'Following Uncle Hồ to save the nation': Empowerment, legitimacy, and nationalistic aspirations in a Vietnamese new religious movement. (29th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoang, Chung Van
• Is Part Of: Journal of Southeast Asian studies. Volume 47:Number 2(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 234
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2016-04-29
• Subjects: Asia, Southeastern -- History -- Periodicals; Asia, Southeastern -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 950
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022463416000060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4634

Abstract

Abstract : This article investigates new religious movements that have emerged in post-Renovation Vietnam. The formation and development of movements that worship Hồ Chí Minh will be examined through the Way of the Jade Buddha. My analysis of this indigenous movement will discuss its controversial attempts to establish communication with the spirit of Hồ Chí Minh. It is argued that the movement is a channel through which people can empower themselves, seek legitimacy, and promote nationalistic aspirations. The emergence of such movements demonstrates the ongoing millenarian dream of social transformation in the face of the challenges of international integration and the tensions caused by maritime conflicts with China.