Buddhism in Vietnam: History, Practices, and Modern Influence

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of Buddhism in Vietnam, tracing its historical introduction and evolution. It explores the various practices, including Pure Land Buddhism, chanting sutras, and temple services. The essay highlights the impact of reforms after the Doi Moi period and the subsequent increase in the number of Buddhists. It also examines the Vietnamese government's support for Buddhism, linking it to the country's history and patriotism, and its promotion of Buddhist festivals. The essay also touches on the diversity of modern Buddhism in Vietnam, incorporating elements from various traditions and the use of prayer beads, concluding with the religion's growth and current status.

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Introduction
Buddhism is a religion that is the fourth largest in the world. It covers a range of beliefs, spiritual
and traditional practices which are based on the initial teachings endorsed to the Buddha and also
from resulting philosophies. The Buddhist usually represents a tradition which has its focal point
on the spiritual development of an individual. The religion is practiced in many countries and in
Vietnam; it is practiced along with other religions like Confucianism and Taosim. The religion of
Buddhism was introduced in Vietnam in the 2nd century A.D and the religion was spread all over
the country by the Indian and Chinese monk.
In Vietnam, Buddhism was allowed to operate peacefully within the country after the Doi Moi in
1986. Before this period however, the Buddhists in Vietnam faced a lot of resistance and
oppression from other religions like the Catholic religion. Most of the monks were persecuted
and this inhibited the spread and practice of Buddhism. There have been numerous reforms since
the Doi Moi in 1986 (Soucy & Alexander, 140). These reforms allowed the practice of
Buddhism within Vietnam.
The number of Buddhists in Vietnam has significantly increased. Almost 13% of the people in
the country are Buddhists. In the year 2007, the government officially recognized the Buddhism
of pure land as a religion in the country. The Pure Land Buddhism is usually the most common

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Buddhism type that is recognized in the country of Vietnam. Buddhism in Vietnam has also been
seen to get support from the Vietnams Communist party. This is despite the fact that the party
promoted atheism within the country (Tuan, 130). The party supports the religion of Buddhism
since the religion has often been linked to the profound history of the country. Another reason as
to why the communist party supports the religion is because Buddhism is usually a symbol of
patriotism.
The government of Vietnam promotes the festivals of the Buddhists more than it does to the
other religions within the country. The government usually tends to take part in the activities that
are carried out by the Buddhists. This was done through allowing the publishing of books and
even stories about Dalai Lama the 14th even though Dalai Lama used to criticize the regime of
the Chinese after the Tibetan unrest of 2008. This was seen as an effort to provoke the
government of China.
The most common practice of Buddhists within Vietnam is gaining merit. The Buddhists in
Vietnam usually believe that liberation would occur with the aid from Bodhisattvas and
Buddhas. In Vietnam, Buddhism is practiced through chanting sutras, recitation of the names of
the Buddhas and also by carrying out repentance and through requesting for rebirth within the
land of purity via prayers. The sutras which are commonly used are usually the Amitabha and the
Lotus Sutras.
In Vietnam, there are usually three services that are usually carried out. The services take place
at three different times of the day. There are usually services at the break of dawn, at midday and
finally at the dusk (Nguyen, Minh Jo Bensemann & Stephen Kelly, 9). During these services,
sutras are usually read; recitation done and also mediation are usually carried out. Some of the
devout Vietnam Buddhists usually practice the religion at their homes as at most times; the

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general population joins the temple to attend the services. The temples of the Buddhists are at
most times used in performing death rituals and also while conducting funeral services (Chen &
Huaiyu, 60). At most times, these funeral services are usually presided over by the Monks.
Modern Buddhism in Vietnam is usually very diverse. It usually consists of elements from the
Buddhism of the Chan, Tiantai elements and also elements from the Buddhism of pure land. It
also includes practices which are popular Vajrayana (Hoang, Huong, Trang, Nguyen and Jerry
210).
There are usually three Gems or Jewels which make up the devotional object in which all the
followers of the religion of the Buddha build their hopes. These three objects are the Buddha’s
teaching, the monks’ orders and the Buddha. During prayers, the Vietnam Buddhists mostly use
prayer beads. These beads are mostly used to aid in the improvement of concentration during the
time of prayers. It is also used as a tool of teaching the new followers or even the children how to
conduct a prayer to God (ALJUNIED, et al. 460).
Conclusion
Though the religion faced a lot of resistance in the past from other religions like the catholic
religion, in the present day, the religion has significantly grown and has equally gained support
from the government. It has followers of about 12% of the population of the country.

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