The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) drew public attention with its first-ever experiment in a “paperless conference,” held on September 27 at Quang Duc Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City during an expanded meeting of the Standing Committee of the Executive Council.

The move was notable because it came from a religious institution long associated with scripture, prayer books, and traditional paper documents. Its venture into the digital realm marked a bold, symbolic step forward.

Even more striking was that the digital pioneers weren’t young monks or tech-savvy novices, but seasoned dignitaries - many in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s. Their openness to innovation not only reflected an embrace of modernization but also embodied the Buddhist principle of “tùy duyên,” or adaptive flexibility.

Adaptation through centuries

Historically, Buddhism has shown remarkable adaptability. From preserving scriptures through ancient scripts to translating texts into multiple languages, from woodblock printing to lithography, from cassette recordings to YouTube sermons - each era has seen Buddhism find new methods of transmitting its teachings.

In today’s digital era, where the Vietnamese government promotes digital governance and e-society, the Sangha’s experiment with a paperless meeting is both timely and necessary. It reflects a dual mission: to remain relevant in modern society and to spread the Dharma through new platforms.

According to Venerable Thich Phuoc Nguyen, Deputy General Secretary of the Executive Council and Chief of the Central Office II, more than 70% of attending dignitaries read documents on iPads instead of using printed copies. This figure is especially impressive given that most participants are elderly and not typically associated with digital tools. The willingness to engage with technology demonstrates openness and progressive thinking among the Sangha's leadership.

If the paperless meeting was a symbolic first step, the upcoming plan for a “Digital Literacy Campaign” marks a deeper transition. Central Office II intends to offer digital skills training to administrative staff and gradually expand this to monks and nuns across provincial and city-level secretariats.

This plan is both practical and symbolic. Practically, it ensures monks and nuns are equipped to handle digital data - searching, storing, and managing it. Symbolically, it recalls the post-1945 “mass literacy campaigns” in Vietnam, reimagined today as efforts to eliminate “digital illiteracy” among the clergy so they can fully participate in contemporary society.

It’s a powerful image: venerable monks in their 70s and 80s sitting attentively, tapping screens to turn digital pages instead of flipping paper documents. Their humble and persistent learning spirit exemplifies Buddhist values of diligence, humility, and the endless pursuit of knowledge.

Multiple benefits

First, going paperless significantly reduces printing costs and paper waste, aligning with Buddhism’s core values of compassion and protecting life - including environmental conservation.

Second, it modernizes the Sangha’s administrative processes, boosting efficiency and reducing the burden on clerical staff.

Third, it helps monks and nuns become more proficient with technology, which they can apply to teaching, Dharma propagation, and temple management. A temple abbot familiar with video conferencing and digital documentation is better equipped to teach online classes or manage temple records using specialized software.

Additionally, the involvement of local authorities in providing technical support for the recent meeting signals a strong, healthy partnership between the Sangha and the State. This collaboration paves the way for the Sangha to maintain its religious identity while actively participating in the nation’s digital transformation.

Of course, challenges remain. The elderly age profile of most religious leaders requires patience and structured digital training. Devices like iPads or tablets represent a significant cost. Data privacy and cybersecurity are also critical concerns; once digitized, materials become vulnerable to breaches.

Still, the prospects are promising. As paperless meetings become the norm and the “Digital Literacy Campaign” spreads nationwide, a modern Buddhist administration will take shape. These meetings and congresses will not only discuss religious matters but also stand as testaments to Buddhism’s enduring adaptability in the digital era.

A message of transformation

In Buddhism, “tùy duyên” does not mean compromising one’s principles - it means skillfully choosing methods that suit the conditions while maintaining core values. In today’s world, tùy duyên means using an iPad instead of a sheaf of papers, LED screens instead of whiteboards, and video conferencing instead of long-distance travel. The mission remains to serve the Dharma and the people, but the methods evolve with the times.

Thus, the sight of elderly monks diligently learning to use technology is more than just a touching internal story - it’s a broader message to society. Age is no barrier to learning. Tradition can coexist with innovation. Religion has a place in the digital age.

This paperless meeting wasn’t just a procedural milestone. It was a vivid demonstration of Buddhism’s vitality and its potential to evolve. Just as it has during past historical upheavals, Vietnamese Buddhism will continue walking alongside the nation - guided by compassion, wisdom, and the spirit of tùy duyên that transcends time.

Luu Dinh Long