Each year, Vietnamese people burn nearly 60,000 tonnes of votive paper, equivalent to almost 228 million USD going up in smoke. This not only results in waste but also contributes to environmental pollution and fire hazards. Interestingly, burning votive paper is not a tradition in Buddhist culture, prompting many pagodas to reject this practice. By limiting the burning of votive paper and incense, the pagodas have contributed to protecting the environment in sacred places and guiding Buddhist followers towards a more positive direction.
In Vietnam, dragons hold great significance as a sacred symbol in the nation’s history, as depicted in the legendary tale of “The Dragon and the Fairy.” Though mythical creatures, dragons have strong spiritual connection with the Vietnamese people.
The Bodhisattva statue on Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province has set two records - the tallest bronze Bodhisattva statue in Vietnam and the tallest bronze Bodhisattva statue situated on mountain in Asia.
The first Buddhist cultural centre of the Vietnamese community in Most city of Ustecky region, the Czech Republic, has been upgraded to the provincial level.
Since Buddhism entered Vietnam from India and China thousands of years ago, it has mixed with the nation’s traditions and beliefs, while contributing to shaping the nation’s cultural heritage.
