Letter to the Authorities of Nepal
- Admin 2
- Oct 5
- 3 min read
Urgent Appeal for the Protection of Dhutaṅga Monks Being Harassed in Lumbini, Nepal (for Vietnamese, click here)
Letter of Appeal for the Protection of Dhutanga Monks in Lumbini, Nepal
To:
The Government of Nepal
Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal
Lumbini Development Trust
United Nations Office in Kathmandu
International Buddhist and Human Rights Organizations
Subject: Urgent Appeal for the Protection of Vietnamese Dhutanga Monks Facing Harassment in Lumbini, Nepal
Dear Respected Authorities and Organizations,
We respectfully submit this letter to inform you of a concerning situation involving a group of Vietnamese Buddhist monks who are currently residing and practicing meditation in Lumbini, Nepal — the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha.
These monks live in mindfulness, purity, and simplicity, following the ancient Dhutanga (ascetic) practices of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. However, in recent weeks, they have become targets of harassment and defamation by certain individuals who record and post misleading videos on social media, disrupting their peace and spiritual life.
We, devotees who revere the Buddha, wish to share accurate information and sincerely request your compassion and assistance to protect these genuine practitioners.
1. About the Dhutanga Monks
The monks are practicing according to the Dhutanga precepts taught by the Buddha in the Pali Canon, leading a life of utmost simplicity and strict discipline.Their practices include:
Wearing robes made from discarded or found cloth (often from roadside or cemetery areas).
Sleeping outdoors — in forests, abandoned houses, cemeteries, or open fields.
Living solely on alms, taking only one vegetarian meal in the morning, and eating nothing thereafter.
Refraining from using modern devices, money, or engaging in worldly activities.
The first practitioner of this path is Venerable Minh Tue, who began the Dhutanga practice in 2018 and has walked across Vietnam multiple times to spread the spirit of mindfulness, simplicity, and awakening.
👉 More about Venerable Minh Tue: https://www.minhtuepath.org/en/thay-minh-tue
2. The Pilgrimage Journey
The Dhutanga group began their pilgrimage on December 12, 2024, traveling from Vietnam to Laos, then to Thailand. From there, they continued through Malaysia, crossed by sea to Batam Island (Indonesia), and proceeded to Singapore.
From Singapore, they flew to Sri Lanka, where they continued their spiritual journey at sacred Buddhist sites until their pilgrimage was interrupted for external reasons.
On April 25, 2025, the group flew to New Delhi, India, and continued visiting sacred sites such as Bodh Gaya (the site of the Buddha’s Enlightenment), the Ganges region, and other historic places associated with the Buddha’s life.
By September 25, 2025, the group reached Lumbini, Nepal, continuing their meditation and Dhutanga practice in this sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha — a universal symbol of peace and enlightenment.
👉 Monks List (updated periodically): https://www.minhtuepath.org/en/danh-sach-doan👉 Photos & Documentation: https://www.minhtuepath.org/en/dhutanga-path-gallery
3. Current Situation in Lumbini
Since their arrival in Lumbini, some individuals have been approaching the monks, filming and spreading false or distorted content online, which causes public misunderstanding and disturbs their peace.
Despite the harassment, the monks have remained calm and silent, continuing their meditation with dignity and compassion, in full accordance with the Buddha’s teachings.
However, these actions have caused mental distress and reputational harm to the monks, and also diminish the sanctity and peaceful image of the holy site of Lumbini.
4. Our Humble Request
With sincere respect, we earnestly appeal for:
The Government of Nepal and the Lumbini Development Trust to ensure safety, order, and protection for the Dhutanga monks.
International Buddhist and Human Rights Organizations to observe, support, and help prevent further harassment or violations.
Recognition of Lumbini as a sanctuary of compassion, mindfulness, and tolerance, where sincere practitioners can practice in peace.
These monks are not political activists, but genuine spiritual practitioners who wish only to live according to the original teachings of the Buddha — in simplicity, mindfulness, and peace.
We deeply appreciate your compassion, understanding, and timely attention to this matter, in the spirit of protecting the sacred Dharma and the universal values of peace.
With deep respect,
Devotees Who Revere the Buddha
Website: www.MinhTuePath.org
Email: path.minhtue@gmail.com
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