This is the largest international symposium on Buddhism which has taken place in Vietnam so far. At the seminar, international scholars of Vietnam’s fine spiritual traditions will offer different viewpoints on the development of Buddhism in contemporary Vietnam.

VOVNews interviewed Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, member of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha and head of the International Buddhism Department of the Lien Phai Pagoda in Hanoi.

Most Venerable Quang: The topic is very significant and relevant to our current situation as humankind is coping with many opportunities and challenges that Buddhism can address.  The 21^st century is forecast to be the century of information and technology, presenting many opportunities.

The numbers of Buddhist followers world-wide and particularly in Vietnam are increasing. Buddhism in Vietnam has been provided with legal foundations to further develop after the Ordinance on Beliefs and Religions was promulgated. This has added fresh impetus to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism which is currently confronted with many challenges.

Alongside with the development of science and technology, people’s spiritual lives have become more diversified. Therefore, religion as a whole and Buddhism in particular should keep pace with the development.

It needs to address the many negative issues in contemporary society, such as environmental pollution and the degradation of social virtues and family foundations.

Many negative issues are seen in the current society such as environmental pollution and degraded social virtues and threats to family virtuous foundations.

Apart from economic developments, terrorism, violence and regional wars remain hot issues in the world. Buddhism and other religions should contribute to preventing evils, spreading love and helping to connect people. I believe that the issues discussed at the seminar will make people live in a harmonious manner.

VOVNews: What is the biggest message of the seminar?

Most Venerable Quang: Buddhists should seize opportunities and overcome challenges to solve difficulties in life.

VOVNews: What reports will you present at the seminar?

Most Venerable Quang: I have a report entitled “Buddhism and the way to solve global issues”. The report will introduce Buddhism as it presently applies to daily lives. Facing opportunities and challenges, the Buddhism should play a role in helping humankind and bringing happiness to everybody. I hope that the seminar will open up new opportunities for broader development as the seminar will draw representatives from ten nations including Japan, the US, Germany, Australia, France, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

VOVNews. What do you think about the participation of foreign friends at the seminar?

Most Venerable Quang: This is a good opportunity for Vietnam. Western countries will also have opportunities to further understand Vietnam and witness the developments of Vietnam’s Buddhism as well as orientations of the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha. The development is in harmony with the development of the country, and is aided by the Vietnamese government’s policies on freedom of belief and religion. The seminar is a real opportunity for mutual understanding.

VOVNews: Thank you very much.