Cao pagoda (also known as Thien Son Temple, Manh Son pagoda)Blue hues harmonize with the construction of new rural areas
Looking back at the 25-year journey (2001-2026) of implementing the movement, the first notable feature is the seamless integration of religious study with civic responsibility. Generations of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers in Thanh Hoa have proactively integrated the criteria of “diligence and exemplary conduct” into the movement “All people unite to build new rural areas and civilized urban areas”.
Not confined to merely chanting scriptures, venerable monks and nuns have stepped out into the world, using their prestige to move people’s hearts. Images of abbots and local authorities mobilizing people to donate land for roads and contribute labor to build public welfare facilities have become familiar. Buddhism in Thanh Hoa province has contributed to changing the face of rural areas, transforming purely agricultural lands into livable countryside, where religion and life blend together, complementing each other and developing together.
A shining example of social welfare and compassion
The most distinctive and outstanding aspect of the movement is the telling numbers from charitable and humanitarian work. The Buddhist spirit of relieving suffering and helping those in need is concretized through practical actions. A truly progressive temple should not only be beautiful in its scenery, but also progressive in its spirit of compassion.
Over the years, hundreds of solidarity houses have been built with funds contributed by Buddhist followers. Most recently, at the Thanh Hoa Provincial Buddhist Delegates Congress for the term of 2026-2031, the new Executive Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the cause by donating 3 billion VND to build solidarity houses and 200 million VND to the “For the Homeland’s Islands and Seas” fund. The charitable porridge served at hospitals, scholarships for underprivileged students and collective efforts to support people in overcoming natural disasters... all have woven a humane picture rich in national identity, affirming the inseparable role of Buddhism in the local social welfare system.
Thanh Hoa province has 73 out of 194 temples recognized as “exemplary and progressive pagodas” (In the photo: Sung Nghiem Dien Thanh pagoda, Thanh Hoa province)Preserving cultural identity and eliminating outdated customs
Another prominent aspect of the “Exemplary and Advanced pagodas” movement is its role in guiding the people towards a healthy cultural and spiritual life. Thanh Hoa is a land rich in cultural heritage and its pagodas are living museums preserving the essence of our ancestors.
Through this movement, monasteries have actively preserved and enhanced architectural values and traditional heritage, transforming pagodas into places of historical and cultural education for the younger generation. More importantly, monks and nuns have taken the lead in promoting the eradication of outdated customs, superstitions, extreme practices such as burning votive paper and other social vices. Instead, the “good and virtuous” lifestyle, the spirit of upholding the law and civilized conduct in festivals are strongly disseminated from the lecture halls and summer retreats.
Building national unity
It can be affirmed that the movement to build “exemplary and progressive pagodas” in Thanh Hoa has transcended the meaning of a typical emulation campaign, becoming a thread that strengthens the great national unity. The concerted efforts of the Party Committee, the government, the Fatherland Front, and the Vietnam Buddhist Association in Thanh Hoa province have created a harmonious and effective coordination mechanism.
The conference summarizing 25 years of the movement, held in May 2026, was not only an opportunity to commend outstanding groups and individuals of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers, but also a strong affirmation of a new chapter in the future. In the next phase, Buddhism in Thanh Hoa province will continue to develop its internal strength, using the progress of each individual and the exemplary conduct of each monastery as building blocks to contribute to making Thanh Hoa province increasingly prosperous, beautiful and civilized.
The fragrance of Zen Buddhism blends with the essence of the land; the movement of exemplary and progressive pagodas in Thanh Hoa province continues to flourish, bearing fruit day by day and writing golden chapters in the history of a religion that has always been closely associated with and accompanied the nation.
