Memorial held for Buddhist patriach: Most Venerable Thich Minh Chau

HCM CITY (VNS) – Thousands of people attended a memorial service for Most Venerable Thich Minh Chau, Deputy Patriarch of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), who passed away on September 1-2012 aged 94.

Representatives from the VBS, Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Buddhist dignitaries, and assorted religious followers paid their last respects to the colossal figure of Vietnamese Buddhism at Van Hanh Monastery in Phu Nhuan District.

Born in 1918 in the central province of Quang Nam, Most Venerable Thich Minh Chau, whose real name is Dinh Van Nam, played a significant role in unifying Buddhist sects in the country. He was also noted for bringing Buddha's Tripitaka (the ‘Three Baskets' of scriptures) teachings closer to ordinary people through translation of the sacred texts into Pali and English languages.

The Most Venerable was elected Deputy Chairman and General Secretary of the VBS for three consecutive terms since its foundation in 1981, and was elected deputy of the National Assembly for four consecutive terms.

Chau was also honoured with a number of noble Party and State distinctions, including the Ho Chi Minh Order, Independence Order (second class) and Great National Unity Order.

Photo: giacngo.vn

Following a commemorative ceremony, Chau's body will rest at the stupa of Van Hanh Monastery.

 VNS

Source: vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn