Catholic-Mahayan buddhist dialogue in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A spiritual approach to ethical inter-religious engagement in the light of Martin Buber's philosophical insights

• Main Author: Tran, Duc Ngoc
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Catholic Church; Mahayana Buddhism > Vietnam > Ho Chi Minh; Buddhism; Martin Buber, 1878-1965; Philosophy; Religion
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdd_philo/16; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etdd_philo/article/1015/viewcontent/2024_Duc_CATHOLIC_MAHAYANA_BUDDHIST_DIALOGUE_IN_HO_CHI_MINH_CITY_VIETNAM_.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study explores the interplay between Mahayana Buddhism and Catholicism in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, adopting a spiritual approach to understand and facilitate ethical change. It investigates the historical and cultural context of Catholic and Mahayana Buddhist interactions in Vietnam, highlighting both the commonalities and differences in their spiritual practices and ethical teachings. Drawing inspiration from the existential philosophy of Martin Buber, particularly his concept of the "I-Thou" relationship, the research delves into the dynamics of dialogue, encounter, and mutual recognition between followers of these two distinct religious traditions. This approach encourages participants to encounter each other as whole beings, recognizing their shared humanity and the divine presence within each individual. Dialogue based on friendship and deep spiritual unity can help bridge the gap between these faiths. The emphasis is on how Buber's philosophy can serve as a guiding framework for fostering authentic relationships, reducing tension, and promoting ethical transformation. It reveals that both Catholicism and Mahayana Buddhism in Ho Chi Minh City find common ground in their ethical teachings, which emphasize compassion, empathy, and the intrinsic value of human relationships. These shared values form the foundation of inter-religious cooperation, opening worldviews and providing solutions to global problems. Keywords: Dialogue, Catholicism, Mahayana Buddhism, Buber, Suffering, Salvation, Spirituality, Ethics, I-Thou.