Ảnh hưởng của đạo Hiếu trong Phật giáo đến lối sống người Việt ở đồng bằng Bắc Bộ hiện nay tt ta

MINISTRY OF
EDUCATION AND TRAINING

HO CHI MINH NATIONAL
ACADEMY OF POLITICS

ACADEMY OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION

ĐINH THI GIANG

THE INFLUENCES OF FILIAL PIETY IN BUDDHISM
ON THE WAY OF LIFE OF VIETNAMESE PEOPLE
IN THE NORTHERN DELTA NOWADAYS

Major: Philosophy
Code: 92.29.001

DISSERTATION SUBMITTED FOR THE DEGREE
OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

HA NOI - 2019


WORK IS COMPLETED AT:
INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION

Science instructors:
1. Professor. Dr. Nguyen Hung Hau
2. Dr. Le Tam Dac

Reviewer 1: Asociate professor. Dr. Tran Nguyen Viet

Reviewer 2: Asociate professor. Dr. Hoang Thi Lan
Reviewer 3: Asociate professor. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Van
The thesis will be protected before the thesis review committee at the
grassroots level: Institute of Journalism and Communication
At……. AM……..2019

The thesis can be found at the library:
The Dissertation can be found at the National Library and the Library of
Institute of Journalism and Communication


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OVERVIEW
1. Rationale
Buddhism is a religion with deep and profound creed. Buddhism has
discussed about humanity and on that basis interpreting that the path to
liberation of humanity is the way of perfecting personal morality including Filial
Piety. The ultimate purpose of the filial piety in Buddhism does not stop at
awareness but also direct people to follow the "Noble Eightfold Path" to free
people from worldly suffering and bring stability to the family and society. Filial
Piety in Buddhism has discussed all aspects of the morality of humanity in a
very profound and inclusive way, from being grateful to and repaying parents in
the family and more widely, being grateful to and repaying the nation, people
and mankind.
Buddhism was introduced to Vietnam very early in the early centuries
AD through two paths which are from the Indian monks and China (Mahayana
Buddhism). The Northern Delta is located in a favorable geographical position the economic, political, cultural and social center of the whole country, a place
of great cultures, so the Northern Delta is a first place to be introduced with
Buddhism. It is easy to see that in the history of the Ly - Tran Dynasty,

Buddhism was chosen by the Vietnamese feudal government as the national
religion. At present, the Buddhist ideology in general and the Filial Piety in
Buddhism in particular still profoundly affects many aspects of the lifestyle of
the Vietnamese in the Northern Delta such as thinking, behavior, customs…
Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta always have the spirit of inheriting and
promoting positive values and turning them into the typical ideology of the
Vietnamese nation, so the study of the Filial Piety in Buddhism in order to build
and complete the current lifestyle of Vietnamese people is an essential issue.
On the other hand, Filial Piety in Buddhism has not only been valuable to
Indian ideological and cultural history and some Eastern countries but also has
the theoretical and practical value for humanity today. Because the world which
we live in the world of great changes with the development of science,
technology and market economy; the process of globalization takes place more
and more widely; life, economy, politics and society change constantly.
However, human beings today are also facing many challenges such as
traditional moral values are gradually being corrupted, many manifestations of
strange lifestyles contrary to the fine traditions and customs in a group of the
community are becoming more and more popular, especially in young people.


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They have a tendency to promote individuals, live selfishly and coldly, lack
gratitude, pay little attention to their obligations and responsibilities to their
parents, pay little attention to those around them ... and especially in recent
years, moral degradation is becoming a serious problem when a series of
heartbreaking phenomena occurring in the family and in society as children
deny their parents, even killing them...
Where is the origin of those consequences of humanity? From the point
of view of Buddhism to human beings, it can be seen that people are ignorant,

greed, jealous ... but they cannot see that they are destroying themselves, their
lineages and people. In order to overcome and confront the above challenges,
there are many ways and methods and one of them is that we can further exploit
the values of Eastern religions and philosophies, especially in Buddhism with
the profound concept of Filial Piety which has occupied a large part in the
lifestyle of the Vietnamese here. Promoting the value of the Filial Piety in
Buddhism to educate and help the Vietnamese in the Northern Delta understand
and live with the spirit of "when eating a fruit, think of the man who planted the
tree" is a necessary task; it helps each person to orient themselves, to preserve
their conscience and fulfill their obligations and to live for themselves, their
parents and others.
Therefore, studying this issue is not only meant to affirm the influences
of Filial Piety in Buddhism on the Vietnamese way of life in the Northern Delta
nowadays but also helps us to have a full view of life values and orientation for
today's life and to enrich the spiritual life of Vietnamese people in the new era.
Thus, with these thoughts, the researcher chose the topic: "The
Influences of Filial Piety in Buddhism on the Way of Life of Vietnamese People
in the Northern Delta Nowadays" for the philosophy dissertation.
2. Aims and tasks of the study
2.1. Aims of the Study
On the basis of analyzing the main contents of the Filial Piety in Buddhism,
the dissertation will clarify its influence on the lifestyle of Vietnamese people in
the Northern Delta nowadays.
2.2. Tasks of the Study
Firstly, analyze the content of the Filial Piety in Buddhism and the way
of life of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta.


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Secondly, analyze and evaluate the process of Filial Piety in Buddhism
goes into the aspects of lifestyle such as the way of thinking and the behavior of
the way of life of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta nowadays.
Thirdly, propose some views and solutions to promote the positive
influences of the Filial Piety in Buddhism on the way of life of Vietnamese
people in the Northern Delta nowadays.
3. Research Subjects and Scope of the Study
3.1. Research Subjects
The dissertation focuses on studying the influence of Filial Piety in
Buddhism on the way of thinking and behavior in the way of life of Vietnamese
people in the Northern Delta nowadays.
3.2. Scope of the Study
3.2.1. Study the main ideas of Filial Piety in the sutra such as Báo ân cha
mẹ Scripture, Vu lan bồn Scripture, Hiếu Tử Scripture, Tâm địa quán Scripture,
Mục Liên sám pháp Scripture and related documents (Gia huan, law)
3.2.2. About space: Understand the influences of the Filial Piety in Buddhism
on the way of life of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta nowadays on
some aspects: the way of thinking and the behavior of some typical provinces
like Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Ha Nam, Thai Binh, Hai Phong.
The survey subjects of Vietnamese people living in the Northern Delta
include 02 groups living, studying and working in the 06 provinces of the
Northern Delta at present: Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Ha Nam, Thai Binh
and Hai Phong: Firstly, non-Buddhist practitioners include Buddhists and nonBuddhists; Secondly, Buddhist practitioners (monks and nuns)
3.2.3. About time: Dissertation is limited since the renovation (in 1986) so
far, especially since 1990, the Politburo issued the resolution "Strengthening
religious affairs in the new situation" (called Resolution No. 24 for short). This
Resolution sets out the views on religious work in accordance with the situation
of the country entering the first phase of the reform process.
4. Theoretical Basis and Research Methodology
4.1. Theoretical Basis

The thesis is built on the basis of the theoretical basis of dialectical
materialism and historical materialism. Especially the dialectical relationship
between social existence and social consciousness, the relative independence of
social consciousness. In addition, the dissertation is also based on Ho Chi


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Minh's Thoughts and views of the Communist Party of Vietnam on lifestyle as
well as beliefs, religions in general and Buddhism in particular.
4.2. Research Methodology
The dissertation uses Marxist methodology, interdisciplinary research
methods such as history, culture, ethnology, sociological and statistical studies,
with emphasis on the use of materials and original documents research methods,
specific methods such as logic - history, analysis - synthesis, conclusion interpretation, comparison, generalization...
5. Scientific Contributions of the Dissertation
Firstly, the dissertation helps clarify Filial Piety in Buddhism in general
and Filial Piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta in particular on some specific
contents: parents' grace, People's grace, Three jewels' grace and nation's grace.
Secondly, the dissertation analyzes the influences of the Filial Piety in
Buddhism on the way of life of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta nowadays
on a number of specific manifestations: thinking and behavior through survey
results in typical provinces such as Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Ha Nam, Thai
Binh and Hai Phong.
Thirdly, the dissertation proposes some key solutions to promote the
positive influences of Filial Piety in Buddhism on the lifestyle of Vietnamese
people in the Northern Delta nowadays.
6. The Theoretical and Practical Significance of the Dissertation
6.1. Theoretical Significance
The dissertation helps clarify the content of the Filial Piety in Buddhism

and its influences on some aspects of life such as the way of thinking and
behavior of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta nowadays through survey
results in some typical provinces such as Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Ha Nam,
Thai Binh and Hai Phong.
6.2. Practical Significance
The research results of the dissertation can be used as a reference for
further studying of the influence of the Filial Piety in Buddhism on the lifestyle
of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta nowadays.
The dissertation can be used as reference for the research and teaching of
Philosophy, Religion, Culture, Ethics ... and related majors in colleges,
universities and academies in Vietnam today.
7. Organization of the Study


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In addition to the Commitment, Table of Contents, Overview, Overview
of research situation, Conclusion, List of the author's scientific works related to
the dissertation, References, Appendix summarizing the results of the survey,
Questionnaire for information collection, the content of the dissertation s
consists of 3 chapters and 10 sections.
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH SITUATION
1. The classic works of Buddhism on filial piety
Buddhism as well as Confucianism and traditional Vietnamese morality
all respect filial piety, consider filial piety as the basis of morality and thoughts
of filial piety which are found in many Buddhist scriptures such as Vu lan
Scripture, Báo ân cha mẹ Scripture, Mục liên sám pháp Scripture, Thai Cốt
Scripture và Huyết Bồn Scripture, Hiếu Tử Scripture, Tâm Địa Quán Scripture,
Địa Tạng Scripture, Thiện Sinh Scripture, etc. The original scriptures presented
above are of great value to help graduate students have an overall view of filial

content in Buddhism.
2. Studies on filial piety in Buddhism
In the process of studying the Buddhist filial piety and its influence on the
Vietnamese way of life in the Northern Delta, there are many scholars who have
carefully studied to introduce, translate and annotate the scriptures of Buddha,
there are some outstanding works such as the book Hạnh Hiếu trong đạo Phật
written by Thích Nhật Quang; Lý hoặc luận by Mâu Tử, Lục độ tập kinh by
Khương Tăng Hội, The thought of filial piety in Buddhism translated by Thích
Nhuận Đạt, Công ơn cha mẹ by Đại Đức Thích Giác Thiện, Kinh Phật cho
người tại gia và Chữ Hiếu trong đạo Phật by Thích Nhật Từ…
In addition to the research works as analyzed above, there are some
articles published in magazines that address filial piety in the Buddha such as
Chữ “Hiếu” với “nỗi khổ treo ngược” trong đạo Phật published in Buddhist
studies journal, No. 5 in 2009, Đạo Hiếu của Phật giáo qua Kinh Thiện sinh by
Thích Nhật Từ, etc. These works have made important contributions in
analyzing the basic contents of filial piety in Buddhism, while emphasizing the
positive elements and meanings of filial piety in Buddhism. This helps the PhD
student to have an objective basis to understand the content of Buddhism in its
religion and its influence on the present lifestyle of Vietnamese people in
northern delta.


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3. Studies on the lifestyle and influence of filial piety in Buddhism on
lifestyles in Vietnam and The influence of the Filial piety in Buddhism on
the behavior of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta today.
3.1. Studies on lifestyle
Vietnam in recent decades, studying the lifestyle of society has become
quite extensive, achieving many achievements such as book Về lối sống mới

của chúng ta (About our new lifestyle) by Phong Châu, Lối sống xã hội chủ
nghĩa & xu thế toàn cầu hóa (Socialist lifestyle & globalization trend ) by
Thanh Lê, Bản sắc dân tộc trong lối sống hiện đại (National identity in modern
lifestyle) by Lê Như Hoa, etc., There are also articles like: Nghiên cứu về lối
sống: Một số vấn đề về khái niệm và cách tiếp cận (Lifestyle research: Some
conceptual issues and approach) by Phạm Hồng Tung, etc. The works have
shown the concept and structure of the lifestyle. This is a useful reference
source, a scientific basis for the author of the thesis when analyzing and
interpreting the way of life of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta
nowadays.
3.2. The research works on the influence of filial piety in
Buddhism on lifestyle in Vietnam
The issue of the influence of Buddhism in general and filial piety in
Buddhism in particular on the lifestyle in Vietnam has been studied for a long
time in history. In recent decades, the study of the influence of filial piety in
Buddhism on the way of life in Vietnam has become quite extensive, achieving
certain achievements such as Ảnh hưởng của các hệ tư tưởng và tôn giáo đối
với con người Việt Nam hiện nay (The influence of ideologies and religions on
Vietnamese people nowadays) by Nguyễn Tài Thư, Phật giáo với văn hóa Việt
Nam (Buddhism for Vietnamese culture) by Nguyễn Đăng Duy, Việt Nam Phật
giáo sử luận (Vietnamese Buddhist commentary) by Nguyễn Lang, Lịch sử Đạo
Phật Việt Nam (History of Vietnamese Buddhism) by Nguyễn Duy Hinh…
Recently, a number of articles in the journal Philosophy, Religion, Buddhist
Studies, etc. mentioned the issue of Buddhist influence on the lifestyle in
Vietnam nowadays such as Phật giáo và sự hình thành nhân cách con người
Việt Nam hiện nay (Buddhism and the formation of human character in Vietnam
nowadays) (1993) by Nguyễn Tài Thư; Ảnh hưởng của Phật giáo đối với đạo
đức (The influence of Buddhism on morality) (1999) by Lê Hữu Tuấn; Đạo đức
Phật giáo với vấn đề xây dựng nhân cách con người Việt Nam (Buddhist ethics
with the issue of building up the Vietnamese personality) (2002) by Hoàng Thị

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Thơ, etc. The opinions mentioned in the works and articles are references,
important suggestions to help the thesis author continue to study in depth the
issues that are being set.
3.3. The research works on the influence of filial piety in Buddhism on the
Vietnamese way of life in the Northern Delta nowadays
The study of the influence of filial piety in Buddhism on the Vietnamese
way of life in the Northern Delta is now mentioned in research works in various
approaches such as culture, religion, philosophy, etc., specifically, Người Việt
vùng Đồng bằng Bắc Bộ (Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta region) by
Diệp Đình Hoa, Những khía cạnh triết học trong tín ngưỡng thờ cúng tổ tiên
của người Việt ở Đồng bằng Bắc Bộ hiện nay (The philosophical aspects of the
ancestor worship of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta nowadays) by
Trần Đăng Sinh, Research Institute of Religion and Beliefs of the Ho Chi Minh
National Academy of Politics and Public Administration carried out the project
of the “Ảnh hưởng của Phật giáo đến đời sống tinh thần nhân dân vùng Đồng
bằng Bắc Bộ hiện nay” (The influence of Buddhism on the spiritual life of the
people in the Northern Delta) led by Phạm Văn Dần. In addition to the above
research works, there are some works with the content and research direction
related to the influence of filial piety in Buddhism on the Vietnamese way of life
in the Northern Delta nowadays such as Management of traditional festivals of
Vietnamese in the Northern Delta from 1945 to present (2007), Ph.D.
dissertation of cultural studies by Bùi Hoài Sơn; Some issues of belief and
religion in the Red River Delta nowadays (2007) of Nguyễn Quốc Tuấn and
Nguyễn Ngọc Quỳnh which is published in a religious research journal, No. 3;
The philosophical aspect in the worship of Mother Goddess of Vietnamese
people in the Northern Delta region (2013), Ph.D. dissertation of Nguyễn Hữu

Thụ, etc. These research results help the author of the thesis to have a richer,
more diverse and comprehensive view of the status of the Buddhist influence on
the Vietnamese way of life in the northern delta and solutions to promote the
positive side of filial piety in Buddhism for building and improving the lifestyle
of Vietnamese people in the northern delta nowadays.
4. The issues raised need further research in the dissertation
4.1. The content of the research that has been achieved
Firstly, the works mentioned the basic content of filial piety in Buddhism,
gave the concept, structure of life and approached under different perspectives
on the influence of filial piety in Buddhism on lifestyle in Vietnam, but generally


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stops at the general level, didn’t present the problem comprehensively, the system
of the influence of filial piety in Buddhism to the aspects of social life.
Secondly, the works have shown the role of filial piety in Buddhism to
lifestyles in Vietnam and the necessity to inherit the values and overcome the
limitations in the concept of Buddhist filial piety towards the process of building
a new society in our country today.
Thirdly, issue of the influence of Buddhism in the Vietnamese way of
life in the Northern Delta has been mentioned but not much and scattered in
research works based on the cultural approach that Buddhism relates to.
4.2. The issues raised need further research in the dissertation.
Firstly, based on the material, there are researchers who have initially
introduced the concept of filial piety in Buddhism to serve the study of its
contents.
Secondly, to study fully, scientifically, systematically about filial piety in
Buddhism and its influence on the way of life of Vietnamese people, students
must study in many fields without excluding other specialized books such as

history, literature, religion, etc., which have content of filial piety in Buddhism.
Thirdly, the issue of "the influence of filial piety in Buddhism on the
lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta nowadays” is a new
project, there has not been a researcher who has studied in depth, thus enabling
the PhD student to continue to study deeply to explain scientifically about the
influence of filial piety in Buddhism on the lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the
Northern Delta today.
Fourthly, offer solutions to promote the positive side, limit the negative
side of filial piety in Buddhism to the lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the
Northern Delta today.


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Chapter 1. SOME THEORETICAL ISSUES ABOUT THE INFLUENCE
OF FILIAL PIETY IN BUDDHISM ON THE PRESENT LIFESTYLE OF
VIETNAMESE PEOPLE IN NORTHERN DELTA
1.1. Filial piety in Buddhism and filial piety in Buddhism in
the northern delta
1.1.1. Filial piety
From the perspective of scholars as well as real life, we believe that filial
piety is a code of conduct whereby people voluntarily adjust their behavior to
show gratitude to parents, grandparents and ancestors.
1.1.2. Filial piety in Buddhism
1.1.2.1. Concept of filial piety in Buddhism
From the analysis of the Buddhist scriptures, we believe that the filial
piety in Buddhism is the Buddhist conception of thanksgiving, the way of
thanking parents, sentient beings, the King and the Three Jewels.
1.1.2.2. Some basic contents of filial piety in Buddhism
Firstly, Buddhist conception of thanksgiving towards parents

On the merit of parents, according to Buddhism, parents have the merit of
birth and nurturing. “In this world, the merits of parents are the greatest”; “Thế
gian, núi non là cao, ơn của mẹ còn cao hơn thế - cao hơn núi Tu di, Thế gian
cõi đất là nặng, ơn mẹ còn nặng hơn thế” (Moutains are high, but mother’s
sacrifice is unmeasurable – The Earth is heavy, but not as much as sacrifice that
mother carries)
On how to thank parents, Buddhism shows how to tell the parents' deep
gratitude, there are filial piety and afterlife filial piety. For filial piety, according
to Buddhism, when parents are still alive, children have the obligation to
provide material and spiritual support for their parents. For afterlife filial piety is
children help their parents to be liberated and go to Nirvana. The care for
parents in spiritual life is the educational goal of Buddhism and also the
superiority of Buddhism compared to the traditional Vietnamese filial piety as
well as the filial piety in other religions and doctrines ever.
Secondly, the Buddhist conception of gratitude and how to repay gratitute to
living beings.
In addition to grateful to their current parents, people also need to thank the
"living beings" of the six paths as all beings can be affectionate parents for many of


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their lives. On the other hand, living beings not only have special karma (karma of
each individual) but also common karma (karma of the whole community).
The way to repay gratitute to living beings, according to Buddhism,
people should help each other, find ways to repay each other, not to slaughter and
harm each other, people must have the spirit of compassion, joy, continent, etc.
Thirdly, the Buddhist conception of gratitude and how to repay gratitute to
the Fatherland
Regarding the merit of the Fatherland, according to Buddhism, it is the

grace of "the leaders of the country". These people also have great grace for
people. They use laws to manage society and the Dharma of Buddha "transforms
people's hearts, makes the country develop steadily, not falling into eight major
crises", etc.
Regarding the way to repay gratitude to the country, people are grateful
for merit by developing the country to show their obedience to the law, to follow
the true politics, to promote the development society, the rich and
Fourthly, the Buddhist conception of thanksgiving, gratitude to the Three Jewels
For the gratitude of the Three Jewels. The Three Jewels in Buddhism
mean that teachers like Buddha, Dharma, Sangha who have great grace for
people, liberating people from the cycle of birth and death, to the Nirvana.
How to repay the gratitue of Three Jewels? Buddhism advises people
first of all to strive to train moral, to illuminate ignorance with the wisdom lamp
to not discourage the teacher's teaching, to respect the teacher, to live according
to the teacher and to encourage the teacher to follow the Buddha’s teachings.
1.1.2.3. Characteristic of Filial piety in Buddhism
From the above analysis, some characteristics of the Filial piety inbBuddhism
can be drawn:
Firstly, the Filial piety in Buddhism is built on the basis of the law of cause
and effect and the theory of reincarnation and karma.
Secondly the Filial piety in Buddhism has a greater spirit of equality and
fertility than the Confucianism and traditional filial piety.
Thirdly, the peculiarity of the Filial piety in Buddhism compared to other
Filial piety is the way to practice the Filial piety in non-dogmatic way.
Fourthly, the Filial piety in Buddhism is a means of morality for liberation


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Fifthly, the path of practicing Filial piety in Buddhism is idealistic and

utopian.
1.1.3. The Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta
1.1.3.1. Some basic contents of filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta
The Filial piety in Buddhism on the way to penetrate into the Northern
Delta has changed to adapt, in necessary cases, willing to cooperate with other
beliefs and religions in a selective way to develop. Therefore, Buddhism in the
Northern Delta was formed and developed in the background of Confucian
culture and indigenous beliefs. Since the 15 th century, in Gia Huan's works, filial
piety has been discussed as a virtue, with a wider scope, with deeper content
typical of Gia Huấn Ca of Nguyen Trai, “Hành tham quan gia huấn của nha
Nho” of Bui Huy Thich. The works speak of the great merits of parents and the
method of responding to that great merits.
In the Le dynasty, Filial piety in Buddhism has many new and progressive
features. Due to the influence of the French family, Confucianism and folklore,
the content of the Filial piety does not stop at ideology, conception but has been
institutionalized by the laws of the feudal State, mostly by the law of Le dynasty.
Ly - Tran dynasties - the most developed period in the history of
Buddhism in the Northern Delta. The Filial piety in Buddhism was present in the
brilliant and wisely political way of the Ly - Tran dynasties, contributing to the
recovery of the people and the unity of the nation to keep the land, social
stability, land construction truly independent and autonomous.
In early modern period, The Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern
Delta not only stops within the family but also extends the scope of the nation,
show that the Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta accompanied with
the nation in the process of building and protecting the country expressed
through King, Buddhist Tran Thai Tong, King Tran Nhan Tong, Tue Trung
Thuong Si, etc.
In the Early modern period, the content of Filial piety in Buddhism in the
Northern Delta had the meaning of struggle for national liberation, building a
good society for the people. Above all, the elite point of convergence of the

Vietnamese nation is President Ho Chi Minh. He considered saving the nation


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and liberating the nation are like going to hell to save living beings of Buddha,
if we do not do it, no one can substitute for us.
Above all, the elite point of convergence of the Vietnamese people is
President Ho Chi Minh. He is the crystallization of the essence of the nation and
mankind with the spirit of Confucianism - the Buddha - the East of the East and
the Marxism spirit of the West. Throughout his life, he devoted to the ideal of
liberating the nation from oppression injustice, poverty and backwardness. He
discovered the core of Buddhism is salvation for the sufferings, which is similar
to the ideal of liberating people of Marxism.
After the liberation of the South, on November 7, 1981, the Buddhist
Church of Vietnam was established with the motto of: Dharma - Ethnicity –
Socialism”. Even in the period of national renewal, building a socialist-oriented
market economy, the Filial piety in Buddhism here also did not reduce the spirit
that expressed into concrete actions such as raising disabled children, orphans,
taking care of elderly people without support, etc.
1.1.3.2. Characteristic of the Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta
From the above analysis, some characteristics of the Filial piety in
Buddhism in the Northern Delta region can be drawn:
Firstly, the Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta shows
openness, flexibility, not rigidly absorbing Chinese Confucian teachings, but
with the transformation, combined with indigenous cultural beliefs to create new
nuances and spirits.
Second, the Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta has opened a
path with the spirit of liberating the people of Marxism-Leninism.
Thirdly, the Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta is arbitrary

Fourthly, the conception of the Filial piety is associated with the spirit of
incarnation and true patriotism.
1.2. Lifestyle and factors affecting the lifestyle of the Vietnamese people in
the Northern Delta
1.2.1. Concept of lifestyle
Lifestyle is a way of living activities of people that reflect the mode of
production in certain stages of development and manifests in activities such as
awareness, behavior, ways of labor, customs, etc. of human.


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In the scope of the dissertation, we consider the lifestyle is expressed in
the way people think and behave.
1.2.2. The Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta and the factors affecting
the lifestyle of the Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta
1.2.2.1. The Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta
The Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta are now all people living in
the provinces and cities of the Northern Delta region including: Hanoi, Bac
Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh,
Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh
1.2.2.2. The factors affecting the lifestyle of the Vietnamese people in the
Northern Delta
Firstly, the socialist-oriented market economy
The market economy affecting the lifestyle of the Vietnamese people in
the Northern Delta now mixes both positive and negative factors. The positive
side contributes to forming an active and creative lifestyle towards economic
efficiency. The negative side forms a pragmatic lifestyle, appreciating material,
defying morality, etc.
Secondly, the process of industrialization, modernization and urbanization

In recent years, the process of industrialization, modernization and
urbanization in the Northern Delta has created positive factors for the
development, contributing to the formation of new lifestyles - the industrial
lifestyle in the Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta but also caused negative
issues such as drugs, gambling, prostitution, robbery that adversely affected the
lifestyle of the Vietnamese people in the region. This situation tends to spread,
adversely affecting the living environment and lifestyle of the Vietnamese
people here.
Thirdly, globalization and international integration
Globalization and international integration with the development of
science affect the multifaceted development in social life but lead to the risk of
destroying humanity by nuclear war, environmental pollution, critically ill,
breaking the traditional moral values of the nation, causing many people to be
corrupted, lose themselves, become slaves for material constraints. It is the basis


14

of forming a pragmatic, indulgent, selfish lifestyle and cause of conflict and
dispute in family, school and social relations.
Fourthly, traditional morality
Currently, there are many different factors affecting the lifestyle of the
Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta, but the good values of traditional
morality such as patriotism, filial piety with parents, respect to teachers, when
drinking water, think of its source, etc. has become an important pillar in their
daily perceptions, attitudes and actions. However, the strong impact of
traditional morality sometimes hinders the process of transforming modern and
advanced ideas, directly affecting the thinking and lifestyle of the Vietnamese
people. These are some of the negative influences on the lifestyle of Vietnamese
people in the Northern Delta.

Fifth, ideological factors and cognitive level of Vietnamese people in the
Northern Delta.
For the Vietnamese people in the present Northern Delta, the dominant
ideology of the Vietnamese people is Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's
thought, along with the Party and State's policies and guidelines. These
ideologies govern and regulate the lifestyle of Vietnamese people here.
Along with ideology, the level of awareness is also one of the factors
affecting the lifestyle of the Vietnamese people in Northern Delta here.
Compared with other regions in the country, the level of awareness of
Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta is superior. The high level of
awareness helps Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta today take the right
actions, form moral habits, responsible lifestyles for families and society and
struggle to overcome and prevent bad behaviours, restraint and repel law
violations in society.
Thus, the lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta is
currently influenced by many factors. Each element has a certain position in
building a healthy and humane lifestyle for Vietnamese people. In traditional
Filial piety, Filial piety in Buddhism is a factor that has a profound effect on the
lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the present Northern Delta. This issue will be
clarified in the next chapter.


15

Summary of Chapter 1
The Filial piety in Buddhism is the Buddhist conception of gratitude, the
way to repay gratitute of people to parents, sentient beings, the King and the
Three Jewels on the path to liberation. When Buddhism was introduced into the
Northern Delta (around the beginning of the Citadel), in order to survive and
develop, Buddhism had to find ways to adapt to the local customs and beliefs

here. Therefore, the concept of Filial piety in Buddhism in the Northern Delta is
the continuous improvement of concepts and contents in the concept of merit
and gratitude to parents, national nations and beings the path to liberation in
accordance with the economic, political, social and cultural circumstances in the
Nortehrn Delta in each certain historical period. Meanwhile, lifestyle is a large
field, not only reflecting but also having a positive impact on the material life of
society. In the scope of the dissertation, lifestyle is expressed in the way of
thinking and behavior between parents and children in family and people with
people in society. The lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta also
changes from thinking to behavior in both positive and negative directions.
There are many reasons for this transformation in which it is impossible to
ignore the position of Buddhism in the Northern Delta, because Buddhism with
profound and profound ideology has greatly influenced the way of life of
Vietnamese people from the past to the present. The actual situation of the Filial
piety’s influence in Buddhism on how Vietnamese people live, we will present
in Chapter 3.


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Chapter 2: INFLUENCES OF FILIAL PIETY IN BUDDHISM TO LIFE
OF VIETNAMESE PEOPLE IN THE NORTHERN DELTA - REAL
SITUATION AND RESEARCH ISSUES
2.1. The influence of Filial piety in Buddhism to the
perception of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta today.
By analyzing the influence of Filial piety in Buddhism on the perception
of Vietnamese people in the present Northern Delta through surveying some
typical provinces, we have found that Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta
are now aware of the basic contents of it. Filial piety in Buddhism as merits of
parents, the method of repaying gratitude to parents, especially the law of cause

and effect, the outcome of the Filial piety,etc. and the role of Filial piety in
Buddhism for morality. This contributes to help Vietnamese people in the
Northern Delta now cultivate their own morality, overcome lowly desires,
ordinary desires to fulfill the good moral standards, especially for some people
in the Northern Delta. Currently, the Filial piety seems to have become a luxury
item. Besides, there are still limitations such as
Firstly, a part of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta do not fully
understand Filial piety's point of view in Buddhism as Filial piety in Buddhism
only speaks of parents' filial piety but refers to little or no mention of other
merits like beings, teachers and homeland should be cited in the perception of
Vietnamese people in the current Northern Delta, they think that they only need
to be nice to their parents.
Secondly, a part of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta are currently
not aware of their daily physical and mental filial piety, they can only pray
spiritually instead as they think. This is also the basis for superstition to develop, for
some members to take advantage of the faith of Vietnamese people in the region.
Thirdly, In the moral sentiment of the Vietnamese people in the Northern
Delta today, due to the influence of the concept of the Hieu religion in Buddhism,
many people have come from affection to solve family and social relationships,
leading to cover, sometimes abetting crime, breaking the law, creating bad
public opinion.
Fourthly, Vietnamese people's awareness of filial piety in Buddhism is
limited because the family and social environment in the Northern Delta is
currently not healthy and the material life is still low so Vietnamese people do
not have time to learn.


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2.2. The influence of the Filial piety in Buddhism on the behavior of

Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta today.
2.2.1. The influence of the Filial piety in Buddhism on the behavior of
Buddhist practitioners
Basically, the spirit of filial piety in Buddhism is to help people have a
good way of living, can contribute to society most, but when the Buddhist filial
piety influences Buddhist practitioners, there is a set of spiritual practitioners are not
fully aware and can fully realize but deliberately mislead some bad phenomena
which limit the promotion of positive aspects of Buddhism, which shows:
Firstly, some pagodas cannot keep the purity and sanctity, the gratitude
charitable activities here also take place hastily, openly which losing the
tranquility and sanctity at such sacred place, losing the trust of Northern Delta
people in Buddhist filial piety.
Secondly, somes, in the name of the Kasaya and Buddhist flag of freedom
and equality to disturb social order. That makes political colors stain Buddhism
and vice versa, Buddhism intervenes too deeply in politics for the purpose of
reactionary will also hinder the development of society.
Thirdly, some monks in the Northern Delta are now morally degraded,
not letting go of ignorance, swirling in the vortex of the market economy, losing
their own cultivation.
2.2.2. The influence of the Filial piety in Buddhism on the behavior of those
who are not Buddhist practitioners.
By analyzing the influence of filial piety in Buddhism on the behavior of
those who are not Buddhist followers in the Northern Delta nowadays, we find
that fundamentally, in the way of behavior of Vietnamese people in The
Northern Delta now expresses the spirit of filial piety in Buddhism such as the
fulfillment of the funeral of parents, the spiritual and material support for
parents, always love and help everyone. In addition to the positive, in the way of
behavior of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta today contrary to the filial
spirit in Buddhism expressed as follows
Firstly, The holidays of Buddhism in the Northern Delta at present are the

Vu Lan festival that are being transformed, losing the pure, sacred meaning and
cultural beauty of filial piety in Buddhism.
Secondly, some Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta now especially
young people do not cultivate themselves to practice morality, have a way of life
and behavior contrary to the Buddhist spirit of morality, such as playing,


18

lurching, forgetting their origins, rejecting, violate and deny responsibility to
their parents, even kill the one who gave birth to them.
Thirdly, gratitude activities and charities have not yet come from the heart,
some people take advantage of charity activities for self-interest. Charitable
activities have positively contributed to the social welfare to show the spirit of
protecting others but create favorable conditions for some lazy people who do
not work, live on the alms of others.
Fourthly, funeral processions and worship of the parents of some Vietnamese
families in the Northern Delta now does not properly express the filial piety in
Buddhism as simply and dignified showing the pain from their hearts.
2.3. The problems posed by the reality of filial piety's
influence in Buddhism on the Vietnamese way of life in the present
Nothern Delta
2.3.1. The impact of poorly low material life, an unhealthy family and social
environment the spirit of the filial piety in Buddhism in Vietnamese people at
Nothern Delta
Nothern Delta is conducting comprehensive reforms, promoting the
socialist-oriented market economy. Although the market economy has a positive
side, it contributes to improving the material life of Vietnamese people at
Nothern Delta but during the development process, Vietnamese people at
Nothern Delta have not fully estimated and are not fully prepared to prevent its

reverse ... These problems lead to instability in some localities in the Nothern
Delta. Meanwhile, considering the current Nothern Delta’s religions, Buddhism
with deep conception of filial piety still exists with its full mechanism, still
capable of meeting the needs of the vast majority of Vietnamese people.
Therefore, for the Vietnamese at the Nothern Delta today, how to build a
positive and humanistic lifestyle in the spirit of filial piety in Buddhism before
the continuous development of the socio-economic issues posed is necessary to
continue focusing on promoting economic development, hunger elimination,
poverty reduction, improving material life and building a healthy family and
social environment for Vietnamese people in the region.
2.3.2. The impact of not yet properly and fully acknowledged the spirit of
the filial piety in Buddhism inVietnamese people in the Northern Delta
In the process of examining the current status of the Buddhist influence
on the Vietnamese lifestyle in Nothern Delta, we now see that the Vietnamese at
the Nothern Delta are now not properly aware of the filial piety in Buddhism,


19

so, a few people have performed the filial piety rituals, gratitude ways that are
not in line with the Buddhist spirit, causing deviations in spiritual and cultural
beauty, beliefs that have been good traditional virtues of the Vietnamese people
and many Vietnamese people at the Nothern Delta have now been exploited by
the bad people in the activities of filial piety, to distort the profound human
meaning of the Buddhist religion. We believe that it is necessary to further
strengthen, diversify and more effectively propagate and educate Vietnamese
people at the Nothern Delta in terms of values and limitations of the filial piety
in Buddhism.
2.3.3. The impact of The filial piety in Buddhism is being taken advantage
by some people due to poor organization

In the spirit of positive entry, the filial piety in Buddhism at the Nothern
Delta has accompanied the development history of the nation. Currently, this
spirit is inherited and expanded by monks and nuns. However, at the Nothern
Delta now, it is inevitable that there is a large and small part of monks and nuns,
Buddhists have actions and deeds that are contrary to the teachings of
Buddhism. On the other hand, hostile forces, reacting to the open-door policy of
our Party and State, are frantically fighting against the Party and our State
through the strategy of "Peaceful Evolution theory" with all tricks. So the
question arises, how does the orientation for Buddhism at the Nothern Delta
currently work in accordance with the "Ethics - Ethnicity - Socialism" policy. At
the same time, it must minimize the negative effects of filial piety in Buddhism
to build and form a healthy lifestyle, "to live for the greater good" for devotees,
buddhists in the Nothern Delta today which requires synchronous
implementation of multiple solutions.
Summary of Chapter 2
In the present Vietnamese lifestyle at the Nothern Delta, the concept of
the filial piety in Buddhism has a profound effect on the way of thinking and
behavior of Vietnamese people in the region. However, besides the positive
influence, there are still certain limitations of the filial piety in Buddhism affect
the way of thinking and behavior. In order to promote positive effects, and limit
negative effects, there should have a consistent perspective and solution based on
the current economic, cultural and social conditions of the Nothern Delta today.
Chapter 3. SOME VIEWS AND SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE THE
POSITIVE SIDE AND LIMIT THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF FILIAL PIETY


20

IN BUDDHISM TO THE VIETNAMESE LIFESTYLE IN THE
NORTHERN DELTA AT THE PRESENT

3.1. Some views to promote the value of filial piety in
Buddhism to the Vietnamese lifestyle in the Northern Delta at the
present
3.1.1. Mastering and observing the views of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh's
thought and the Party's innovative perspective in solving religious issues
In the process of developing in the Northern Delta now, religion still
exists as an indispensable spiritual need in a part of the masses. In order to
promote filial piety in Buddhism effectively in the lifestyle of Vietnamese
people in the Northern Delta, it requires based on the views of Marxist Leninism,
Ho Chi Minh's thought and the Party's innovative viewpoint in resolving religious
issues. However, the implementation of these views must be flexible and creative in
accordance with the current economic, political, cultural and social conditions of the
Northern Delta region, motivating people to participate in career in national
construction and defense. This mastery will contribute to effectively promoting the
values of filial piety in Buddhism and to limit wrongdoings that affect the lifestyle
of Vietnamese people in the Northern Delta at the present.
3.1.2. Combining construction and prevention to overcome behaviors contrary
to filial piety in Buddhism.
The filial piety in Buddhism still has its shortcomings, besides the inadequate
awareness of the Vietnamese people in the region and the reactionary thoughts
that are reasons for the wrong thinking and dealing with our parents,
grandparents and Vietnamese ancestors. Therefore, along with the exploitation
and promotion of positive effects of filial piety in Buddhism, it is necessary to
overcome its limitations, and at the same time, struggle with intolerance to the
forces taking advantage of Buddhism for the bad purpose.
3.1.3. Promoting the value of filial piety in Buddhism associated with the
socio-economic development of the Northern Delta today
Firstly, every solution to promote the positive influence of filial piety in
Buddhism must be consistent with the socio-economic conditions of the
Northern Delta region today.

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Secondly, socio-economic development and improvement of Vietnamese
people's life in the Northern Delta are now the basis for promoting good values
and will gradually overcome the negative effects of filial piety in Buddhist.
Thirdly, the exploitation and promotion of good values of Buddhist filial piety
must return to serve the process of socio-economic development, improve the
lifestyle for Vietnamese people in the region.
3.2. Some solutions to promote the positive influence of
filial piety in Buddhism on the lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the
Northern Delta
3.2.1. Creating jobs, raising incomes so that Vietnamese people in the
northern delta now have conditions to take caie of their parents according to
the filial spirit in Buddhism.
Governments at all levels in the Northern Delta now need to focus on
developing household economy, perfecting the legal apparatus and institutions
in order to create conditions for the private sector to develop, effectively care for
traditional craft villages, diversify forms of land cultivation, etc.
3.2.2. Building a cultural family, healthy and stable social environment to
promote the value of filial piety in Buddhism
Need to build a cultural family environment in which parents must exemplify
the practice of filial piety in Buddhism through behavior towards grandparents.
It is necessary to build a healthy and stable social environment by well
implementing the policies of the Party and the State on the right to freedom of
belief, not to violate the rights of freedom, belief and non-belief; preserving and
developing values of traditional ethnic filial values and acquiring selective
cultural humanity quintessence, organizing gratitude activities according to Law
but still ensuring the right spirit of filial piety in Buddhism.

3.2.3. Promoting the propaganda of filial education in Buddhism to have a
way to think and behave properly in the spirit of filial piety in Buddhism
Firstly, it needs to be expanded within the school. For example: when
teaching subjects of Civic education, Music subjects, it’s need to integrate the
content of filial piety in Buddhism; Invite monks to organize seminars on the
merits of parents and teachers in schools.
Secondly, attention should be paid to the training of religious staff and
monks. They must have a deep moral and professional qualification; understand
the Party's and State's lines and policies on religion.


22

Thirdly, it is necessary to regularly renew the propaganda and education
forms and contents such as effective organization and expressing the culture for
the activities of grace, filial piety and summer retreats for the young generation
to help they orient the way of life in the future.
Fourthly, it is necessary to regularly organize and replicate the model of
scientific research seminars, seminars to learn about filial piety in Buddhism.
Fifthly, it is necessary to improve people's awareness and intellectual level.
Sixthly, conducting propaganda and filial education in Buddhism combined with
legal propaganda and education for every Vietnamese in the Northern Delta today.
3.2.4. Strengthen the organization and management of gratitude activities to combat
behaviors contrary to filial piety in Buddhism
Firstly, the authorities at all levels, together with the Vietnam Buddhist
Sangha of the region, need to have their own religious policies suitable to the
historical conditions of the region, in addition to the Party and State's religious
policies.
Secondly, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of the provinces and cities in the
Red River Delta region should coordinate with the authorities at all levels and

social organizations in and outside the region to encourage the organization and
construction of good and effective activities and gratitude movements.
Thirdly, the People's Committee of communes and wards can coordinate
with other departments such as Women's Union, Elderly Association, Study
Promotion Association, Veterans Association to implement the reward policy for
filial examples, individuals, organizations and temples have many contributions
to social charity and welfare relief.
Fourthly, encourage Buddhists and Vietnamese people in the region to
actively participate in acts of Buddhist mischief to carry out superstitious
activities. For grassroots authorities, especially heads of towns, villages and
regional polices, when detecting acts of filial disobedience, they need to
intervene in time and strictly handle according to law.
Fifthly, for the Vu Lan or other Buddhist holidays, the Vietnam Buddhist
Sangha in the Northern Delta region should make general provisions, organize a
wide range of cultural activities, Buddhist arts, organize a ceremony to install
roses, or choosing a form suitable to local customs and conditions.
Sixthly, Buddhist gratitude and charitable activities are necessary to check,
supervise, summarize and learn from experiences and serious restrictions.
Summary of Chapter 3


23

Due to the complexity of religious phenomena, the promotion of positive
influences, limiting negative influences of the Buddhist filial piety towards the
lifestyle of the Vietnamese in the Northern Delta now requires great caution and
the need to define a clear point of view will bring about good results. At the
same time, in order to the work of promoting positive influences, limiting
negative influences of the Buddhist filial piety towards the lifestyle of the
Vietnamese in the Northern Delta today gets high effective, it requires

synchronous implementation of solutions. If we can synchronize the above
solutions, it will contribute to the filial piety of Buddhism into the endogenous
power for Vietnamese people in the region, helping them build a prosperous,
happy life right away. At the same time, it will make the good values of the filial
piety in Buddhism vividly expressed in the lifestyle of the people, becoming a
resource for the construction and comprehensive development of the Northern
Delta at the present.