President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on October 22 paid homage to Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ, Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), who died a day prior at the age of 105, at Vien Minh (Rang) Pagoda in Hanoi’s Phu Xuyen district.
Writing in the funeral guest book, President Phúc described Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ as a symbol of national unity and religious solidarity.
As the head of the VBS, Tuệ has set an example and led the Sangha along the guideline on “Dharma - Nation - Socialism,” he said, adding that the Most Venerable’s life has vividly reflected the Buddhism’s cultural and ethical values in society.
Phúc also conveyed his sincere sympathy to the VBS Central Committee and Buddhist monks, nuns and followers for their loss and urged them to learn from Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ to together build a united and strong VBS, contributing more and more to national construction and defence.
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President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc offers incense to Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ. (Photo: VNA)
The Most Venerable, who led an 85-year religious life, is also member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and head of the Vien Minh Pagoda.
He used to serve as the Vice President of the VBS’s Executive Council and head of the executive board of the VBS chapter in former Ha Tay province (now part of Hanoi).
The monk was honoured with the Ho Chi Minh Order, the second-class Independence Order, the Great National Unity Order, the certificate of merit by the Prime Minister, and many other noble rewards in recognition of his dedications to Buddhism and the secular life.
The respect-paying ceremony is being held at Vien Minh Pagoda from 7am on October 22 through October 23, while the memorial service will take place at 9am on October 24./.
Source: en.vietnamplus.vn
