OBITUARY: HIS HOLINESS THICH TRI TINH DIED AT 97
NATIONAL VIETNAM BUDDHIST SANGHA
SUPREME PATRIARCH COUNCIL AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
OBITUARY
HIS HOLINESS THICH TRI TINH DIED AT 97
Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam’s First Deputy Supreme Patriarch, who headed National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (GHPGVN) as Executive President for more than two decades, died Mar 28, 2014 at 09h15 local time. He was 97 years old.
His Hiloness Thich Tri Tinh, the First Supreme Patriarch and the Executive President of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, after a healthy longivity, died peacefully at His Van Duc Temple, Thu Duc District, HCM city. The bell was rung 108 times at his Van Duc Temple today while the Sangha sat in zazen.
His Hiloness Thich Tri Tinh was appointed by the National Sangha as Executive President since 1992. Under his leadership, the National Sangha is strongly promoting and developing. Vietnam is a Buddhist country with about 75 percent of its 89 million people members of the religion. As executive Head of Buddhism in Vietnam, His Holiness has legal authority to oversee Vietnamese Sangha and community in Vietnam. His Holiness was a teacher of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 1940s when the latter was living in An Quang Temple, Sai Gon (now known as HCM city).
His Hiloness Thich Tri Tinh was born at Mỹ An Hưng village, Châu Thành District, Đồng Tháp Province on Oct 17, 1917, the youngest of six brothers and sisters.
He became a monk in 1937, received dharma transmission in 1940, established Pure Land Fellowship Society (Cực Lạc Liên Hữu Hội) in 1955, served as Vice Rector of School for Buddhist Studies, Central Vietnam in 1962, started translating several important Texts of Mahayana Sutra Pitaka since 1964. In 1973, He was appointed by Vietnamese Unified Buddhist Church (GHPGVNTN) as Vice President. Since 1992, at its National Council meeting, leaders of National Sangha has appointed Him as Executive President and the First Supreme Patriarch of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and 64 Provincial Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas will observe a national mouring period of 7 days. During this time numerous memorial services will be conducted across the country. The official memorial service will be held at Van Duc Temple, on April 3, 2014 commencing at 08h00 AM local time. Several heads of state and government of Vietnam are expected to attend this service.
Letter of Condolence to National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha can be sent to vesak2014@gmail.com
(Reported by Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu)
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ON THE SAD DEMISE OF HIS HOLINESS THICH TRI TINH
On behalf of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) I convey our sincere condolence on passing away of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh. IBC is deeply saddened by the demise of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh (1917-2014), the first Deputy Supreme Patriarch and Executive President of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, on 28 March 2014 at an age of 97 years in Ho Minh City, Vietnam.
His leadership of the Sangha and development of Buddhist higher education in Vietnam, his invaluable works in the form of his association with number of organisations, NVBS and Pure Land Fellowship Society as well his written works such as translations of several important texts of Mahayana Sutra Pitaka will serve as the guiding beacon of light for humanity.
His service and message to the Buddhist community will never be forgotten and his absence will always be greatly felt. The conferment of the title “A person of great insight” greatly exemplified the persona of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh.
May his teachings and service to Dhamma inspire and guide us all to lead a purposeful life
Ven. Lama Lobzang
Secretary General
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL
NEW DELHI - INDIA
International Buddhist Confederation, P.O Box No. 10831, Mehrauli, New Delhi - 110030, India
Phone: + 91-11-64619584 Email: secretariat@internationalbuddhistconfederation.com
Website: www.internationalbuddhistconfederation.com
Dongguk University, Gyeongju
123 Dongdaero, Gyeongju 780-714 Korea (S) http://web.dongguk.ac.kr
29 March, 2012
It was great sad news yesterday that His Hiloness Thich Tri Tinh (1917-2014), the First Supreme Patriarch and the Executive President of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has passed away at His Van Duc Temple in Ho Chi Minh City. We have recognized that His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh had served the Vietnam Sangha as Executive President and his leadership developed National Sangha administration well. We also appreciate that the His Holiness had worked as an educator for Buddhist Studies and a translator of Buddhist scriptures.
On behalf of Buddhists in Korea, as well as my university community, I would like to extend heartfelt condolence to your Councils and Buddhist community of Vietnam. Moreover, as the Secretary General of Asia Region, I also like to convey the expression of condolence from the United Religions Initiative, which has tried to be a religious UN, as a global interfaith organization since 2000.
May the Wheel of Buddha-Dharma turn around the world forever! May peace prevail on Vietnam and around the world!
Jinwol Lee
Ven. Jinwol (Young Ho Lee, Ph. D.)
Chair Professor, Department of Buddhist Studies, Dongguk University, Gyeongju Vice President, World Fellowship of Buddhists
Secretary General, United Religions Initiative of Asia
Tel: +82-10-6264-8260
Fax: +82-54-770-2396
E-mail: jinwol@dongguk.edu
Buddhismo Theravada Mexico
Mexico, March 28, 2014
National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha
Supreme Council and Executive Council
CONDOLENCE LETTER
I would like to extend our condolences on the passing away of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, Vietnam’s First Deputy Supreme Patriarch.
As the Buddha said: “All conditioned phenomena are subject to passing away”. However it really makes a difference how we live and spend our lives. His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh worked for the cause of Buddhism throughout his long life. In the face of impermanence what finally counts is our good deeds. His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, having worked for so many years towards the promotion of the Buddha’s Teachings, will remain in our memories as an example and a source of inspiration of the work that still has to be done towards a more peaceful and compasionate world.
Sincerely yours in the Dhamma,
Most Venerable Bhikkhu Nandisena
Spiritual Director of Buddhismo Theravada Mexico A.R.
Abbot of the Dhamma Vihara, Mexico
Condolence Message
I am deeply saddened to learn that our beloved, His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, is no more.
An unknown poet has said, “Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men.” His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh was one such giant amongst men. Not only did he represent the conscience of the world, he also remained a beacon of hope for those struggling for peace.
Throughout his life, His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh worked hard to make it easier for the rest of Sangha to understand and come to terms with the major religious and social changes that the world witnessed. His thoughts, never failed to shed light on the human condition.
His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh passing marks the end of an era and while I join you and countless others around the world in mourning his loss, I am sure that he himself would want us also to celebrate, to celebrate a rich and full life that was devoted to the pursuit of Wisdom and Compassion.
Our Sangha Members joins me in conveying all members of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha our sincerest and heartfelt condolences. We pray for peace for the departed soul.
Rev. Lokynayak Ashva Ghosh Mahanayak Mahathera
Ref. 28032014/000148
To: The National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha,
The Supreme Council and Executive Council members
The Abbot, Committee Members and Staff of DIMC UAE wishes to convey our heartfelt and deepest Condolence on the demise of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, the First Supreme Patriarch and the Executive President of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the ripe old age of 97 years.
It is indeed a great loss to the nation in general and Vietnamese Buddhism in particular for His Holiness has accomplished much as a great Zen teacher, an academician and a most wise leaders of Buddhist Organization and temples.
As Buddhist all of us are taught that All Conditioned things are impermanent (‘anicca’) and all things are non-self (‘anatta’), but for one as cultured as the great Master His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, who has lived a wholesome and holy life, preached and practiced diligently in accordance with the teachings of the Lord Buddha, death is merely leaving behind the deteriorating physical body and ascension to a higher realm or even entering the bliss of Enlightenment (‘Parinibbana’).
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Lye Ket Yong
Committee President
DIMC UAE
March 28th, 2014
NATIONAL VIETNAM BUDDHIST SANGHA
SUPREME COUNCIL AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
We would like to express our deepest condolences on the pass away of HIS HOLINESS THICH TRI TINH, Vietnam’s First Deputy Supreme Patriarch. This is a great loss for the Buddhist world and in particular to Vietnam’s National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. We know His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh will maintain his influence as a supreme example of the Triple Gem and will be an inspiration for all of us to keep studying, practicing, and helping others in the Buddha-Dhamma as His Holiness did.
We share our warmest heart with the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha sharing merits with His Holiness and rejoicing for all the good things and important accomplishments made during his life.
Yours in the Dhamma,
Winston Velazco
President
National Vietnam Buddhist Sanga
Supreme Council and Exective Council
Dear. Dhamma friends of Vietnam
CONDOLENCE LETTER
We learned with great sorrow of the untimely death of His Hiloness Thich Tri Tinh,
who was the first Supreme Patriarch and Exective President of National Vietnam Buddhist Sanga. On behalf of the directors and members of World Zen Buddhist Association in Japan,
as well as myself, I wish to convey to the National Vietnam Buddhist Sanga Supreme Council and Exective Council our heartfelt sympathy in this great loss.
Please convey to all National Vietnam Buddhist Members our sincere condolences in the time of their bereavement.
March 29, 2014
Rev. Noriaki Kunitomo
President of World Zen Buddhist Association, Kyoto, Japan
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE
TO NATIONAL VIETNAM BUDDHIST SANGHA
After receiving the notice of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh passing away, we wish to express our condolences to the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and to all people of Vietnam.
May he rebirth soon in this world to continue showing people the Noble Path to free themselves of suffering and its causes.
We in our country Paraguay, where Buddhism is almost unknown, will take the example of His Holiness long life of Bodhisattvahood to gain strenght for doing continuous efforts for spreading the Dharma.
We will ring the bell 108 times honoring him and hoping his soon return for benefit of all beings in Vietnam.
May you be well, peaceful and happy.
Venerable Han Shan
President & founder
Ligh of Dharma Buddhist Community of Paraguay
Cap. Carpinelli 4378,
Asunción, Paraguay
www.nsparaguay.org
March 30, 2014
Letter of Condolence
To the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha
It was a shock for me to learn about the tragic death of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, the Executive President of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, who was a great inspiration to everyone. All the Buddhists here were saddened to hear the news. May I convey our deepest condolences to all the Sangha in the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Vietnamese!
His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, being well versed in all Buddhist Scriptures and Buddhist traditions, was a leader of Vietnam Buddhism as well as a leader of world Buddhism. He was a contemporary eminent monk deeply respected by Vietnamese Buddhist Circle and International Buddhist Circle, who dedicated all his time and efforts to the development of Vietnamese Buddhist cause and World Buddhism cause. Under the leadership of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh, the cause of all the propagation of the Dharma to benefit mankind has been established and accelerated , with tremendous success and world attention. The death of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh was both a great loss to the Vietnamese Buddhism and World Buddhism. May his successors and Vietnamese Buddhist Circle inherit his will with greater efforts, for the purpose of achieving a greater success for all the propagation of the Dharma to benefit mankind that His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh established and making larger contribution to the development of world Buddhism.
With palms together
Most Ven. Shi Dayuan
Abbot of Guangdong Liuzu Temple, China
Dear National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha,
Please accept our deepest condelence on the passing of His Holiness THICH TRI TINH. Holiness will be missed by local community as well as the worldwide sangha - whose lives were blessed by Holiness's examplary life.
There is not sufficient words to describes this Great Bodhisattva Mahasattva who has devoted the entire of his life to glorify Buddha's teachings and to benefit all sentient beings. Buddhism can continue on because of Master like His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh.
May His Holiness's noble legacy continue to live on in the hearts of Buddhist in Vietnam and abroad.
Humbly, we send you our most sincere and heartfelt condolences,
Bhiksuni Ming Yu
President, Chinese Young Buddhist Association,
Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
CONDELENCE LETTER
Executive Council of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha
It is with great sadness and sense of loss that I write this message of condolence to the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The passing away of the first Deputy Supreme Patriarch His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh (1917-2014) is a significant loss for the Vietnamese sangha.
The patriarch, who headed the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha as its executive President since his appointment in 1992, was born at Mỹ An Hưng village on 17 October 1917. Ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1937, his holiness received dharma transmission in 1940 and founded Pure Land Fellowship Society in 1955. His contribution to education included serving as the Vice-rector of Buddhist Studies School (1962) and translating several Mahāyāna Sutra Pitaka texts beginning from 1964. In 1973, the Vietnamese Unified Buddhist Church appointed him as its Vice-president.
On this occasion of paying last respects to the patriarch, it is appropriate to cite the following Pāli verse from the Dhammapada (Narada, 1978, v. 229): “Examining day by day, the wise praise him who is flawless life, intelligent, endowed with knowledge and virtue.”
May the supreme patriarch rest in peace!
Ven. Dr. Mahinda Deegalle, FHEA
Reader in Religions, Philosophies & Ethics
School of Humanities & Cultural Industries
To,
National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Supreme Council and Executive Council ,
We are very saddened on hearing the news of passing away of Vietnam’s First Deputy Supreme Patriarch, who headed National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (GHPGVN) as Executive President for more than two decades, on 28 Mar 2014 at 09h15 local time at the age of Ninety Seven..
We , the Ambedkarite Buddhist Community from Maharashtra - INDIA and more specifically the Greater Family of our " Organization namely Bahujan Sanskrutik Kendra ", deeply condole the death of His Hiloness Thich Tri Tinh, the First Supreme Patriarch and the Executive President of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
We salute for his ever lasting work for the Buddhist Community in the world and more specifically to the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and 64 Provincial Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas.
We assure you that we all are with you at this difficult testing time.
Yesterday on 30th March 2014 we all have arranged condolence meeting and special service in our Vihara and observed 5 miutes silence in honour of His Holiness. Along with 6 other members of our organization I have observed a days Fast yesterday and in the evening we ended it by offering floral tributes, lighting candles and prayers.
Kindly accept our prayers for his Peaceful Journey to the Land of Triple Gem.
Milind R. Gaikwad
Secretary General - Bahujan Sanskrutik Kendra ,INDIA
CONDOLANCE MESSAGE
from Dr. Pornchai Pinyapong
President of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth
On behalf of the World Fellowship of Budddhist Youth, I would like to express our heartfelt condolence to the loss of His Hiloness Thich Tri Tinh, the First Supreme Patriarch and the Executive President of National Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.
His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh was one of the Greatest Buddhist Leaders. His devotion and dedication to the prosperity of Buddhism were recognized both Vietnamese Country and the World Buddhist communities , which stand evident by his life-long sacrifice and achievement.
Please accept our heartfelt condolence and convey our deepest sympathy to his disciples and all Vietnamese Buddhists.
May the Triple Gem bless him with peaceful and serene journey.
Yours in the Dhamma,
Dr. Pornchai Pinyapong
President of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth
31st March 2014
To National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha
Supreme Council and Executive Council
Message of Condolence with Deepest Sympathy
“All that arises, O how unlasting, Increase and swift decay, such is life. All that has arisen, all that must pass away. No more to rise or fall, that peace (Nibbana) is best.” By Lord Buddha
Dhamma Nikethanaya Community in UK is deeply saddened to hear the sad news of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh passed away at 97.
We learnt much about the life of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh through our most respected Venerable Dr Sumanasiri (Chief Sangha nayakaya of UK). Together with venerable monks, Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Community will join in solidarity with National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and observe the mourning period of seven day. A light is also lit in our shrine with a picture of His Holiness Tich Tri Tinh in great remembrance.
May His Holiness attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!
With deepest sympathy,
Venerable Akurala Samithasiri
Head of the Centre
Secretary of UK Sri Lankan Monks Council
PERSATUAN PENGANUT BUDDHA LOKA MITTA MALAYSIA
(LOKA MITTA BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP MALAYSIA)
马 来 西 亚 世 界 佛 教 友 谊 会
(Registration No. 1138-10-SEL)
No. 22, Jalan 18/44, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: +603-5541 1613 & +6012-391 5539. Email: lokamittam12102008@gmail.com
Spiritual Director: Most Venerable B Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thero (Adhikarana)
Motto: Through Dhamma We Grow
Message of Condolence
HIS HOLINESS THICH TRI TINH
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing away of His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh (1917-2014), the First Deputy Supreme Patriarch and Executive President of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (GHPGVN) on Friday, 28th March 2014.
On behalf of the members and the Management Committee of Loka Mitta Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences on the demise of HH Thich Tri Tinh on Friday, 28 March 2014.
The late His Holiness Thich Tri Tinh has contributed much to the de velopment and progress of the Buddha Dhamma in Vietnam. His demise is not only a loss to the Buddhists in Vietnam but also the whole Buddhist world.
With the merits accrued, may we wish His Holiness be blessed with the highest bliss of Nirvana!
May he attain Nibbana!
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
With metta
Yours in the Dhamma
LOKA MITTA BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP MALAYSIA
Goh Seng Chai
President
