The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has been experimenting with an online prayer scheme during the spring festival season in an effort to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the community. 

Venerable Thich Duc Thien at the press conference on February 23.

According to Venerable Thich Duc Thien, vice president and general secretary of the VBS’s Executive Council, the scheme is being piloted at 12 pagodas to mark the start of the new lunar year.

It is hoped that the trial will meet the demands of Vietnamese people as they traditionally head to pagodas and temples in early spring to pray for health, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead, said the Venerable.

Followers are able to make their offerings via Momo e-wallet and register for online services via https://cauan.butta.vn.

The spiritual leader said during the pilot period, the VBS will collect feedback from local residents before making a final decision on whether or not to apply the electronic offerings to other pagodas nationwide.

He added that the move will also serve to prevent large gatherings in an effort to contain fresh COVID-19 outbreaks, whilst also promoting transparency by giving worshippers receipts for their offerings.

Previously, a number of online ceremonies and services were successfully implemented by pagodas, with local people offering huge support and positive feedback.