The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Central Committee on October 22 held a funeral for Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ, Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), who passed way a day prior at the age of 105, at Vien Minh (Rang) Pagoda in Hanoi’s Phu Xuyen district.
Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ sent wreaths to pay tribute to the late Most Venerable.
On behalf of Party and State leaders, President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on October 22 paid homage to Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ.
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, Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ has set an example and led the Sangha along the path of “Dharma – Nation – Socialism,” he said, adding that the Most Venerable's life has vividly reflected Buddhism’s cultural and ethical values in society.
President 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 and unite a strong VBS, contributing more and more to national construction and defence.
On the same day, a government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Bình Minh, a National Assembly delegation headed by Nguyễn Đắc Vinh, Chairman of the NA’s Culture and Education Committee and a Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee delegation led by Đỗ Văn Chiến, President of the VFF Central Committee also paid respect to late Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ.
The Most Venerable, who led an 85-year religious life, was also a 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).
Most Venerable Thích Phổ Tuệ 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 dedication to Buddhism and the secular life.
The respect-paying ceremony was held at the Vien Minh Pagoda from 7am on October 22 through October 23, while the memorial service was taken place at 9am on October 24.
Source: en.nhandan.vn
