This information was provided by a representative of the Southeast Asia - South Asia - Pacific Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at a meeting with relevant agencies and the Vietnam Buddhist Association regarding the procession and display of "Buddha's hair relics" at Ba Vang Pagoda, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a document to the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar regarding the verification of the origin of the "hair relics of the Buddha" brought by Venerable Sayadaw U Wepulla, abbot of Parami Pagoda and the Parami International Buddhist Relic Museum, for display at Ba Vang Pagoda.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also requested clarification on the management of this artifact by the State and the Buddhist community of Myanmar.
The Buddha's hair relics were displayed at Ba Vang Pagoda from December 23 to 27, 2023 (Photo: Ba Vang Pagoda).
At the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hanh stated that the activities at Ba Vang Pagoda from December 23-27, 2023, attracted approximately 50,000 attendees, while the pagoda had previously informed the Uong Bi City People's Committee that it expected 20,000-25,000 people.
The display of objects referred to as "Buddha's hair relics" at Ba Vang Pagoda is an exhibition activity, violating Decree 23/2019 on exhibition activities.
The leaders of Quang Ninh province affirmed that this activity also does not meet the regulations regarding the subject and registration time according to the Law on Beliefs and Religions and Decree No. 162/2017 detailing some articles and measures for implementing the Law on Beliefs and Religions.
"Quang Ninh province will soon take strict action in accordance with regulations," Ms. Hanh affirmed.
Representatives of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Association in Quang Ninh province shared that the association is "very saddened" by having to hold three meetings to resolve the issue of Ba Vang Pagoda.
The Ba Vang Pagoda's procession and organization of veneration of the "hair relics of the Buddha" was not reported to or permitted by the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Association of Uong Bi City and Quang Ninh Province, therefore they were unaware of it.
"Ba Vang Pagoda has organized many activities that violate the law and the Charter of the Buddhist Church. We request that the Central Committee of the Buddhist Church, and all levels and sectors, find ways to regulate Ba Vang Pagoda to bring it back on track, promoting good morals and a virtuous life. A decisive and appropriate approach is needed to ensure stability," said a representative of the Executive Board of the Buddhist Church of Quang Ninh province.
Previously, Ba Vang Pagoda's information channels published information that the pagoda had received and displayed "hair relics of the Buddha" dating back 2,600 years, allegedly brought from Myanmar.
The abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda introduced this artifact as being able to move on its own, attracting many people to see it but also sparking much debate.
Following this incident, the Vietnam Buddhist Association issued a document requesting Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh, abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda, to submit a report explaining the origin of the "Buddha's hair relics" and the organization of the exhibition.
The Church also requested the abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda to remove all information introducing this artifact.
On the afternoon of January 4th, the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Association met at Quan Su Pagoda (Hanoi) to consider disciplinary action against Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh in connection with the aforementioned incident.
Based on the report from Ba Vang Pagoda, public opinion, and the harm caused by the incident, the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has unanimously agreed on disciplinary measures against Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh.
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