TTLV: The image of Bodhisattva Manjushri in the cultural and religious life of Vietnam and China.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

1. Student's full name: Zhang Xihong 2. Gender: Male

3. Date of birth: April 19, 1999

4. Place of birth: China

5. Decision No. 2750/QD-XHNV dated August 2, 2023, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, recognizing the student.

6. Changes in the training process: Extending the training duration.

Decision No. 5300/QD-XHNV dated July 21, 2025

7. Thesis Title: The Image of Bodhisattva Manjushri in the Cultural and Religious Life of Vietnam and China

8. Major: Vietnamese Studies

9. Code: 8310630.

10. Scientific supervisor:

Dr. Nguyen Thi Que Huong - Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Lam - Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

11. Summary of the thesis results:

This thesis analyzes the process of the introduction and development of the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva in Vietnam and China. Through this analysis, the author points out the typical cultural characteristics of this image in the cultural and religious life of Vietnam and China, as well as highlighting the unique identity in religious practice by identifying the position and role of Manjushri Bodhisattva in typical festivals and worship rituals in these two countries. Furthermore, the author clarifies the close relationship between the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva and the intellectual class in Vietnamese and Chinese society. Finally, the author focuses on presenting the similarities and differences of the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva in Vietnam and China based on criteria such as artistic style, religious characteristics, and context.

12. Practical applications:

This thesis contributes to highlighting the typical characteristics of Buddhist cultural life in both Vietnam and China, with relatively distinct features between the two countries. Through this, the author hopes to contribute to the overall picture of religion and beliefs in Vietnam and China. Furthermore, it is also a valuable resource on Buddhism – a religion prevalent in both countries – from a general and comparative perspective, adding valuable material on Buddhist practice in each nation.

13. Future research directions:

The research direction of this thesis has opened up new avenues of study. Specifically, the thesis suggests collaborative research between academics of the two countries on the topic of Buddhism in the new global context, affirming that Buddhism in each country will have its own unique characteristics linked to its specific cultural and historical context. Furthermore, it proposes building a systematic source of information on Buddhism in the region and between the two countries to facilitate future academic research.

14. Published works related to the thesis: None

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: Zhang Xihong 2. Sex: Male

3. Date of birth: April 19, 1999 4. Place of birth: China

5. Admission decision number: 2750/ QD-XNHNV. Dated August 2, 2023

6. Changes in academic process: Decision No. 5300/QD-XHNV dated July 21, 2025

7. Official thesis title: The statues of Bodhisattva Manjushri in the cultural and religious life of Vietnam and China

8. Major: Vietnamese Studies

9. Code: 8310630

10. Supervisors:

- Dr. Nguyen Thi Que Huong – Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS)

- Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Dinh Lam – University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

11. Summary of the findings of the thesis:

This thesis analyzes the process of the introduction and development of the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva in Vietnam and China. Through this analysis, the author points out the typical cultural characteristics of this image in the cultural and religious life of the Vietnamese and Chinese people, as well as highlighting the unique identity in religious practice by identifying the position and role of Manjushri Bodhisattva in typical festivals and worship rituals in these two countries. Furthermore, the author clarifies the close relationship between the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva and the intellectual class in Vietnamese and Chinese society. Finally, the author focuses on presenting the similarities and differences of the image of Manjushri Bodhisattva in Vietnam and China based on criteria such as artistic style, religious characteristics, and context.

12. Practical applicability:

This thesis contributes to highlighting the typical characteristics of Buddhist cultural life in both Vietnam and China, with relatively distinct features between the two countries. Through this, the author hopes to contribute to the overall picture of religion and beliefs in Vietnam and China. Furthermore, it is also a valuable document on Buddhism – a religion prevalent in both countries – from a general and comparative perspective, adding valuable material on Buddhist practice in each nation.

13. Further research directions:

The research direction of this thesis has opened up new avenues of study. specifically, the thesis highlights the need for collaborative research between academics in both countries on the topic of Buddhism in the new global context, affirming that Buddhism in each country will have its own unique characteristics linked to its specific cultural and historical context. Furthermore, it suggests building a systematic source of information on Buddhism in the region and between the two countries to facilitate future academic research.

14. Thesis-related publications:None.