Buddhism traces its origins to Siddhartha Gautama, born into a wealthy family in present-day Nepal during the sixth century BCE. Renouncing his life of luxury, Siddhartha sought liberation from worldly suffering, ultimately achieving enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. Thereafter, he became known as the Buddha, dedicating his life to teaching the Middle Way, a path to liberation from the cycle of suffering and reincarnation.

Central to the Buddha’s teachings are the Four Noble Truths:

  1. Life is characterized by suffering.
  2. Suffering is caused by desire.
  3. The cessation of suffering comes with the extinction of desire.
  4. The Eightfold Path—right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration—leads to liberation.

Buddhism emphasizes compassion, nonviolence, and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of reincarnation to reach nirvana, a state of bliss and ultimate freedom.

Buddhism in Vietnam Today

It is estimated that up to two-thirds of Vietnam’s population identify as Buddhist, most of whom follow the Mahayana school, introduced to northern Vietnam via China in the 2nd century CE.

The Arrival and Evolution of Buddhism in Vietnam

Buddhism first came to southern Vietnam nearly 100 years earlier as Theravada Buddhism, brought through Indian trade routes via Burma and Thailand. Theravada, known as the “Lesser Vehicle,” focuses on individual enlightenment through ascetic practices. This tradition found limited appeal outside Khmer communities in the Mekong Delta, where it remains practiced by approximately one million people.

By contrast, Mahayana Buddhism introduced the concept of Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who choose to delay their entry into nirvana to help others achieve salvation. This inclusive and adaptable philosophy enabled Mahayana to incorporate local gods and spirits into its pantheon, aligning well with Vietnamese beliefs. It spread throughout northern Vietnam and became the official state religion after Vietnam regained independence from China in the 10th century.

However, Mahayana Buddhism’s political and economic influence waned by the mid-14th century, and when the Later Lê Dynasty rose to power in 1427, Confucianism supplanted Buddhism as Vietnam’s dominant national ideology.

Despite losing its status as the state religion, Buddhism remained deeply rooted in rural Vietnam, blending with folk traditions and maintaining its cultural influence. The 17th and 18th centuries saw a revival with royal patronage, leading to the construction and restoration of numerous pagodas.

Buddhism in Modern Vietnam

In the 20th century, Buddhism became a symbol of resistance and dissent. During the 1960s, the world witnessed Buddhist monks’ self-immolation protests against the oppressive, Catholic-dominated regime of South Vietnam’s President Ngô Đình Diệm. While the Buddhist community was accused of being pro-Communist, its stance was largely neutral. After reunification in 1975, however, repression intensified, with many pagodas closed and Buddhist leaders sent to re-education camps.

In recent decades, the situation has significantly improved. Pagodas affiliated with the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)—the government-recognized Buddhist organization—have resumed social and educational activities. Many pagodas have been restored, regaining their role as vibrant centers of community life.

Today, Buddhism remains an integral part of Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual identity, offering a profound connection to its history, traditions, and enduring philosophy of compassion and mindfulness.