Remembrance of the sacrifice of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc and Buddhism Martyrs

This morning May 15, 2017( April 20, lunar calendar), Clergy Witness Council, Executive Committee, Management Committee of Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in HCMC, Clergy members, Buddhists and families ceremonially celebrated the 54th anniversary of the sacrifice of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc, who burned himself for Dharma, and Buddhism martyrs. This ceremony was held in Quang Duc Zen Monastery, District 3, HCMC by the Standing Board of Executive Committee of Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation and the Management Committee of Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in HCMC.

At the event, the Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Chairman of Executive Committee, stated the biography of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc (1897-1963) from his renunciation until his sacrifice for the sake of equality and peace for the nation, and the sustained development of Buddhism.

In the spirit of great strength, great power, great compassion, and fearless of Buddhism, the Bodhisattva soaked himself with gasoline then self-immolated on the pavement of the then Phan Dinh Phung - Le Van Duyet crossroad, Saigon (now Cach Mang Thang Tam - Nguyen Dinh Chieu crossroad, Dist.3, HCMC). It was the flame of fearlessness of Thich Quang Duc Bodhisattva. His heart remained unburned and became relic for Buddhists in the world to respect and pay homage.

In the atmosphere of solemnity and respect to the late heroes, the Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Vice Chairman of the Witness Council, on behalf of the Central Congregation and the Board of Management Committee of Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in HCMC, gives the memorial speech.

In front of the relic chapel, clergy members and Buddhists pay homage, offer incense and commemorate the deep merits of the Bodhisattva and Martyrs for Dhamma and the country. The whole ashram wholeheartedly chanted the Heart Sutra as the donation to the Bodhisattva and martyrs who devoted their lives for Dharma.

Following are the recorded photographs: