(DTTG) - In Muong Lum village, Muong Lum commune (now Chieng Hac commune, Son La province), Mr. Hoang Van Men holds no official position at the commune or village level; yet, whenever the village needs to mobilize support, raise awareness, or resolve issues arising within the community, the residents always listen to what he has to say. This is because he is a respected figure and, above all, someone who leads by example, demonstrating to the community that the tasks he undertakes are entirely within their own capabilities.
(DTTG) - In the current social development trends, the role of religious organizations in social welfare is increasingly recognized and highly valued. In particular, the image of Catholic nuns quietly dedicating themselves to the community has become a deeply meaningful expression of humanity.
(DTTG) - Abstract: The decentralization and delegation of authority, ensuring clarity regarding personnel, tasks, responsibilities, powers, timelines and outcomes, constituting a key policy and strategic direction of the Party in the process of reforming national governance; this contributes to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of state management while fostering local initiative and creativity. During the period of 2021-2025, the implementation of national target programs and mechanisms for decentralization and the delegation of authority contributed to enhancing the proactivity of local governments, accelerating capital disbursement, improving policy implementation efficiency and driving socio-economic development. The article highlights positive shifts in local empowerment and proposes policy implications to further refine the mechanisms for decentralization and the delegation of authority in the implementation of national target programs for the period of 2026-2030.
(DTTG) - The Summer Retreat is a long-standing Buddhist tradition that plays a foundational role in maintaining monastic discipline and fostering spiritual development. The core values of the Summer Retreat tradition affirm the role of the retreat in fostering a connection between the monastic Sangha and the Buddhist community, as well as the timeless humanistic significance of this practice in modern society.
(DTTG) - In the traditional marriage customs of the Thai people in Phong Tho commune (Lai Chau province), getting married is not only a matter between a couple but also a bond between two families. After receiving approval from both sides, the boy returns to the bride's house to live with his family, work in the fields and go through separate regulations before officially welcoming his wife into his home.
(DTTG) - In the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, the requiem ritual has long been a profound cultural feature, closely associated with major observances such as the Vu Lan festival (honoring parents and ancestors), the Pardon of Wandering Souls and family funeral rites. From a Buddhist perspective, the requiem ritual is not merely a matter of prayer or burning votive offerings for the afterlife; rather, it is a spiritual practice rooted in the profound philosophy of cause and effect, embodying a humanistic message about the connection between the living and the deceased.
(DTTG) - In ethnic minority areas, prestigious people are those who are close to the people, understand them, and enjoy the community’s trust. Therefore, enhancing the capacity of this workforce is not merely about imparting additional knowledge; it is an investment in a vital bridge that ensures policies reach remote villages, the voices of the people are promptly reflected and development resources are unlocked at the grassroots level…
(DTTG) - The Law on Belief and Religion (amended) of 2026 was passed by the National Assembly on April 23rd, 2026, and officially took effect on January 1st, 2027. In order to ensure the consistent and timely implementation of legal regulations, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is urgently drafting a decree that details specific articles and outlines measures for organizing and guiding the implementation of the Law.
(DTTG) - On August 4th, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 307/ND-CP stipulating the selection, recognition and policies regarding prestigious individuals in ethnic minority areas, as well as certain policies concerning ethnic minority organizations and individuals. Compared to Decision No. 12/2018/QĐ-TTg dated March 6, 2018, and Decision No. 28/2023/QĐ-TTg dated November 23rd, 2023, of the Prime Minister, the Decree contains several important new features.
(DTTG) - Abstract: This article presents an in-depth study of the Tue Tinh Clinic model, a distinctive traditional healthcare institution within Vietnamese Buddhism that upholds the philosophy of “Southern medicines for Southern people” championed by the Zen master TueTinh. From the perspectives of the sociology of religion and cultural studies, the author analyzes the theoretical foundations, operational structure and multifaceted contributions of Buddhist medicine to social security and public health systems. Research indicates that Tue Tinh clinics serve not only as venues providing free traditional medical care to the poor but also as unique cultural and spiritual spaces; they seamlessly blend medical expertise, addressing physical ailments, with medical ethics rooted in the spirit of compassion and selflessness, healing the mind and spirit. Based on the practical operations of Tue Tinh clinics at major Buddhist centers, this article proposes solutions to refine the legal framework, enhancing professional capabilities, and maximize the potential of socialized resources for this model within the contemporary national healthcare system.
(DTTG) - Between the rolling mountain ranges of provinces including old Ha Giang province (now Tuyen Quang province), Son La, Dien Bien or Lao Cai, while the morning mist still lingers over the maize fields, a familiar sound rises like the very breath of the earth and sky: resonant, soulful and deeply profound. It is the sound of the Mong’s flute. That sound is not merely music; it is the voice of the heart, a repository of memories, and the very soul of a community deeply connected to the mountains and forests.
(DTTG) - A spiritual marvel is taking shape, not only a source of pride for Vietnamese Buddhism but also an architectural landmark of international stature: The statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva at Minh Duc pagoda in Tinh Long Commune, Quang Ngai Province. With its impressive height, this structure holds the title of the tallest Guanyin statue in Southeast Asia.
English review |
Senior Lieutenant Colonel, MA. Hoang Duc Thanh* -
15:28, 22/09/2026 (DTTG) - Abstract: Developing ethnic minority and mountainous regions by leveraging human resources and local knowledge is a key approach to harnessing internal strengths and fostering sustainable development amidst current trends of integration and digital transformation. Human resources encompass not only educational attainment, vocational skills and innovative capacity but also the ability to inherit, preserve, and promote local knowledge values accumulated over generations. This research analyzes the role and current state of leveraging human resources and local knowledge in the socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Based on an assessment of the opportunities and challenges involved, the author proposes solutions to enhance human resource quality, preserve and digitize local knowledge, and effectively integrate traditional knowledge with modern science and technology. These measures serve as a crucial foundation for leveraging endogenous resources, preserving cultural identity and fostering sustainable development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas during this new phase.
(DTTG) - Abtract: Drawing on the theories of social capital and development governance, this article analyzes the outcomes and challenges associated with the implementation of policies concerning respected people. It further proposes policy implications based on the perspective of these individuals as partners who co-create community governance alongside the State, an approach aligned with the requirements for reforming national governance in the new phase of development.
Abstract: At its 10th session, the 15th National Assembly decided to integrate three National Target Programs: Consolidate the programs on new rural development, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas into a single National Target Program on new rural development, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period of 2026-2030. This integration is essential and is expected to foster sustainable development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in the coming period.
Abstract: In many countries around the world, once religious organizations acquire legal personality, whereby the law recognizes and protects the freedom to establish a religious entity, they are simultaneously guaranteed civil rights and obligations akin to those of private organizations; this enables them to participate in economic, political, social, cultural, educational, healthcare, charitable and social welfare activities, provided they can demonstrate the necessary capacity or strengths and meet the State’s statutory requirements.
Abstract: The article focuses on the political, legal, and practical foundations, adhering to the perspective of fully institutionalizing the Party's guidelines and policies on broadly promoting socialist democracy and the people’s right to mastery, while ensuring the freedom of belief and religion; in order to ensure constitutionality, legality, and the consistency of the legal system, as well as compatibility with relevant international treaties to which Vietnam is a party, while simultaneously addressing the limitations and shortcomings encountered during the implementation of the Law on Belief and Religion No. 02/2016/QH14 (the 2016 Law on Belief and Religion) to date.
(DTTG) - Abstract: The ethnic minority areas of Hanoi possess a distinctive system of cultural resources belonging to the Muong and Dao communities including festivals, local knowledge, handicrafts, cuisine, traditional housing and folk arts creating significant potential for the development of community-based tourism. Based on the research findings, the author assesses the current state of cultural resource utilization in community-based tourism development across communes such as My Duc, Yen Xuan, Suoi Hai, Ba Vi and Yen Bai, at the same time proposing solutions aimed at sustainable development. Research findings indicate that fostering the community’s role as the primary actor by linking cultural preservation with livelihood development and implementing the goals of the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas (2021-2025) is a decisive factor in enhancing the competitiveness of community-based tourism, thereby contributing to the preservation of cultural identity and local economic development.
(DTTG) - Between the vibrant city of Nha Trang, standing majestically atop the gentle Cu Lao Hill beside the Cai river, the Ponagar Cham Towers serve not only as an ancient architectural landmark but also as a “living library” of Cham history, culture and spiritual beliefs. Although widely known as Lady Tower (the temple of the goddess Ponagar or Thien Y A Na), this relic complex was originally a major religious center of Brahmanism, dedicated to the supreme deity Shiva.
(DTTG) - Every year in the first lunar month when a gentle chill still lingers on the grey rocky slopes and wild peach blossoms have just begun to unfurl, Lang Son province enters its most beautiful season of the year. The borderland awakens to the sound of festival drums and throngs of people eagerly flocking to the two ancient temples along the Ky Cung River. There, the Ky Cung - Ta Phu festival heralds the new spring, unlocking both historical memories and the vibrant rhythm of modern-day life.
