Thich Minh Tue, a Buddhist devotee whose real name is Le Anh Tu, has requested that the public stop filming, photographing, and sharing his image on social media, citing concerns about its impact on his spiritual practice.

Police in Gia Lai Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region, confirmed on Thursday that Tu had submitted a formal request to authorities asking people to refrain from large gatherings and posting his images online.

In his request, which is addressed to Vietnamese authorities, organizations, and citizens, Tu, a resident of Gia Lai’s Ia Grai District, shared concerns that large gatherings might cause traffic distruptions and affect his spirtual practice.

He also urged that no one film, photograph, or upload his images to social media.

He requested that authorities take action against those who publish his information online without his consent.

Tu clarified that he is a normal citizen who is learning and practicing Buddha’s teachings, reiterating that he is not a Buddhist monk or a revered figure.

He also asked for space to focus on his spiritual journey, expressing his desire to study Dhutanga, a set of 13 austere practices taught in Buddhism, in line with both religious and legal guidelines.

In early June, Tu, who has become well known for his barefoot journeys from the south to the north of Vietnam, voluntarily ceased his pilgrimage and alms-receiving activities.

He had undertaken three of these journeys without any incident between 2017 and 2023.

This year, however, on his fourth barefoot journey from Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam to northern provinces, he found it challenging to continue once large crowds began to follow him.

Among these followers, a man named Luong Thanh Son from Ho Chi Minh City passed away from heatstroke, multi-organ failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Two women also collapsed from exhaustion.

In response, local authorities met with Tu, affirming their support for religious freedom and his practices while addressing the impact of his growing following.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!