The Vietnamese renunciate Thich Minh Tue, whose barefoot pilgrimage from Vietnam to India has drawn widespread public and media attention, is reported to have traveled to Malaysia from northern Thailand, after failing to gain official permission to enter and walk across Myanmar.
Renowned for his ascetic practice and simple lifestyle, Minh Tue set out on the 2,700-kilometer pilgrimage in December 2024. From Vietnam, he and a group of followers crossed Laos before heading into Thailand and toward the border with Myanmar. From there, the pilgrims could have crossed directly into India and arched over Bangladesh to avoid further border crossings, or taken a more direct route through Bangladesh near the Bay of Bengal. However, their journey has encountered logistical and political obstacles, forcing adjustments to their route.
Minh Tue became widely known in Vietnam last year for his practice of walking barefoot across the country, relying on alms for sustenance. After his pilgrimage to India began late last year, he and his companions traveled around 20 kilometers per day, often under intense heat.
However, with their Thai visas nearing expiration and concerns about the dangers of crossing Myanmar amid the ongoing civil conflict, Minh Tue and his group deliberated on alternative routes while in northern Thailand. According to monk, fellow traveler, and spokesperson for the group Phuc Giac, they considered traveling through Laos before deciding to head south to Malaysia.
“We were afraid that if we went to Laos, we would not be able to re-enter Thailand. Therefore, everyone agreed,” Phuc Giac stated. (Radio Free Asia)
According to a volunteer escorting the monks, Nguyen Thanh An, the group departed northern Thailand by bus on 5 March, heading toward the country’s southern border. There they crossed from Songkhla Province into Malaysia’s Kedah State through the Sadao border crossing.
The group’s future route remains uncertain. From Malaysia, they may attempt to secure passage by sea to India or Sri Lanka, although there are no regular ferry services across the Bay of Bengal. Alternatively, they may consider flying to continue their pilgrimage.
Minh Tue’s ascetic lifestyle and pilgrimage have captivated public interest in Vietnam, where social media posts about his journey have gone viral. Despite his popularity, he is not officially recognized as a monk by the nation’s state-sanctioned monastic sangha.
His growing influence has drawn mixed responses from the authorities. Last year, Vietnamese officials announced that Minh Tue had “voluntarily retired” from monastic life, a move seen by some as an effort to downplay his prominence. Until recently, state media had largely ignored his pilgrimage, but on 22 February, Hanoi Television released a report criticizing social media coverage of his journey. The report accused YouTubers following the monk of spreading “sensational” and “divisive” content for personal gain, and alleged internal conflicts within his group. (Radio Free Asia)
In response, a YouTuber accompanying Minh Tue in Thailand, Tran Nguyen, refuted these claims, stating: “We are adhering to Thai law and not disturbing public order.” (Radio Free Asia)
Minh Tue’s pilgrimage, inspired by traditional Buddhist asceticism, continues to draw attention from supporters and officials alike. Whether he will ultimately reach India remains uncertain, but his journey has already sparked significant discourse on faith, devotion, and the challenges faced by Buddhist practitioners navigating modern geopolitical realities in Vietnam and beyond.
While Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, with 63.4 per cent of the population adhering to Islam according to data for 2020, Buddhism is the second-largest religion in the country, accounting for 18.7 per cent of the population. Christianity accounts for 9.1 per cent of Malaysians and Hindus make up 6.1 per cent. The nation, long a hub and mid-point for sea journeys across Southeast Asia, has a multiethnic population that includes ethnic Burmese, Chinese, Sri Lankan, and Thai Buddhists who have made the country their home for centuries.
See more
Vietnamese monks change pilgrimage route to birthplace of Buddhism (UCA News)
Vietnamese monk enters Malaysia after Myanmar proves an insurmountable obstacle (Radio Free Asia)
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THE PEOPLE, POLICE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF THE BEAUTIFUL MALAYSIAN COUNTRY ARE AMAZING, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU, …
• It’s truly heartwarming to witness such a powerful display of collective compassion and support, as exemplified by the Malaysian people, their Buddhist community, the police, and local government, towards the ascetic monks of Minh Tue. In a world often dominated by materialism and fleeting distractions, the unwavering devotion of Malaysian Buddhists shines as a beacon of spiritual resilience.
• The depth of their dedication to Buddhism, particularly their heartfelt tribute to the ascetic monks, is profoundly touching. This level of devotion is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced, materialistic societies, making it a powerful example for young people worldwide. The unconditional support, manifested through daily alms and acts of kindness, reflects a deep-seated commitment to the core principles of Buddhist practice.
• The meticulous organization of the monks’ walk, orchestrated by dedicated volunteers, underscores the spirit of community and shared purpose. These organic volunteers, driven by a genuine desire to facilitate a smooth and orderly pilgrimage, worked tirelessly to ensure the monks’ journey was peaceful and uninterrupted. Their selfless efforts, often behind the scenes, were instrumental in creating a supportive environment for the monks’ spiritual practice.
• The Malaysian police played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the monks along their walking route. Their presence provided a sense of reassurance and protection, allowing the monks to traverse the country’s roads with peace of mind. This dedication to safeguarding the group’s well-being reflects a deep respect for religious freedom and a commitment to upholding public safety. The act of ensuring safety is a true act of kindness, and shows a dedication to all people.
• The efficiency and responsiveness of the local authorities in expediting the necessary paperwork further highlight the collaborative spirit that characterized this extraordinary event. Their proactive approach, aimed at minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and maximizing the monks’ comfort, demonstrates a genuine desire to support their spiritual endeavor. By shortening the time needed for paperwork, the local government allowed the monks to focus on their pilgrimage, and not be held up by beaurocracy.
• The open arms and warm hearts with which the Malaysian people welcomed Monk Minh Tue and his group are a testament to their innate hospitality and profound compassion. This welcoming spirit, akin to opening one’s home to a stranger, created a sense of belonging and comfort for the pilgrims. The act of providing shelter, nourishing vegan food, and refreshing drinks was not merely a gesture of kindness; it was an essential act of support that sustained the monks’ physical and spiritual strength. Walking barefoot for extended distances is an arduous undertaking, and the provision of these basic necessities played a crucial role in enabling the monks to continue their pilgrimage. Providing vegan food is especially important, as it shows respect for the group’s religious beliefs and dietary restrictions. This is a very important act of respect.
• Malaysia’s response to the monks’ pilgrimage serves as a shining example of the values of democracy, religious respect, and hospitality. By embracing diversity and supporting those on a spiritual journey, Malaysia has demonstrated the power of inclusivity and the importance of fostering interfaith understanding. This display of harmonious coexistence sends a powerful message to the world, illustrating that people from diverse backgrounds can live together in peace and harmony. This is a very important message to send to the world, and shows the world how to live together.
• The overall actions of the Malaysian people, their police, and local government underscore the transformative power of kindness. Small acts of compassion, when multiplied, can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities. The collective effort to support the monks’ pilgrimage provided them with the necessary resources and encouragement to continue their spiritual journey. The actions of the people, police, and government, provided the group with the ability to continue their pilgrimage.
• In essence, the people of Malaysia demonstrated the true meaning of compassion and understanding. Their actions serve as a reminder that even in a diverse world, kindness can bridge any gap. The ripple effect of their generosity will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the borders of Malaysia, inspiring others to embrace the values of compassion, empathy, and spiritual devotion. This display of kindness has shown the world how to treat those who are on a spiritual journey, and how to treat each other. It is a powerful example of how a society can come together to support and uplift those who are dedicated to a spiritual path.
Om mani padme hum, Amitabha Buddha