Thich Minh Tue Stops Begging For Alms

Thich Minh Tue has announced he stops begging for alms due to safety and social concerns. This blog explores his reasoning, hopes for respect in Buddhist practices, and the broader impact on his spiritual journey.

1. The Reasons Why Thich Minh Tue Stops Begging for Alms

Thich Minh Tue, a respected figure in Vietnamese Buddhism, recently announced his decision to temporarily halt his alms-begging walks. Through a handwritten statement confirmed by Phat Tam Thien Dinh Tue Company Limited, he emphasized his commitment to practicing the true Dharma of Buddha Shakyamuni. However, increasing challenges—such as large crowds, social disruptions, and security concerns—have made it unsuitable for him to continue his practice of walking for alms.

In his announcement, Thich Minh Tue shared that he would only engage in alms-begging under safe conditions, where public order and traffic safety are ensured. He stressed that followers should refrain from gathering in large numbers, standing along roadsides, or creating noisy disturbances during his walks. These behaviors, he noted, go against the spirit of Dharma and disrupt the sanctity of his practice.

2. A Call for Respect and Mindfulness behind Thich Minh Tue's decision

Thich Minh Tue’s decision underscores his desire for respect and mindfulness within Buddhist practice. In his statement, he urged individuals to honor Buddha’s teachings by aligning gatherings and religious activities with appropriate conditions and realities. "If people respect Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, their actions should reflect this respect in a meaningful way," he expressed.

Previously, on November 8, Thich Minh Tue filed a petition to authorities and society, requesting measures to prevent disruptions. He asked people not to gather excessively, film, or share his images online, as these actions have interfered with his ability to practice the 13 ascetic principles central to Buddha’s teachings. These requests reflect his commitment to maintaining a peaceful and undisturbed environment for his spiritual journey.

3. Brief Journey of Thich Minh Tue

Thich Minh Tue, born Le Anh Tu in 1981 in Ha Tinh province, has spent years walking for alms, completing multiple journeys across Vietnam since 2017. His previous walks were conducted peacefully, inspiring many to embrace Buddhist values. However, his 2024 alms-begging journey faced unprecedented challenges. Starting in Khanh Hoa province and traveling to Cao Bang, large crowds gathered to follow him, disrupting traffic safety, environmental conditions, and public order.

Despite his adherence to Vietnam’s religious policies and recognition of his rights and responsibilities as a citizen, these disruptions led him to voluntarily cease his walks for alms. Local authorities supported his decision, emphasizing their respect for freedom of belief while prioritizing public safety and stability.

Conclusion

Thich Minh Tue stops begging for alms reflects his dedication to preserving the integrity of his practice amidst growing challenges. By asking for respect and mindfulness, he sets a profound example for maintaining spiritual discipline while navigating modern societal complexities.