The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has taken disciplinary action against the abbot of the Ba Vang Pagoda in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam for his involvement in the display of a relic known as the ‘Buddha hair sarira’, which recently garnered much public attention and controversy.

The disciplinary action against Most Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh was discussed and passed at a meeting held on Thursday by the VBS Executive Council in northern Vietnam.

The meeting was chaired by Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, permanent vice-chairman of the Executive Council, according to Giac Ngo (Enlightenment) newspaper.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council in northern Vietnam chairs a meeting on January 4, 2024. Photo: Giac Ngo (Enlightenment) newspaper

Most Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh had admitted fault in front of the VBS, monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers for the display of the object that provoked public controversy and tarnished the VBS’ reputation, according to Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, vice-chairman and secretary-general of the Executive Council.

The VBS accepted the penance of Most Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh, asking him and the Ba Vang pagoda not to organize any international exchanges at the pagoda over a course of one year, the secretary-general of the VBS Executive Council added.

The executive board of the VBS in Quang Ninh will closely monitor religious and communications events held by the Ba Vang pagoda as per the prevailing regulations, he continued.

Previously, the Ba Vang pagoda held a ceremony to receive the so-called ‘Buddha hair sarira’ which was said to have originated from Myanmar, drawing much attention from Buddhists and curious people.

The public voiced their suspicions over the authenticity of the object.

On December 28 last year, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien asked Most Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh to provide an explanation about the origin of so-called ‘Buddha hair sarira’ and the reason for the organization of the said ceremony.

Most Venerable Thich Truc Thai Minh was also told to remove all introductions about the object at the pagoda and on relevant platforms.

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