On August 11, 2024, Minh Dao Monastery witnessed an important event when Master Minh Dao officially announced his departure from the State-run Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) to follow his own path. This decision was confirmed by him in a document sent to the church, in which he affirmed to give up all his robes, monks’ status, certificates and Buddhist degrees, and to abandon all connections with the church. This marked an important turning point in Master Minh Dao’s journey of practice.
Previously, Master Minh Dao had gone through a period of “hiding” after being criticized and disciplined by the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial Church for supporting Master Minh Tue. However, his return during the recent Vu Lan Ceremony with a special outfit – Y Phan Tao – attracted special attention from the Buddhist community. This outfit was sewn by the master himself with the inscription on the chest showing respect to the Patriarch Hanh Dau Da, Master Minh Tue, and the wish “Van Dam Binh An”.
When asked about the reason for leaving all benefits to pursue the path of asceticism of Master Minh Tue, Master Minh Dao answered sincerely and humbly: “I have fallen in love with Master Minh Tue and the Buddhists have also fallen in love with me, so I do not want to become a coward.” This simple but meaningful statement has moved many people and helped them understand more clearly the master’s determination.
This move by Master Minh Dao is not only a renunciation of material things but also an affirmation of his ideological stance, protecting his own path of practice according to the Dharma. Choosing to wear the Phan Tao robe and live a frugal life is a way for him to show his respect and continue the path of Master Minh Tue.
Master Minh Dao also shared his future plans, in which he will enter a retreat to practice for 3 years. During this time, he will only meet Buddhists once a year on the occasion of Vu Lan Festival, if the Buddhists still love him and wish to meet. With the determination and courage of a true monk, Master Minh Dao has clearly affirmed the path he has chosen and received support and respect from the Buddhist community.
I wish Master Minh Dao good health and peace in his spiritual practice, and hope that he will achieve great success on the path of the Dharma. (KTT/Dat Viet)