Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s self-immolation commemorated in Ho Chi Minh City

The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Central Committee and the VBS Executive Board in Ho Chi Minh City.

VBS Supreme Patriarch Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang recalled his memories with Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc before the day of self-immolation, emphasizing that the Bodhisattva’s simple lifestyle with a noble soul and his wisdom is a shining example for future generations of monks and nuns to follow.

Most Venerable Thich Quang Duc was born as Lam Van Tuat in Van Khanh commune, Van Ninh district, the Central province of Khanh Hoa in 1897.

He actively fought for religious freedom and equality in the Southern region when it was governed by the U.S.-backed Saigon administration.

On June 11, 1963, when a procession of over 800 Buddhist monks, nuns and followers arrived at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung boulevard (now Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street) and Le Van Duyet Street (now Cach Mang Thang Tam Street), Thich Quang Duc soaked himself in petrol, struck a match and set himself on fire.

He was honored as a Bodhisattva in 1964 after the unified VBS came into being.

Chairman of the VBS’s Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon stressed that Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation is a noble example of sacrifice and pure patriotism for the independence and unification of the country, the survival of the Buddhism and freedom of belief, sparking a sense of national solidarity among Buddhist sects across the country.

Nhon said Buddhist monks and nuns, and the VBS will make every effort to develop the VBS, and promote the patriotic tradition and the bonds between Buddhism and the nation, thus making more contribution to the nation's development.

Source: VNA