Requesting the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar to verify the origin of Buddha's hair relics

The above information was announced 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 Sangha on 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 has sent a document to the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar regarding the origin of the "Buddha's hair relics" brought by Venerable Sayadaw U Wepulla, abbot of Parami Pagoda and the Parami International Buddha Relics Museum, to be displayed at Ba Vang Pagoda.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also requested clarification of the management of this artifact by the State and Myanmar Buddhism.

Đề nghị Đại sứ quán Việt Nam tại Myanmar xác minh nguồn gốc xá lợi tóc Phật - 1 — Buddha's hair relics are on display at Ba Vang Pagoda from December 23 to 27, 2023 (Photo: Ba Vang Pagoda).

At the meeting, Vice Chairwoman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hanh said that the activities taking place at Ba Vang Pagoda on December 23-27, 2023 attracted about 50,000 attendees, while the pagoda previously informed the Uong Bi City People's Committee that it expected 20,000-25,000 people.

The activity of displaying the object called "Buddha's hair relic" at Ba Vang Pagoda is an exhibition activity, violating Decree 23/2019 on exhibition activities.

Quang Ninh provincial leaders affirmed that this activity has not yet met the regulations on subjects and registration time according to the Law on Belief and Religion and Decree No. 162/2017 detailing a number of articles and measures to implement the Law on Belief and Religion.

"Quang Ninh province will soon take strict action according to regulations," Ms. Hanh affirmed.

A representative of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh province shared that the church was "very sad" because it had to meet three times to resolve the Ba Vang Pagoda issue.

Regarding the procession and organization of worship of "Buddha's hair relics" by Ba Vang Pagoda, the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Uong Bi City and Quang Ninh Province did not know.

"Ba Vang Pagoda organizes many activities that are not in accordance with the law and the Charter of the Sangha. We request that the Central Sangha, all levels and sectors have a way to adjust Ba Vang Pagoda to get back on track, to improve religion and life. We need to handle it resolutely and correctly to ensure stability," said a representative of the Executive Committee of the Quang Ninh Provincial Buddhist Sangha.

Previously, Ba Vang Pagoda's information channels posted information that the pagoda received and displayed "Buddha's hair relics" dating back 2,600 years, believed to have been brought back from Myanmar.

The abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda introduced this artifact that can move by itself, attracting many people to come and see but also causing much controversy.

After this incident, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha sent a document requesting Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh, abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda, to send a report explaining the origin of the "Buddha's hair relics" and the organization of the display event.

The Church also requested the abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda to remove all information introducing this artifact.

On the afternoon of January 4, the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha met at Quan Su Pagoda (Hanoi) to consider disciplinary action against Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh related to the above incident.

Based on the report of Ba Vang Pagoda, public opinion and the harm caused by the incident, the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has agreed on disciplinary measures against Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh.

Source