Buddha’s hair relics

Proposal to evaluate the origin of Buddha’s hair relics displayed at Ba Vang Pagoda

On December 29, information from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, in recent days, the press and public opinion have reflected information that Ba Vang Pagoda (Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province) displays “Buddha’s hair relics”. ” dates back 2,600 years ago, causing a stir in public opinion.

Faced with this information, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs advised the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue a document requesting the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province to direct local authorities to check and verify the incident. From there, clarify the implementation of legal regulations on religious activities with foreign elements in Vietnam and the organization of exhibitions for Buddhists and people to worship “Buddha’s hair relics”. ” at Ba Vang Pagoda of the abbot, rectify and strictly handle according to the provisions of law and according to authority if there is any violation.

The Government Committee for Religious Affairs also discussed and sent a document to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha requesting to appraise the origin of the “Buddha’s hair relic” displayed at Ba Vang Pagoda in recent days for official information. about the incident.

The Government Committee for Religious Affairs requests that the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha direct the International Buddhist Committee and the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh province to rectify activities inconsistent with Buddhist traditions and strictly handle them. according to Buddhist precepts, the Charter and Regulations of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha if the Buddhist organizations and individuals involved in the case commit violations.

Ba Vang Pagoda reports on Buddha’s hair relics

Also on December 29, Ba Vang Pagoda reported to the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and related agencies about the “Buddha’s hair relic”.

Accordingly, in December 2023, on the occasion of a tour of Buddhist relics in Myanmar, a group of monks and Buddhists of Ba Vang Pagoda came to worship the Buddha’s hair relic enshrined at Parami monastery and the Buddha Relics Museum. Parami International (also known as Thone Wain Monastery or Parmee Kyaung (Thone Wain Road, Block 5, South Okkalapa Town, Yangon, Myanmar).

According to the lineage of Parami monastery, this is one of the eight hairs left by the Buddha to the first two lay Buddhists after he attained enlightenment, passed down through many generations of monks and is currently enshrined at the monastery. Parami Institute and Parami International Buddha Relics Museum. The group of monks and Buddhists of Ba Vang Pagoda respectfully invited Venerable U Wepulla – abbot of Parami monastery and other Myanmar Buddhist monks to attend the Great Ceremony commemorating the 765th birth anniversary of Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Venerable U Wepulla happily accepted the invitation and with respect for Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong and love for the country and people of Vietnam, Venerable U Wepulla promised to bring the Buddha’s hair relic to Ba Vang Pagoda for the people. Vietnamese people and Buddhists worship.

Venerable U Wepulla emphasized that up to now, the Buddha’s hair relics at Parami monastery have only been worshiped on the spot. This is the first time the Buddha’s hair relic has been taken abroad.

Ba Vang Pagoda affirms that Buddha’s relics are a noble and sacred religious symbol of Buddhism. Venerating Buddha’s relics is a Buddhist ritual and religious belief. In a State ruled by law, religious symbols, rituals and beliefs need to be respected, guaranteed and protected.

Counterfeiting and selling fake Buddha relics in Vietnam should be condemned and strictly handled according to the law.

Reporting that Ba Vang Pagoda bought Pili grass to make fake relics to defraud people and Buddhists is an act of false reporting, slander, and insulting the reputation of Ba Vang Pagoda.

Reporting that Myanmar monks brought fake relics to Ba Vang Pagoda for Vietnamese people and Buddhists to worship is an act that hurts the religious symbols, rituals and beliefs of Myanmar monks and Buddhists. harming the feelings and good relationships of Myanmar monks and Buddhists with the country and Vietnamese Buddhism.