The funeral procession for Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. — VNA/VNS Photo Huyền Trang

THỪA THIÊN-HUẾ — A cremation ceremony for Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh was held at Vĩnh Hằng Cemetery Park in Huế City, the central province of Thừa Thien-Huế, on January 29.

Earlier the same day, thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns and followers gathered at the Từ Hiếu Pagoda to bid their final respects to the Zen Master.

The Zen Master, one of the world's most influential Buddhist figures, passed away at the Từ Hiếu Temple in his birthplace of Huế on January 22, aged 95.

Buddhist monks pray for Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. — VNA/VNS Photo Huyền Trang

Thích Nhất Hạnh became a monk at Từ Hiếu pagoda in 1942. He later founded the Plum Village in France and many monasteries in other countries including the US, Germany and Thailand. His teachings on Buddhism have gained global influence.

Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thị Thu Hằng said that the passing of Zen Monk Thích Nhất Hạnh is a loss to the Buddhist community in general and Vietnamese Buddhism in particular. — VNS