The Vietnamese Buddhist community successfully upheld its motto “Dharma, the Nation and Socialism” in 2011, according to a conference hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in HCM city on Wednesday. Over the past year, the Sangha has organized many important events including Buddha’s Birthday and symposiums and encouraged Buddhist followers to actively engage in social activities. “We are gearing up preparations for the 7^th National Buddhist Congress scheduled for late next year. This event is of paramount importance as it determines the success and failure of the Sangha’s performance”, said Most Venerable Thich Tu Nhon, Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.  

Vietnam now has more than 46,000 monks and nuns and millions of Buddhist followers. This year, Vietnamese Buddhists donated 26 million USD to help disadvantaged people and victims of natural calamities.