This is the content of the presentation "Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha: From the tradition of "Protecting the country and pacifying the people" to the strategic vision of building the great national unity bloc in the new era" presented at the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), term 2026-2031 by Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vice Patriarch, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (GHPG), Non-specialized Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the VFF.
According to Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vietnam is entering a new era with strong development, interwoven between opportunities and challenges. In that context, religion in general, and Buddhism in particular, also affirms the spirit of entering the world, integrating and dedicating themselves, serving, contributing to building the great national unity bloc.
As of December 2025, Buddhism has 19,544 places of worship, nearly 60,000 monks and nuns, nearly 60 million Buddhist followers and Buddhist devotees.
Intruding into our country from the beginning of the Common Era, for more than 2,000 years, Buddhism has constantly harmonized and been closely associated with the destiny of the nation. As one of the important components of Vietnamese cultural identity, of the great national unity bloc, Buddhism goes from the tradition of "Protecting the country and pacifying the people" to fostering the philosophy of life, personality and people in all eras, like a red thread, a guiding principle throughout the system of values and national identity. In the current context, the great national unity bloc is not simply an organizational link but also a convergence of spirit, values, and aspirations to develop the country," said Venerable Thich Thien Nhon.
The reality of the past term shows that the contribution of Buddhism to society is not only in scale but also in systematic and sustainable nature: As of November 2025, 4,850 billion VND has been allocated to social security activities (building 2,347 houses of gratitude, awarding 156,000 scholarships, building 412 rural bridges, drilling 1,280 wells...).
Regarding education, as of the 2024-2025 school year, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has built 34 Buddhist Intermediate Schools; 4 Buddhist Academys; repaired and newly built 47 general schools in difficult and mountainous areas; opened 5,680 vocational training classes... The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha also participates in supporting and accompanying 156 centers for elderly people, orphans, and people with disabilities in many localities...
In the coming time, Buddhism will strengthen its role in building the great national unity bloc through a specific strategy.
First, continue to affirm and promote the tradition of "Protecting the country and pacifying the people", actively participating in the role of one of the spiritual pillars of society.
Second, proactively integrate deeply into international life, not only in terms of religion but also in terms of culture, education, and humanity.
Third, participate more actively in solving contemporary social problems: environmental protection, climate change response, community health care, building a learning society.
Venerable Thich Thien Nhon also raised a number of recommendations to realize the strategic vision of promoting the role of Buddhism in building the great national unity bloc in the new era.
Accordingly, building a strategic partnership mechanism between the State, the Fatherland Front and religions in socio-economic development, not only stopping at charity activities but expanding to education, health, environmental protection, cultural development, and people-to-people diplomacy.
Supporting competent authorities to fundamentally resolve land issues for pagodas without land use right certificates, ensuring security, order and social safety.
Coordinate and support religions in general and Buddhism in particular to build and train a team of dignitaries, officials, and monks to meet new requirements.
Creating conditions for Vietnamese Buddhism to expand international cooperation.
