Guided by the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha, generations of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers in Vietnam have actively served both the Dharma and the nation. Through deep engagement with society, they have contributed to national independence and the building of a peaceful, moral, and civilized society.

The scientific seminar titled “Buddhism and the Vietnamese Revolution” was jointly organized this morning by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Buddhism’s contribution to 80 years of national history

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Overview of the seminar. Photo: Binh Minh

The seminar focused on exchanging and aligning academic perspectives while honoring Vietnam’s glorious historical journey over the past 80 years. Special attention was given to Buddhism’s significant contributions to the struggles for independence, national development, socialism, and international integration.

History has acknowledged Venerable Thich Tri Do as a pioneering monk in promoting patriotism among Buddhists. He was actively involved in revolutionary journalism, helped form progressive Buddhist organizations, and became a National Assembly delegate in Vietnam’s first legislature in 1946.

Venerable Thich Mat The published influential works such as A Brief History of Vietnamese Buddhism (1943), which inspired a sense of national independence among Buddhist communities, and rallied monks and followers to support the Viet Minh.

Venerable Thich Thien Chieu joined the Duy Tan movement and later became fully committed to the national revolutionary cause, advocating for liberation through practical action.

Other prominent monks such as Thich Tam Thi, Thich Thanh Chan, and Thich The Long played key roles in mobilizing support for the Viet Minh across provinces in northern Vietnam.

Venerable Thich Duc Nhuan and Bhikkhuni Huynh Lien (leader of the Mendicant Nuns Association), along with many other monks and nuns, joined relief teams and opened literacy classes in pagodas to serve the people.

Serving both faith and country

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Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the exhibition showcasing nearly 60 historical images of “Buddhism and the Vietnamese Revolution.” Photo: Binh Minh

The seminar featured a wide range of presentations covering topics such as: the contributions of Vietnamese Buddhism to the two resistance wars, the relationship between religion and revolution, Buddhist participation in revolutionary governance, Dong Ky Pagoda as the cradle of the directive “Japan and France are fighting; what should we do?”, and the story of Monk Hanh - a silent revolutionary who spread revolutionary seeds in Kim Bang.

Speaking at the seminar, Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, emphasized: “Buddhism has walked alongside the nation for over 2,000 years, playing an essential role in state-building and national defense. Notably, it has been closely linked to the 80-year journey of reclaiming freedom and maintaining independence since the August Revolution of 1945.”

Under the light of Buddhist compassion and wisdom, generations of monks, nuns, and lay followers have continuously served their faith and homeland, embodying deep social engagement and helping to preserve national sovereignty and build a society rooted in peace, ethics, and civilization.

Carrying forward the Buddhist tradition of “protecting the nation and bringing peace to the people,” countless monks and followers have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Many pagodas served as revolutionary bases and combat zones; many monks were also revolutionaries.

“This reflects the social engagement of Vietnamese Buddhism - a living embodiment of the Buddha’s teachings - integrating spiritual life and secular duty. It continues the tradition of spiritual masters and monks from the Dinh, Le, Ly, and Tran dynasties who served the country,” said Dr. Tuan.

Buddhism as a socio-political force

Through two sessions of discussion, delegates agreed that Buddhism is not only a religion with a long-standing tradition but also a vital socio-political force. It has consistently aligned with the nation’s destiny, playing a tireless role in reinforcing national solidarity, defending independence, and advancing national development.

In conjunction with the seminar, an exhibition at Quan Su Pagoda showcased nearly 60 historical images under the theme “Buddhism and the Vietnamese Revolution”. The exhibition is divided into three periods: the pre-uprising era, the two resistance wars (1945-1975), and the period of national reconstruction and development from 1975 to the present.

Binh Minh