VNS, Jan 18, 2005

 
<< Monk Thich Nhat Hanh visits Quan Su Pagoda in Ha Noi. ? VNA/VNS Photo Duc Tam   Vietnamese monks and nuns inside and outside Viet Nam have joined with the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha to aid national construction and to raise the country’s image internationally. Thi expressed his hope that Monk Thich Nhat Hanh’s visit would contribute to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism.   He told Monk Thich Nhat Hanh that many pagodas were being built or upgraded around the country, such as the Truc Lam Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh or several pagodas in the northern province of Vinh Phuc and the central highland province of Lam Dong.   Monk Thich Nhat Hanh is based in France, where he is a widely respected Buddhist leader. The monk said his delegation of monks and nuns wanted to learn more about the country and to share their ideas with their Vietnamese colleagues.   He said he and his companions were very grateful for the preparations made by the Government and the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha.   Monk Thich Nhat Hanh also visited the Most Venerable Thich Tam Tich, patriarch of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, and other clergymen at Quan Su Pagoda in Ha Noi.   On behalf of the Viet Nam Buddhist Church, the Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, vice chairman of the Dharma Executive Council and rector of the Viet Nam Buddhist Academy, received the delegation. Venerable Thich Thanh Tu described the visit as a journey to the roots.   Monk Thich Nhat Hanh thanked the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha for facilitating the visit, a long time dream of many monks and nuns.