A grand meeting was held in Hanoi on Nov. 7 to celebrate the 30 thfounding anniversary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS).

A message of the VBS leader presented by Most Venerable Thich ChonThien, Vice Chairman of the VBS Executive Council, said the foundationof the VBS on Nov. 7, 1981 was an important event for the VietnameseBuddhism.

The VBS is a sole organisation that has amission to maintain the 2,000 year history of the Vietnamese Buddhism.It is an active member in the great national unity bloc, defending thecountry and reassuring the people, it said.

Themessage called upon the Sangha at all levels, Buddhist dignitaries andfollowers in and outside the country to make efforts to fulfil allBuddhist tasks and overcome shortcomings to further develop the VBS.

In his opening speech, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vice Chairmanand General Secretary of the VBS Executive Council said that Buddhismhas made great contributions to the national culture, especially inliterature, philosophy, education, aesthetics, architecture and arts.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhanstressed that Buddhism helps monks, nuns and followers in and outsidethe country understand more about the guidelines and policies of theParty and State in the cause of national construction and defence.

With the spirit of mercy, freedom and peace loving, the VBS is takingthe lead in promoting the great national unity and religious solidarityand building a new life for a strong nation with rich people and ademocratic, fair and civilised society.

At themeeting, Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan conferred the Ho Chi MinhOrder on the VBS in recognition of its great contributions to thenation’s revolutionary cause.

Deputy PM Nhanpresented the Independence Order, first class, second class and thirdclass, to Buddhist monks and nuns who have made outstandingcontributions to national construction and defence.

On the occasion, the State President decided to present the GreatNational Unity Order to Buddhists with excellent achievements inbuilding great national unity. The Prime Minister also offeredcertificates of merit to the VBS’s affiliates.

According to Venerable Thich Gia Quang, VBS Executive Council DeputyGeneral Secretary, the VBS now has over 14,700 pagodas and worshipplaces with nearly 46,500 Buddhist monks and nuns; four Buddhistinstitutes and 30 Buddhist schools./.