(VOVworld) – The Vietnam’s Buddhist Sangha on Friday solemnly celebrated Vesak, or the Buddha’s birthday, at Quan Su pagoda in Hanoi. Superior Monk Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice President of the Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Committee, read the message from the Head of the Vietnam’s Buddhist Sangha to monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers inside and outside the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends Vesak Day in Quan Su pagoda. |
On behalf of the Vietnamese Party and State, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vesak Day is an important event in the religious life of Buddhist followers in Vietnam as well as an important cultural and religious festival across the world. Phuc urged the localities to further support the spiritual and religious lives of religious followers, including Buddhist followers and effectively implement the Party and State’s policies on freedom of religions and beliefs in order to consolidate greater national unity.
Vesak Day was held in Tu Dam pagoda in the central province of Thua Thien Hue. Senior Monk Thich Khe Chon, Vice President of the Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Committee in Thua Thien Hue province, says: “On the day of the main Vesak celebration, all Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers together prayed for national glory, long-lasting Buddhism, and for a happy people. To mark the 50 years since the Buddhist incident in 1963, we commemorated the Buddha’s self immolation as well as other Buddhist monks and nuns who made sacrifices in the national interest.”
Buddhist follower Nguyen Thi Thanh Yen in Da Nang city says: “I came to Phap Lam pagoda to attend the celebration of Buddha’s birth. I pray for peace in the world and happiness for all families.”