Reply of Minh Tue regarding the "denunciation letter" from Venerable Thich Nhat Tu
- Admin 1
- 6 days ago
- 14 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Recently, Venerable Thich Nhat Tu – from the Department of International Buddhism, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Ho Chi Minh City– sent a letter to the authorities and Buddhist organizations in Sri Lanka to denounce Minh Tuệ. (For Vietnamese version, please click here)
Below is the English translation of Minh Tue’s response to the allegations in that letter, as recorded in a direct video statement.
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1. THE MATTER IS AS IT IS, AND I WILL SPEAK ACCORDINGLY.
I don't know much, but today, I received an accusation letter. This letter is in English and has the signature of the writer. Since I do not know English, I asked someone to translate it for me.
I hold the translated version to clarify for everyone, to see if the accusation against me is true or not. If I have violated anything, I will accept the consequences and will follow the law and international regulations. If not, I will consider it as something I need to learn from. I always keep in mind that whatever I do, I will not let it affect the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha or the Vietnamese State.
I am just an ordinary person practicing. I do not claim to be a layperson, teacher, or monk... I practice to cultivate virtue, improve my health, and wish for everyone to be happy and joyful. As for other matters, I am not involved. The matter is as it is, and I will speak accordingly.
I always comply with the regulations of religious organizations, political parties, government organizations, and international organizations. For matters that are beneficial, I will learn from them. For those that are not beneficial, I will let them go with joy and goodwill, without any demands.
2. IF I AM NOT PART OF THE SANGHA, THEN WHY WOULD I VIOLATE ITS REGULATIONS?
The first part of this accusation letter mentions Mr. Lê Anh Tú, with the header of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha, Ho Chi Minh City, International Buddhist Affairs Committee, letter number 12/2025/CV-BPGQT, addressed to the Chief Prelate of the Malwatta Sect, regarding a request for intervention concerning the alleged violation of Vietnamese law and the Buddhist precepts by Mr. Lê Anh Tú.
As for the Vietnamese Buddhist precepts, I have no involvement. I have set my own precepts, so whether I violate them or not, I am the one who knows.
I would also like to clarify to everyone that I am not a monk, I am not a teacher or a priest. I always regard myself as an ordinary person practicing. Since I am not part of the Sangha, why would I violate anything of the Sangha?
Only when I am a member of the Sangha can it be said that I have violated the precepts of the organization I belong to. The reason I am not a member of the Sangha is because I feel that I am not yet worthy.
3. I AM MINH TUỆ, I DO NOT BEAR THE FAMILY NAME "THÍCH"
In the accusation letter against me, there are three main points, as follows: The International Buddhist Affairs Committee of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha - Ho Chi Minh City chapter, respectfully sends this document to you, to present several serious issues related to the actions of Mr. Lê Anh Tú (also known as Thích Minh Tuệ).
At this point, I would like to clarify that I am not Thích Minh Tuệ, I am simply Minh Tuệ, that's all.
The family name "Thích" is the name of Buddha Shakyamuni. While Buddha Shakyamuni belongs to all of humanity, not to any individual, one must consider whether they are worthy of bearing the Buddha’s name. When adopting the family name "Thích," one should bring pride to it. Otherwise, if bearing the name "Thích" results in tarnishing it or causing defamation to it, that is highly inappropriate.
I do not carry the family name "Thích," my name is simply Minh Tuệ, used to identify me during my walk, to distinguish me from others.
Simply put, Minh Tuệ is just a name to call me by.
4. THE ROBE I WEAR IS NOT A ROBE OF A MONK BELONGING TO THE VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST SANGHA
The accusation letter continues: "The person has publicly worn the monk's robes, even though they have never received ordination or been lawfully transmitted the precepts according to the Buddhist monastic code."
The robe I wear is not the robe of the Sangha, nor is it the robe of a Vietnamese monk.
This robe is called the "Phấn Tảo" robe. The name of this robe comes from the time of the Buddha—it is not something I have invented.
The fabric for the robe was collected from trash piles by the roadside, from cemeteries... and I sewed it myself, using whatever I could find, with the purpose of covering myself and keeping warm while walking. It does not violate cultural or religious norms, so certainly, this robe of mine does not affect the robes of the monks of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.
My robe is just one of the tools that assist me while I walk and practice according to the Buddha's teachings.
The yellow robe, since ancient times, I have discarded. I have stepped out of it completely and have no further connection with the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.
5. I AM JUST A NORMAL PERSON, CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING TO PRACTICE ACCORDING TO THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS
In the accusation letter, they wrote: Based on the verified documents, we would like to present three main points as follows:
First, impersonating a Buddhist monk.
I have mentioned many times to everyone that I am not a Buddhist monk, I am not a teacher, not a priest, and I do not preach. I simply live according to my vows, refraining from killing, stealing, engaging in wrongful sexual conduct, lying, drinking alcohol, eating one meal a day, and not hoarding money. I do not belong to any religious organization, so where is the question of impersonation?
I do not seek personal gain, exploit others, or harm anyone. I am just walking. In any country where it is allowed, I walk. In countries where it is not permitted, I stop. I have never opposed anyone or any organization.
I am outside of the religious organization. I have no connection or involvement with the organization. I have affirmed this many times to make it clear to everyone. So why would I need to impersonate?
6. I BELIEVE I AM NOT WORTHY OF BECOMING A MONK OF THE VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST SANGHA
The accusation letter continues,Mr. Lê Anh Tú has illegally donned the robes of a Buddhist monk without having received the ordination according to Buddhist precepts.
The robe I wear is not that of a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, is it? Where is the copyright violation? It is not the traditional yellow robe.
I wear the "Phấn Tảo" robe, which is made from fabric that others have discarded, but still, I accept what others have discarded, using whatever color fabric I can find, not just seven colors, and sew it together to cover myself, to be culturally appropriate when going out, helping me endure the heat and cold of the weather.
Until the Sangha has specific regulations stating that the fabrics and colors I wear are those that are worn by the monks of the Sangha, and if I wear them similarly, then that would be a violation of the Sangha’s regulations, and there should be an official document stating so, then I would be considered in violation, right?
I truly do not understand this matter.
They say I am wearing their robes, but I have not gone through the ordination ceremony or the novice monk's vows. Ordination is a significant matter, not just anyone can be ordained and study in this way. I personally feel that I am not worthy to become a novice monk (Sa Di) or a fully ordained monk (Tỳ Kheo) of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha. I am simply a regular person, learning to practice according to the teachings of the Buddha in the scriptures, and later, I will assess whether I have done it correctly.
When I feel it is orderly and well-done, I may become a novice monk, a fully ordained monk, and when I meet a teacher or an Arahant who possesses the complete qualities of virtue, concentration, and wisdom, I will respectfully bow and ask for ordination.
At present, I feel that I am not qualified to be ordained or to receive the vows. If I were to take the vows carelessly, become a monk for a short time and then quit, that would be truly shameful, and would tarnish the reputation of the Sangha.
These senior monks (Sư phụ) are also learning to practice according to the Buddha’s teachings. This is their right to seek happiness. I do not force anyone, nor do I pressure anyone to follow me. It is entirely their own decision.
7. WHEREVER I AM ALLOWED TO PRACTICE, I WILL GO THERE
The accusation letter continues, stating that this behavior violates the religious belief laws of Vietnam.
I do not know what their religious belief laws are. I only know that I am trying to practice the following precepts: no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no lying, no drinking alcohol or beer, eating vegetarian, having only one meal before noon, not keeping money or asking anyone for money.
I am still striving to practice these precepts.
If practicing these precepts is considered a violation of the religious belief laws, then I will accept the consequences.
If anyone doubts that I am keeping these precepts, they are welcome to follow me and check 24/7, and they will see the truth for themselves.
But if now they say that keeping these precepts is a violation of the religious belief laws, then I will seek out countries where such practices are allowed, and I will go there, requesting permission to practice and uphold these precepts.
8. I DO NOT NEED TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A MONK OF THE VIETNAM BUDDHIST SANGHA (GHPGVN)
The accusation letter continues, attaching a memorandum from the National Office of Thai Buddhism, clearly stating that Mr. Lê Anh Tú is not recognized as a legitimate monk, but is instead an imposter.
I would like to say, I am not a monk, so why do I need anyone to recognize me as one?
I do not require recognition of this title. If Thailand allows me to walk, practice, improve my health, and cause no harm to anyone, then I will go, without asking for anything in return.
Next, in the second section, it states that Mr. Lê Anh Tú has the intention of establishing a separatist sect, causing division – that he intends to create a group of monks calling themselves the “ascetic sect,” which is not in line with the regulations of Vietnamese Buddhism.
I would like to clarify that I am just a person practicing the seven precepts I have repeated several times here.
I am grateful to the Buddha, who has taught me these seven precepts. Therefore, I wish to go to India, where the Buddha was born, to pay my respects and remember him.
I do not advocate for the creation or calling for any organization. The monks here, who are connected by fate, share the same wish as mine – to go to India and express our gratitude to the Buddha. We are simply individuals on the same path. I do not forbid anyone. All of this is entirely their own voluntary intention.
As for the name “ascetic sect,” I would also like to say that asceticism is very difficult, it is not easy. I am just an ordinary person practicing the teachings to let go of greed, hatred, and ignorance in order to be happier and more content. If anyone comments that my practice is ascetic, that is their opinion. I have never claimed that my practice is ascetic.
Whether it is asceticism or not, I am still content. Whether asceticism is in line with the regulations of Vietnamese Buddhism or not, I am not sure, but if they consider asceticism to be part of their regulations, then I kindly ask them to issue a formal document. I will not follow the ascetic practice they have set out.
9. WHETHER THEY ARE UNITED OR NOT IS THEIR BUSINESS
The accusation letter continues, stating that in recent months, he has gathered about thirty people with unclear backgrounds to join his alms-seeking group, causing harm to the reputation and unity of Vietnamese Buddhism.
I truly do not understand what they are saying. They are in Vietnam, and I am here far away; how could I harm their reputation? I do not dress like them, and I have never declared myself as belonging to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, so how could I be involved with the Sangha and harm their reputation?
Mr. and Mrs. AB have their own way of practicing, and yet the neighbors criticize them for practicing wrong and want to teach them how to practice, imposing their own religious rules. How can that be right? It doesn’t make sense.
Only when I boldly claim, “I belong to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha,” and demand that everyone follows me, contributing this and that, can I be accused of harming their reputation.
Then they also accuse me of harming the unity of Vietnamese Buddhism?
Whether they are united or not has nothing to do with me! Whether they are united or not is their own business. When they set their rules, I do not have any say in it. If they want asceticism, they can practice asceticism. If they do not want asceticism, they can choose not to. If they want unity, they can remain united. If they do not want unity, they can choose not to. All these are their own rights. How can I be involved?
Now, if they say that my way of living is asceticism, and that following these seven precepts affects them, causing disunity and asking me to go somewhere else, then I will respectfully comply and leave.
10. THE RIGHT TO MOVE FREELY IS THE FREEDOM OF ALL, AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT VIOLATE THE LAW
In item three, they say I disrupt public order and harm the national reputation.
How could a person like me, on my own, threaten or affect the national reputation?
Everyone has the right to move freely. YouTubers, TikTokers, and even security forces... they all follow me in large numbers. If my walking behavior affects the national reputation, then all of the people I just mentioned, whom I never called to join me or follow me, would also be guilty of causing harm.
The right to move is the right of everyone. Why should I alone be blamed for it? If they ask me to leave, then I will accept and avoid places where I am not allowed to go, and instead, I will seek places where I am allowed to move freely. I will find places where anyone has the right to walk, regardless of their profession – whether they are a monk, a police officer, a doctor, a farmer, or an ordinary person without a family.
The accusation letter continues, citing reports from Vietnamese media that I allegedly disrupted public order in 2024.
Well, that matter is clear now. I violated, they violated, it's equal. I walk, they walk, we all bear the consequences. I have repented for this violation. I disturbed the peace in Hue, and now I ask for forgiveness and promise not to walk there again.
11. WHEREVER I AM NOT ALLOWED TO WALK, I WILL IMMEDIATELY LEAVE THAT PLACE
The accusation letter further states that I am currently supported by anti-government organizations in the United States, Australia, and some overseas communities, aiming to defame the Vietnamese government and divide Buddhism.
I would like to clarify, wherever I am allowed to go, I will go, such as in the US, Australia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka... Have I done anything, or made any statements, that could be considered defaming the government?
I am like a dog, a cow, or a monkey – if they feed me, I eat; if they let me stay, I stay. These countries help me, they give me a meal, some fruit, show me the way, guide me on paperwork, provide me with a train ticket, or a boat ticket. How is that defaming our government?
Such statements are not accurate or truthful about me.
At the bottom of the letter, they also note that the Indonesian government has refused to allow me to beg publicly on their territory in early April 2025. The Singapore government has also banned similar activities on April 9, 2025.
Anyone who follows my journey knows that I only walk where I am allowed. Initially, Indonesia did allow me, but due to some opinions, they later refused, and I absolutely respect that ban. As everyone saw, I had to leave that place immediately using a vehicle.
The same goes for Singapore, if they disagree with me walking, I will immediately leave.
12. I BEAR NO ANGER TOWARDS THE PERSON WHO FILED THE COMPLAINT AGAINST ME
As for the person who wrote and signed the complaint against me, I bear no anger towards them at all. I truly do not know who they are.
Whether I am right or wrong, everyone knows. I still wish for them to be happy and at peace. I will continue to try my best to practice and learn, without causing harm or affecting anyone.
I wish everyone well, for their happiness and well-being.
If filing the complaint makes them feel happy, then they should do so; I have no objections.
When I was still in Vietnam, there were people who even sued me for “not bathing for thirty days.” I had no connection with them, but they kept trying to involve me in trivial matters, things I never intended.
I think this way: If someone wants to engage in politics, they can; if someone wants to be a YouTuber, they can. As long as they are happy and do not involve me, everything will be fine.
We should focus on our own business, take care of our own responsibilities, and not interfere with others' lives, especially when those others do not wish for, need, or seek our involvement. Most importantly, it should not affect us.
What I’ve said today is, first and foremost, what I need to practice and learn—knowing that I have nothing, but they still force me to have something—is to see whether I will develop anger or not.
These are also the obstacles for me, which arise to help me practice compassion, patience, and letting go. I hope that those who filed the complaint against me will soon attain Buddhahood. Once they become Buddhas, they will no longer have any intentions to harm me.
13. WHAT CAN WE TAKE WITH US WHEN WE DIE
I’ve also heard that some people said I’m like a dog, going out each morning to beg for food...
That’s not wrong. I can be like a dog, or a cow, or a monkey—it’s all fine. A dog that goes out for alms. A dog that eats just one meal a day. A dog that does not harm others, does not kill, does not steal, does not lie, does not engage in sexual misconduct, does not drink alcohol, does not keep money—such a dog, to me, is a good dog.
Note: In Vietnamese and Buddhist cultural contexts, such a comparison is not meant to be derogatory. On the contrary, it reflects humility and the practice of non-self (anatta). Here, Minh Tue expresses that even an animal—if it lives without harming others, follows ethical precepts, and lives simply—is worthy of respect and learning from. This metaphor underscores his aspiration to live a harmless, humble life without ego or attachment to status.Finding such a dog is rare, and it’s worth it for me to learn from it.
Other dogs cannot live like that. Other dogs eat anything, do anything...
I’d also like to add that I do not belong to any organization or political party. I am just an ordinary person practicing the path, with no desire for fame or gain.
In life, however many years we have, we all die in the end. No matter how much we struggle or compete, we eventually leave this world. What truly matters is: when we die, what can we carry with us?
14. THIS EARTH AND THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS BELONG TO ALL HUMANITY – THEY DO NOT BELONG TO ANY ONE PERSON OR GROUP
That is for those who believe. As for those who do not believe, they may say that death is the end. If so, then they will simply create their own karma. And remember: each person must bear the results of their own karma.
Before I depart this world, I will continue doing my best to study and practice the path, and to slowly accumulate a little merit. I always wish for everyone to be joyful and happy.
Wherever—whether a country, a city, a village, a mountain, or a forest—welcomes me and allows me to practice, I will go there. And wherever does not permit it, I will not disturb or trouble them.
What I do is not related to anyone else. I take responsibility for my own actions. These venerable monks also take responsibility for their own actions. I have no intention or policy to organize them into a political party, a formal sangha, or any kind of group. If we are happy together, we simply walk together.
This Earth and the Buddha’s teachings are shared treasures of all humankind—they do not belong to any one individual.
While we are in this world, let us live peacefully together. When life ends, we simply leave.
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💫 Saigon, April 17, 2025Transcribed by Phạm Hiền Mây from video. Translated by volunteer of MinhTuePath.org
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Note:
The numbering has been added to make it easier for readers to follow.
Minh Tue’s simple and sincere responses in Vietnamese have been translated into English, in the hope that readers can grasp their core message.
The images in this article were captured by volunteers, YouTubers, and devoted followers
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Respectfully,
Admin Team
MINH TUE PATH
The Dhutanga Community Toward Wisdom and Peace
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