Hoa Hao Buddhism Marks 87th Anniversary, Emphasizes Social Contributions

On July 2, at An Hoa pagoda in Phu Tan commune, An Giang province, the Central Executive Council of Hoa Hao Buddhism organized a grand ceremony to celebrate the 87th anniversary of the founding of Hoa Hao Buddhism (May 18, Ky Mao year (1939) - May 18, Binh Ngo year (2026)). The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Central Committee for Ethnic Minorities and Religious Affairs, the Central Propaganda and Training Department, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the 9th Military Region Command, the Internal Security Department (Ministry of Public Security), the An Giang Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Committee, the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, along with various provincial departments, organizations, and a large number of Hoa Hao Buddhist followers. Over the past 87 years since the founder, Master Huynh Phu So, established Hoa Hao Buddhism with the tenets of "Learning Buddhism, Cultivating Humanity" and "Practicing at Home" by fulfilling the "Four Debts of Gratitude," the Hoa Hao Buddhist Church has preserved its authentic teachings and promoted moral values among its followers. This has contributed to upholding the tradition of patriotism, solidarity, and national unity, marching alongside the nation. In the current era, adhering to the direction of "For the Dharma, For the Nation" and "Living a Good Life, Practicing the Dharma," the Central Executive Council of Hoa Hao Buddhism, its executives, and followers continue to promote patriotism and national unity. They remain committed to accompanying the nation and diligently implementing the Party's guidelines and the State's laws. Actively responding to and participating in patriotic emulation movements and campaigns launched by the central government and An Giang province, from the beginning of 2025 to the present, the Central Executive Council of Hoa Hao Buddhism and its followers have contributed over 600 billion VND (approximately $24 million USD) to social security initiatives. Specifically, they have built over 4,400 new "Great Solidarity Houses" and collaborated with relevant agencies in removing makeshift and dilapidated housing, in line with government policy. They have also contributed to building bridges and roads, thus supporting the national goal of new rural development. During the ceremony, Ms. Tran Thi Minh Nga, Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, acknowledged, highly appreciated, and expressed gratitude for the active contributions of the Central Executive Council of Hoa Hao Buddhism and all its followers to charitable and social work, the cause of great national unity, and the building and defense of the country. Ms. Nga expressed confidence that in the coming time, the Central Executive Council of Hoa Hao Buddhism and its followers will continue to steadfastly pursue the direction of "For the Dharma, For the Nation." She also anticipated their effective implementation of the key religious agenda outlined in the Resolution of the 6th National Congress of Followers (2024-2029 term), encouraging followers to strictly adhere to the Party's guidelines and policies and the State's laws. Furthermore, she expected them to fulfill their civic responsibilities, contribute to building new rural areas, and actively participate in and implement social security and community-oriented activities, thereby making even more practical contributions to the development of their locality and the nation.