Praying for the Nation: How a Ritual Innovation Helped Transform Hòa Hảo’s Relationship to the Vietnamese State

Hòa Hảo Buddism is a devotional movement based in the Mekong Delta, founded in 1939. The relationship between this group and the state has been mostly antagonistic, but Hòa Hảo leaders have recently made changes to improve this situation. One example is the implementation of the ritual Lễ Cầu Quốc Thái Dân An (Prayer Ceremony for National Peace and Prosperity) into Hòa Hảo practice. This ceremony is also an official ritual of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, which has performed it on the United Nations Day of Vesak since the early 2000s, together with senior politicians. After a long time of marginalization, Hòa Hảo is now seeking opportunities for revival. Based on participant observation and interviews with Hòa Hảo leaders, this paper examines the impact of these changes. It argues that the Prayer Ceremony has helped Hòa Hảo recruit new members, acquire political legitimacy, and gain recognition from other religious organizations.