981 conference not only marked the official establishment of the Sangha but also laid the foundation for Buddhist education institutions. The Vietnam College of Buddhist Studies, later known as the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hanoi, was established, followed by a second institution in Ho Chi Minh City in 1984.

Throughout its journey, Vietnamese Buddhism has remained closely intertwined with the nation. This spirit was once emphasized by former Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, who affirmed that Buddhism has always stood alongside the Vietnamese people in the cause of building and defending the country.

Images at the exhibition also capture meaningful moments, including Venerable Thich Tri Thu, the first Chairman of the Executive Council of the Sangha, presenting a wooden mosaic of the One Pillar Pagoda - a cultural symbol of Vietnam - to Hoang Quoc Viet during the unification conference in November 1981.

As Vietnam entered a period of international integration, the Sangha expanded its global engagement. In 1992, the International Buddhist Committee was established to strengthen ties with Buddhist communities worldwide and organizations promoting peace.

Two years later, the Institute of Buddhist Studies of Vietnam was founded, taking on the mission of compiling the Vietnamese Tripitaka and researching the core values shaping the identity of Vietnamese Buddhism.

Over nine terms, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has carried out a wide range of religious and social activities, contributing to national development while representing monks, nuns and followers both at home and abroad.

The exhibition also highlights Vietnam’s growing role in the global Buddhist community. Images from Vesak 2025, an international cultural and spiritual event, illustrate the country’s increasing prominence in fostering cultural exchange, unity and harmony.

Prior to 2025, Vietnam had hosted the United Nations Day of Vesak three times, in 2008, 2014 and 2019.

Alongside spiritual activities, social charity remains a central pillar, reflecting the Buddhist ethos of serving both faith and society.

One notable moment captured is the nationwide ringing of bells and drums at more than 18,000 pagodas on July 1, 2025, led by Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. The ceremony marked the launch of a new local governance model and symbolized Buddhism’s enduring companionship with the nation.

The exhibition also introduces the first edition of Giac Ngo Newspaper, one of Vietnam’s longest-running Buddhist publications.

Among the attendees was Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, who visited the exhibition on its opening morning.

Visitors expressed a sense of reflection and connection. Tran Thi Nhu Y, from Ban Co Ward, shared that the exhibition helped her better understand the development of Vietnamese Buddhism, its expanding influence and its enduring commitment to the principle of “serving both religion and life” while preserving national identity.

Nguyen Hue