Most Venerable Thich Thien Tam (right) of Pho Minh Pagoda in HCM City, received a robe presented by the Thai King on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha. -- VNA/VNS Photo The Anh

Viet Nam News, November 6, 2006

Ha Noi, Viet Nam -- The Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha has always joined in the nation's efforts to build and protect the country, the Sangha's Vice Chairman, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, said yesterday in a meeting with Party Central Committee member and Viet Nam Fatherland Front Vice President and General Secretary Huynh Dam.

The Buddhist Sangha celebrates its 25th anniversary tomorrow.

Tu said that, during 25 years, with the support of the Party, State and Government, the Buddhist Sangha had obtained great achievements.

Monasteries had been upgraded, and the Sangha had established a training network for monks and nuns in four Buddhist institutes in Ha Noi, Thua Thien-Hue, HCM City and Can Tho, said Tu.

He expressed his hopes that the Fatherland Front and Buddhist Sangha would further co-operate to reinforce the national great unity.

Dam replied by recognising the contribution of all monks and nuns and the Sangha to nation building and security and its efforts to reinforce the great national unity over the past 25 years.

The Sangha had always been an active member of the Fatherland Front, said Dam. He expressed his belief that, under the motto Buddhism, Nation and Socialism, the Sangha would continue to build a common house for Viet Nam Buddhism and further contribute to the country's development.