According to Dr. Chung Hoang Chuong, a researcher of the Mekong Basin’s anthropology and ecology, early settlers in southern Vietnam struggled with countless difficulties as they built lives in an unfamiliar land. To cope, they founded indigenous movements such as Buu Son Ky Huong, Tu An Hieu Nghia and Hoa Hao Buddhism. These groups grew out of the settlers’ need for spiritual balance and meaning.

Spiritual teachers like Phat Thay Tay An (Doan Minh Huyen) and the religious master Ngo Loi of Tam Bao Pagoda in Ba Chuc entered daily life by preparing herbal remedies and teaching simple, accessible principles, Chuong said. Their work linked religious missions with patriotism, public service and aid to the poor, setting them apart from other Buddhist traditions. This engaged approach helped communities endure turmoil.

Chuong warned that many festivals now emphasize large ceremonies and free vegetarian meals, while generating waste and neglecting core Buddhist study. He also noted that connecting with Generation Z is becoming increasingly difficult.

To meet today’s challenges, Chuong proposes a renewal of engaged Buddhism that ties faith to environmental responsibility. He points to Cambodian monks who have planted thousands of trees with local villagers as a practical example. He also suggests that the six Mekong countries could work together on a Buddhist‑based code of conduct, using the Rhine River agreement as a model.

The Mekong Delta’s indigenous faiths demonstrate that spiritual support, community service and environmental stewardship can be combined in a single tradition. Their history offers a useful guide for building resilient, caring societies today.