60 years of "the flame of compassion"

The delegates made the above remarks about the Buddhist Movement in 1963 at a seminar commemorating "60 years since Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation for the Dharma," organized by the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Association (VBA) of the province on the afternoon of May 27th at Tu Dam Pagoda ( Hue City). The event was part of a series of activities for the Great Buddha's Birthday Celebration PL.2567 - DL.2023.

Sixty years ago, on June 11, 1963 (corresponding to April 20 of the leap year of the Year of the Rabbit), at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Le Van Duyet streets in Saigon, Venerable Thich Quang Duc self-immolated to protest the religious discrimination and nepotism policies of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime. The self-immolation of Venerable Thich Quang Duc shocked the hearts of millions worldwide . After the cremation, he left behind an "immortal heart" for posterity.

According to Venerable Thich Hue Phuoc, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the province, the actions of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc aimed to "dedicate merit to the preservation of Buddhism." The self-immolation of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc and his immortal heart have shaken people across the globe.

“This flame possesses unparalleled power. Firstly, it strengthens the faith of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers in the ideals they have chosen to serve. Secondly, it completely changes the attitudes and perceptions of evil forces,” affirmed Venerable Thich Hue Phuoc.

Venerable Thich Khe Chon, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Head of the Executive Board and Head of the Monastic Affairs Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the province, believes that the self-immolation of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc served as a guiding light for future generations.

Meanwhile, according to researcher Nguyen Dac Xuan, the sacrifice of Thich Quang Duc is a special historical milestone in the process of the Vietnamese people's struggle to protect their independence and freedom. It was only with unwavering devotion to the nation and its people that he won the hearts of those fighting for justice.

On this occasion, the Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the province organized a photo exhibition titled "The Flame of Compassion Shines Brightly in the History of Buddhism" at the Lieu Quan Buddhist Cultural Center (Le Loi Street, Hue City).

The exhibition featured over 60 photographs, depicting the overall picture of the Buddhist persecution and movement in 1963. Most of these revolved around the two events of the 1963 Buddhist persecution in Hue and Saigon, such as images of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc vowing to self-immolate, the "immortal heart" of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc after his self-immolation; portraits of the martyrs…

According to Venerable Thich Kien Tue, Head of the Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the province, not only has the flame of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc and the heroic martyrs become a "flame of compassion" illuminating both religion and life, but the exhibited works are also emotionally charged images, recalling lessons from the past and shining brightly on the traditions of Buddhism, the tradition of loving peace , independence, and freedom of the nation.

The exhibition is open until June 7th.

N. MINH

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