Khmer Theravada followers, a major sect of the Viet Nam Buddhist Shangha (VBS), have been called to join prayers for peace in the East Sea.

Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig (Source: VNA)

Most Venerable Thich Duc Nghiep, Vice President of the Viet Nam Buddhist Shangha (VBS)’s Executive Council, made the call at a conference held in the southern province of Kien Giang on June 11.

The function, the first of its kind, took place at a time when the whole nation is looking towards to the East Sea as China is illegally placing its oil rig into Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

He remembered all the Khmer Theravada monks who sacrificed their lives for the cause of national liberation and unification.

Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Permanent Vice President and General Secretary of the VBS’s Executive Council, said he hopes the conference will help preserve the culture and Buddhism of the ethnic Khmer people, as well as recognise their contributions to the development of the nation through history.

(Source: VNA)