Official Statement from the Volunteer Group

Regarding the Allegations in the Denunciation Letter Against Minh Tue and the Walking Monastic Group from Venerable Thich Nhat Tu. (For Vietnamese)

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE VOLUNTEER GROUP ACCOMPANYING MINH TUE AND THE MONASTIC COMPANIONS

Date of release: 21st/April/2025

1. INTRODUCTION

We, the volunteers who have accompanied Minh Tue and his fellow practitioners during different phases of their spiritual journey, would like to issue this official statement to clarify recent misleading information — particularly in response to the “Denunciation Letter” signed by Venerable Thich Nhat Tu on behalf of the Department of International Buddhism, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

Full Text of the “Denunciation Letter” by Venerable Thich Nhat Tu

2. WHO WE ARE

We are individuals who have had the opportunity to support, witness, and assist Minh Tue and his fellow monks at various points in their journey. Some of us have only recently joined; others have followed their path longer. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we all share one thing in common: we have directly witnessed their simple, sincere, and non-materialistic spiritual practice, free from organizational agendas or pursuit of influence.

We affirm that Minh Tue and his companions are genuinely dedicated to a life of spiritual cultivation based on the Buddhist precepts and austere renunciation. They have never sought to form a sect, claim authority, or organize followers. Those who accompany them do so willingly and independently.

Minh Tue’s Response to the “Denunciation Letter”: Vietnamese Version / English Translation

3. REGARDING THE ALLEGATIONS IN THE “DENUNCIATION LETTER”

We assert the following points:

Minh Tue has not established any organization or political group, nor recruited followers or incited gatherings. Everyone who walks alongside him does so of their own free will, and no hierarchical structure or power dynamics exist. Each individual is responsible for their own conduct.

There have been no activities promoting superstition, distortion of doctrine, or defamation of Buddhism. Anyone who has interacted with Minh Tue would see his consistent humility, gentleness, and non-attachment. He does not allow idolization or personal cults of any kind.

The claim that Minh Tue has been “expelled” by multiple countries is a misrepresentation and exaggeration. When local authorities do not permit alms rounds or free travel, Minh Tue always respects the law, quietly leaves, and never resists or confronts the authorities.

Letter from a California State Senator, USA

4. OUR RESPONSE TO VENERABLE THICH NHAT TU’S LETTER

We are deeply disappointed that a high-ranking and educated figure within the Buddhist Sangha has issued such harsh accusations without proper verification — and further, sent them directly to foreign governments and Buddhist institutions. This act risks damaging the reputation of Vietnamese Buddhism internationally and misrepresenting the truth.

As practitioners, if there are concerns or doubts, it would be more appropriate to seek peaceful dialogue, direct engagement, and compassionate inquiry — rather than resorting to accusatory letters that could harm those genuinely practicing in peace and solitude.

Sri Lankan Media Coverage on Minh Tue and the Monastic Group

5. CONCLUSION

We do not seek conflict or controversy. We only seek to protect the truth.

If someone lives without harming others, without clinging to possessions, without receiving material offerings, without establishing a sect, without seeking followers — then even if they are not part of a formal religious institution, they deserve respect and the right to practice.

We invite fellow Buddhists, scholars, journalists, and concerned authorities to investigate this matter fairly, and listen to those who have seen with their own eyes and experienced directly.

We remain committed to supporting Minh Tue and his companions with understanding, compassion, and faith in a life of mindfulness — free from titles, institutions, or political ambitions.