Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang (left) and Most Venerable Thích Trí Quảng, Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) at Huệ Nghiêm Pagoda in HCM City at their meeting on Sunday. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Khu

HCM CITY — A delegation of the Party, the State, and the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang visited and extended greetings to Buddhist dignitaries and followers in HCM City on Sunday on the occasion of Lord Buddha’s 2568th birthday.

Visiting Most Venerable Thích Trí Quảng, Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) at Huệ Nghiêm Pagoda, Quang wished all Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers the best wishes, expressing his hope that they will enjoy a peaceful festival.

He acknowledged and highly valued VBS’s contributions to the community and the country in recent times, and showed his desire for Buddhists to continue to accompany the nation, actively engaging in social welfare and charitable activities, and joining hands with authorities and people nationwide to overcome difficulties in the national construction and development.

The Party and the State will create all conditions for the VBS to continue practicing its religion according to the motto " Buddhist Dharma – Nation – Socialism”, contributing to the nation’s development, he affirmed.

Most Venerable Thích Trí Quảng said the VBS will continue to promote the traditional attachment to and companionship with the nation, proactively participating in patriotic emulation movements, implementing social security programmes, and caring for and helping poor people, thus contributing to creating social stability for development.

He called on all Vietnamese people to maintain "peace of mind" and stay united to overcome all difficulties, bringing peace and development to the country.

Meeting with Most Venerable Thích Thiện Pháp, Vice Standing President of the VBS Executive Council, in Quảng Đức Zen Monastery, Quang affirmed that the Government is ready to support and create favourable conditions for the VBS to successfully organise the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 in HCM City.

On behalf of the Most Venerable, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of VBS Venerable Thích Thiện Thông thanked the Party and State leaders for supporting the activities of the VBS, saying that it will continue encouraging followers to promote the good traditions of Buddhism, take part in social activities, and maintain its important role in bringing peace and happiness to themselves and their family, and prosperity to the country.

Visiting the Việt Nam Pure Land Buddhist Home-Practice Association, Quang wished Supreme Patriarch Nguyễn Ngọc Ánh and all of its monks and followers good health, peace, and successful completion of all spiritual and worldly tasks set forth by the association.

He praised the contributions of the association and its chapters in recent years, especially in health care, medical examination and treatment for poor people, and in social security activities.

Supreme Patriarch Anh affirmed that the association always accompanies the country and continues to strictly abide by the policies and laws of the Party and the State, thus contributing to the development of the society. — VNS