Promoting Buddhist cultural values ​​in fostering moral character among students.

The tea ceremony took place in a solemn yet intimate and warm atmosphere on the campus of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, with the participation of more than 70 guests including scientists, lecturers, students, Buddhist monks, and those interested in and fond of Buddhism.
Representing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan (Rector), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong (Vice Rector), Prof. Dr. Do Quang Hung (Former Director of the Institute of Religious Studies), along with numerous lecturers and students from the Faculties of Literature, History, Oriental Studies, Philosophy, International Studies, Anthropology, and Religious Studies.
Representing the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha were Venerable Thich Tho Lac – Standing Member of the Central Executive Council, Head of the Central Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha; Venerable Thich Tu Quang – Abbot of Thanh Son Pagoda (Hanoi); and Director Tue Quang – Deputy Head of the Film, Music and Performing Arts Subcommittee, Central Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
In a quiet and warm atmosphere, delegates listened to presentations, practiced the tea offering ceremony, enjoyed tea, and exchanged views on the history and profound value of Buddhism in contemporary life, especially in relation to the moral development of students today. Professor Do Quang Hung shared an overview of the history and position of Buddhism in the national cultural flow, while clarifying the profound and lasting influence of Buddhism on the moral, cultural, and artistic life of Vietnam throughout different periods. Through this, Professor Do Quang Hung emphasized the necessity of preserving and promoting the positive values ​​of Buddhism in contemporary society: its humanistic, benevolent, and community-oriented nature.As an artist, director Tue Quang shares insightful reflections on the relationship between Buddhism and art, suggesting innovative ways to preserve and spread the unique values ​​of Vietnamese Buddhism through diverse and accessible art forms.During the tea talk, the delegates listened as Venerable Thich Tho Lac shared the meaning of the "Fourfold Gratitude": Gratitude to the nation, Gratitude to parents, Gratitude to teachers and masters, and Gratitude to all sentient beings in Buddhist teachings. He also offered guidance on how to apply the spirit of gratitude and repaying kindness to contemporary social life, especially for the younger generation.
Besides the insightful and academically valuable analyses, the tea talk also left many emotional impressions through the simple and sincere sharing of experiences.
Singer Ho Quynh Huong shared her thoughts on her connection with Buddhist music, as well as the positive transformations in her thinking, personality, and lifestyle that she has experienced on her journey of understanding and practicing Buddhist teachings.
  Ms. Mai Anh – a former student of the Faculty of Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi – also expressed her deep gratitude for life, sharing how she cultivates a spirit of gratitude and reciprocity by applying Buddhist teachings to her daily life. These simple stories have contributed to affirming the enduring vitality and humanistic value of Buddhist culture in Vietnamese society today, spreading the spirit of "bringing the Dharma into life, illuminating the Dharma in life" in a gentle yet profound way.On behalf of the leadership of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vice Rector Dang Thi Thu Huong expressed her deep gratitude to the Central Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for their cooperation in organizing this extremely meaningful event. The tea discussion was not only a forum for experts to share about the history, meaning, and cultural values ​​of Buddhism – one of the religions with the greatest influence on Vietnamese society – but also a way to spread the unique cultural values ​​of the nation in contemporary life, bringing them closer to the younger generation. In the current context, spreading and promoting the positive values ​​of Buddhism plays a very important role in building a civilized, just, and compassionate society.Vice Principal Dang Thi Thu Huong also expressed her hope that, based on the signed cooperation agreement, the Central Culture Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha would continue to support and coordinate with the school in organizing many practical activities in the future.
Concluding the tea talk in a serene and solemn atmosphere, Venerable Thich Tho Lac once again emphasized the interdependent nature of all things: human beings truly exist and grow in happiness only when they know how to rely on and harmoniously connect with their families, communities, and country. Through this, the Venerable hoped that the students could gain a deeper understanding of the value of Buddhist teachings, especially the spirit of the "Four Noble Truths," to continue learning, contemplating, and applying the Buddha's teachings to their daily lives. Practicing the Four Noble Truths not only helps each person identify and transform unhealthy habits, but also contributes to cultivating a character that is true, good, and beautiful, leading to a peaceful life, and contributing to spreading the good moral values ​​of the nation and Buddhism.   At the event, the organizers also awarded five scholarships to students with excellent academic achievements to encourage their dedication to learning.
Here are some photos from the tea talk: