The biggest and first ever national workshop on Buddhism mission is expected to be on the show from March 9 to 13 in Binh Duong. Attending the event are nearly 1,500 religious leaders and over 30,000 practitioners and followers from cities and provinces. Binh Duong Provincial Authority is committed to support the event as a host. Binh Duong Newspaper reporter interviewed Mr. Tran Duc Thinh who is Deputy Director of Department of Home Affairs, cum head of Provincial Committee for Religion.

-  In perspective of at State managing official, how much is your attention to a major national event which is held in Binh Duong?

- The workshop is the first and biggest ever, reflecting prestige of local Buddhism and offering chances of Binh Duong Province’s images broadcasting in terms of dynamic and thorough development. By demand and direction of Provincial People’s Committee and Party Committee, we as a direct managing agency will guide and support the best conditions for the workshop.

- What are your evaluations of the workshop contents?

- The workshop theme in 2011 is “Buddhism and the people” with 9 various sub-topics but all aim at benefits to the nation and the people. It is practical and social oriented. Throughout the history, Buddhism accompanies and contributes to national development; and in a sense of meaningful activities, Buddhism contributes to happy and peaceful life. We appreciate such ideology.

- Binh Duong Province is well-known for active growth; then, what do they expect the workshop to be?

- I can put it that the Provincial Buddhism Sangha has been preparing with all their hearts for the event to create friendly and warm welcome. I can not say everything is perfect but we are making our best efforts to become a welcoming host. Preparation process, security and other supports are well coordinated to be ready for the workshop. Successful workshop organization is also to broadcast images of Binh Duong Province in the face that a new city is being constructed.

- On this occasion, what do you think about contributions of local Buddhism to province’s development?

- Buddhism promotes spiritual tolerance, democracy and unity among the people in the society; then, it actively contributes to social community development through social and charity works. In perspective of spiritual and moral life, Buddhism is an integral part that enriches Vietnamese Culture, it brings us peace in mind and happiness in life.

- Thank you very much!

Interviewed by Ngoc Trinh – Translated by Vi Bao