The Role of the Southern Buddhism in the Paris Negotiations (1968 - 1973)

Abstract

Based on the newly discovered documents, this article reveals the role of Southern Buddhism in the Paris Negotiations (1968 – 1973). First, it adds more information to clarify the cause of the Vietnamese patriotic and revolutionary struggles against the U.S. and the Saigon government. Second, it examines the roles of the Sangha and their followers to create political pressures forcing the US to enter into the Paris Peace Accords (January 27, 1973). This event marked a solid foundation for the Vietnamese people to liberate the Southern region and reunify the whole nation in the Great Victory of the Spring of 1975.