Biography and Ascetic Journey of Master Minh Tue

Born as Le Anh Tu, he initially served in the army and worked as a land surveyor in Vietnam. His transformation into Buddhism began after a life-changing experience—being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm while on an outdoor assignment. This near-death encounter led him to witness his soul separating from his body, otherwise known as an out-of-body experience, instilling in him a profound realisation of life's impermanence. Understanding that death can strike at any moment, he chose to embrace the Buddhist path toward liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth—samsara—with the aim of attaining enlightenment and ultimately reaching nirvana.

The Dhutanga Path and Barefoot Pilgrimage

He was ordained in a Vietnamese Buddhist temple, receiving the Dharma name Thich Minh Tue, with “Thich” being the Buddha’s surname used by all ordained Vietnamese monks. After several years of studying the Buddha's teachings and the precepts—including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path—he embraced a spiritual path of asceticism known as Dhutanga in Theravada Buddhism.

In late 2018, his transformative barefoot journey began throughout Vietnam, carrying only three robes and an alms bowl. He strictly adhered to 13 ascetic practices and 250 Buddhist precepts, living a life of simplicity and discipline. He refers to himself as a “Buddhist practitioner” rather than a monk or master and remains unaffiliated with the state-controlled Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Association.

He uses a rice cooker’s inner pot as a bowl and wears robes stitched from discarded clothes collected from the streets and cemeteries. He walks barefoot daily, begs for vegan food, eats one meal before noon, and refuses money. At night, he rests only in open spaces—forests, cemeteries, or abandoned houses—maintaining a meditative lotus posture, never lying down.

Teachings and Compassion

When approached, Master Minh Tue offers gentle guidance rather than formal Dharma talks. He encourages all to practice the Five Core Buddhist Precepts to reduce suffering:

He treats everyone as family—fathers, mothers, and loved ones. In one instance, when punched by a man who doubted him, he remained calm, blessing the man instead of reacting negatively. His compassion in adversity has inspired millions.

Rise to Prominence

For nearly six years, he practiced in silence before gaining recognition on Vietnamese social media in April 2024 for his humility and devotion. By June 2024, over fifty aspiring ascetic practitioners joined him. He never commands anyone to stay or leave, believing every person has something to teach.

His humility and simple way of life have reshaped public perception of Buddhism, inspiring followers across Vietnam and beyond.

Pilgrimage Timeline

Legacy and Purpose

Master Minh Tue vows to continue walking barefoot for alms throughout his life unless prevented by law or circumstances. His goal is to share the Dhutanga practices with those who wish to follow, emphasizing personal choice and detachment from worldly desires.

“If you have a bowl of rice and others around you who are hungry and longing for food, wouldn’t you share it with those who are hungry?”

The Dhutanga Revival Foundation believes his pilgrimage represents more than a physical journey—it is a spiritual effort to uplift all beings and cultivate enlightenment for those who follow the ascetic path.

References

• Wikipedia: Thích Minh Tuệ
• Radio Free Asia – Buddhist pilgrimage by unrecognized ‘monk’ goes viral in Vietnam
• CSW – Report on Thích Minh Tuệ
• Radio Free Asia – How TikTok made a barefoot Vietnamese ‘monk’ go viral
• Radio Free Asia – Vietnam’s barefoot monk Thích Minh Tuệ leaves parents’ home
• Radio Free Asia – New video clip shows unofficial monk walking with brother
• Radio Free Asia – Purported letter from Vietnam’s ‘barefoot monk’ renounces vow of poverty
• Radio Free Asia – Thích Minh Tuệ enters Laos on pilgrimage to India
• Radio Free Asia – Vietnamese barefoot monk in Thailand