Thich Tri Quang, a charismatic Buddhist monk who helped bring down United States-backed governments in South Vietnam during the war-torn 1960s and pushed for a democratic nation with freedom of religion, died on Nov. 8 in the city of Hue. He was 95.

His death was announced by the Tu Dam Pagoda in Hue, where he had lived quietly for decades after the end of the Vietnam War, occupying himself by translating Buddhist texts into Vietnamese.

Mr. Tri Quang was a powerful orator who galvanized Buddhists to demand a greater role in public affairs at a time when Roman Catholics dominated the South Vietnamese government.

“His eyes looked very strong, like the eyes of the tiger,” said Sister Chan Khong, a Buddhist nun and lifelong peace activist who knew him well. “He was a powerful voice.”