LATS information of PhD student Tran Xuan Kiem
1. Full name of PhD student: Tran Xuan Kiem 2. Gender: Male
3. Date of birth: July 22, 1982 4. Place of birth: Hanoi
5. Decision on recognition of PhD students: Decision No. 2949/2021/QD-XHNV-DT dated December 28, 2021 of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities,Vietnam National University, Hanoi
6. Changes in training process (if any):
7. Thesis topic name:Current propagation work and activities of Lao Cai province Buddhist Sangha
8. Major: Religious Studies 9. Code: 9229009.01
10. Scientific advisors: Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thi Kim Oanh, Dr. Duong Quang Dien
11. Summary of new results of the thesis:
- Research purpose:Based on theory and practice, the thesis analyzes and evaluates the current status of Dharma propagation and activities of Buddhist monasteries in Lao Cai province; clarifies the characteristics, roles and influences of these activities in the spiritual and social life of the community, and points out the achievements, limitations and causes. From there, the thesis proposes a number of feasible solutions to enhance the effectiveness of Dharma propagation and perfect the models of sustainable Buddhist monasteries, suitable to the cultural and ethnic characteristics of Lao Cai, contributing to promoting the positive role of Buddhism in building cultural and ethical life and sustainable local development in the context of integration.
- Research subjects:Buddhist propagation and monastic activities in Lao Cai province.
- Main results of the thesis:
+ The thesis has outlined theoretical issues and research areas. It has explained the concepts, origins and roles of propagation work, as well as
as the function of the temple in Buddhist activities, at the same time clarifying the local factors - culture, ethnicity, society of Lao Cai province affecting Buddhist activities.
+ The thesis has analyzed and clarified the current status of Dharma propagation and activities of Buddhist monasteries in Lao Cai province.
+ The thesis has identified the issues and proposed solutions to contribute to improving the effectiveness of propagation work and activities of Buddhist monasteries in Lao Cai province today.
- Conclude
There is much evidence that Buddhism was introduced harmoniously into Vietnam very early, especially from the end of the 2nd century to the beginning of the 3rd century AD through two trade routes with Indian merchants by water and cultural exchange with China by land. With a history of thousands of years of attachment to the nation, Buddhism introduced from outside has now become Vietnamese Buddhism, affirming its role in all areas of social life.
Ethnic minorities in Vietnam also have many similarities in cultural life, socio-economic life as well as beliefs, emotions, beliefs and religions. Ethnic minorities are a part that has a great influence on the political situation and security of the country. However, in general compared to the whole country, many areas with a large number of ethnic minorities have a lower level of education and a lower standard of living. That also makes ethnic minorities in Vietnam a group that is often exploited by hostile forces, through religion to win over, entice and bribe to carry out sabotage activities, causing disorder, insecurity and disunity.
In the historical flow of Buddhism, it is impossible not to mention the process of introduction and development of Buddhism in Lao Cai province, because this is a province bordering the northwest of the Fatherland and is also a province with many different ethnic groups living such as: Black H'Mong; Tay; Red Dao; Giay; Kinh; Xa Pho. But with its doctrine of "Depending on circumstances and means", Buddhism has penetrated into people's lives and integrated with indigenous culture like "milk and water" to develop together. Therefore, although the Lao Cai Provincial Buddhist Sangha was only established in recent years, it is one of 63 local organizations of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha that is on the rise, going deep into ethnic minorities, creating momentum to create the uniqueness of Vietnamese culture. However, in the process of development in a locality with many ethnic groups, the issue of Dharma propagation and Dharma activities has many characteristics that need attention, especially Dharma propagation among ethnic minorities such as the special role of rituals and charitable activities in Dharma propagation. Therefore, studying the Dharma propagation and Dharma activities of Buddhism in Lao Cai province at present in order to have proposals and practical solutions to promote the role and resources of Buddhism in Lao Cai province in general in the task of building and developing the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha; at the same time contributing to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland in a locality in the Northwestern border region is both an urgent requirement at present and a long-term strategic requirement. In practice, on the one hand, Buddhism in Lao Cai province has been gradually affirming its position in many areas of social life of the people here. On the other hand, there are also many difficulties that require specific and synchronous plans and solutions to overcome.
12. Further research directions:
- Buddhism and social life
Religion and national issues
13. Publications related to the thesis:
1. Tran Xuan Kiem (2023), “Beliefs and major world religions in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam based on an analysis of historical, geo-economic and social characteristics”,Миссия конфессий - том(72), pp.30-37, ISSN 2499-9423.
2. Tran Xuan Kiem, Tran Thi Kim Oanh (2023), “Exploring Buddhism in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam”,Миссия конфессий - том(72), pp.38-46, ISSN 2499-9423.
3. Tran Xuan Kiem (2024), "Propagation activities in ethnic minority areas of Vietnamese Buddhism in Lao Cai province today",Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities(Vol. 10, No. 4), pp. 421- 432.
4. Tran Xuan Kiem (2024), Current Buddhist monastic activities in Lao Cai province,Religious work(11), pp.49-51.
INFORMATION ON DOCTORAL THESIS
1. Full name: Tran Xuan Kiem
2. Sex: Male
3. Date of birth: July 22, 1982
4. Place of birth: Hanoi
5. Admission decision number 2949/2021/QD-XHNV-DT dated December 28, 2021 by University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in academic process:
7. Official thesis title: Dharma Propagation and the Activities of Buddhist Congregations in Lao Cai Province Today
8. Major: Religious Studies
9. Code: 9229009.01
10. Supervisors: Assoc. Professor, Dr. Tran Thi Kim Oanh, Dr. Duong Quang Dien
11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis:
- Research Objective: Based on both theoretical and practical foundations, the thesis analyzes and evaluates the current state of Dharma propagation and the activities of Buddhist congregations in Lao Cai Province. It aims to clarify the characteristics, roles, and impacts of these activities on the spiritual and social life of the local community, while identifying their achievements, limitations, and underlying causes. From these findings, the thesis proposes feasible solutions to enhance the effectiveness of Dharma propagation and to consolidate sustainable models of Buddhist congregational activities that align with the cultural and ethnic particularities of Lao Cai. This contributes to promoting the positive role of Buddhism in building cultural and ethical life and fostering local sustainable development in the context of integration.
- Research Subject: The Dharma work propagation and the activities of Buddhist Congregations in Lao Cai Province.
- Key Findings of the thesis:
+ The thesis provides an overview of the theoretical foundations and the research area. It explains the concepts, origins, and roles of Dharma propagation, as well as the functions of Buddhist congregations in religious practice. It also clarifies how local cultural, ethnic, and social factors in Lao Cai Province influence Buddhist activities.
+ The thesis offers an in-depth analysis of the current state of Dharma propagation and the activities of Buddhist congregations in Lao Cai Province.
+ The thesis identifies emerging issues and proposes solutions to enhance the effectiveness of Dharma propagation and the activities of Buddhist congregations in Lao Cai today.
- Conclusion
There is considerable evidence that Buddhism was harmoniously introduced into Vietnam at an early stage, particularly from the late 2nd century to the early 3rd century AD, through two main routes: maritime trade with Indian traders and overland cultural exchanges with China. With a history spanning thousands of years closely tied to the Vietnamese people, Buddhism-originally a foreign religion has become Vietnamese Buddhism, affirming its role across various aspects of social life.
Ethnic minority communities in Vietnam share many similarities in terms of cultural life, socio-economic conditions, beliefs, emotions, and religious practices. These communities also play a significant role in the political and security landscape of the country. However, compared to the national average, many areas inhabited by ethnic areas still experience lower levels of education and living standards. As a result, ethnic minority groups in Vietnam are often targeted and exploited by hostile forces who use religion as a means to manipulate, entice, or bribe them into engaging in subversive activities that threaten social order, national security, and solidarity.
Within the historical evolution of Buddhism, the introduction and development of Buddhism in Lao Cai Province holds a notable place. Situated in the northwestern border region of the country, Lao Cai is home to a diverse population including various ethnic groups, including the Black H'Mong, Tay, Red Dao, Giay, Kinh, and Xa Pho. With its doctrine of “skillful means adapted to circumstances”, Buddhism has gradually penetrated the daily lives of local communities, harmoniously intertwining with indigenous cultures, much like the natural blending of milk and water, thereby fostering mutual growth and development. Although the Buddhist Sangha of Lao Cai Province was established only in recent years, it has rapidly emerged as one of the 63 provincial-level organizations under the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. It continues to make significant strides in reaching ethnic minority populations, thereby contributing to the distinctiveness and vitality of Vietnamese cultural identity. However, in the course of its development within a locality characterized by ethnic diversity, Dharma propagation and the religious activities of Buddhist significant congregations in Lao Cai Province exhibit distinct features that warrant close attention—especially the propagation of Buddhism among ethnic minority communities, where rituals and charitable activities play a unique role. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive study on the current state of Dharma propagation and congregational practices of Buddhism in Lao Cai Province is essential. Such research provides the foundation for demonstrative practical and effective solutions to enhance the role and mobilize the resources of Lao Cai Buddhism in the broader mission of building and developing the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. At the same time, it contributes to the national cause of construction and defense in this strategically important northwestern border region. In reality, Buddhism in Lao Cai is gradually affirming its position across various spheres of social life. However, it also faces numerous challenges and difficulties that require well-coordinated, strategic plans and solutions to overcome.
12. Further research directions
- Buddhism and Social Life
- Religion and Ethnic Issues
13. Thesis-related publications:
1. Tran Xuan Kiem (2023). “Beliefs and major world religions in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam based on an analysis of historical, geo-economic and social characteristics.”Миссия конфессий - том, Vol. 72, pp. 30–37. ISSN 2499-9423.
2. Tran Xuan Kiem, Tran Thi Kim Oanh (2023). “Exploring Buddhism in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam.”Миссия конфессий - том, Vol. 72, pp. 38–46. ISSN 2499-9423.
3. Tran Xuan Kiem (2024). “Dharma Propagation Activities among Ethnic Minority Communities of Vietnamese Buddhism in Lao Cai Province Today.”Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 421–432.
4. Tran Xuan Kiem (2024). “Congregational Practices of Vietnamese Buddhism in Lao Cai Province Today.”Religious Affairs Review, No. 11, pp. 49–51.
Author:New, Training Department
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