Vesak Day: Illuminate the world with light of compassion and wisdom

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Quan Su Pagoda on May 22 to offer congratulations to Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers on the occasion of Lord Buddha's birthday.

Emphasizing the significance of Vesak Day and Buddhism's companionship with the nation for thousands of years, Prime Minister Chinh stressed that the religion has had a positive impact and made significant contributions to the struggles for national independence and reunification, as well as construction and defense.

Prime Minister Chinh expressed his delight at the contributions made by Buddhist monks, nuns and devotees to social work, charity and humanitarian activities, stressing that Buddhism, together with other religions, has shaped spiritual life and established ethical standards, contributing to the stabilization of society and the development of the nation.

He reaffirmed that the Party and the State consistently uphold the principle of ensuring freedom of belief, freedom of religion, and the legitimate spiritual activities of believers. He urged the

Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha to strengthen solidarity, boost charitable and humanitarian activities, and resolutely prevent acts of misusing religions and beliefs to sabotage the State, nation and people or to seek illegal gains.

He said he believes that the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will continue to reap further achievements and contribute more to the national construction and protection.

Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Deputy Patriarch and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha, said the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha and monks, nuns and followers nationwide will continue to abide by Party policies, State regulations and the Charter of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha to help develop Vietnam into a prosperous nation.

The Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha also called on monks, nuns, and Buddhists to pray for the end of war, to spread love to sentient beings, and to illuminate this world with the light of compassion and wisdom.

In the sacred atmosphere of the Buddha's birthday, Venerable Thich Thien Nhon called upon every Buddhist to make efforts to join the Sangha in promoting charity and practicing good deeds, applying the Dharma in daily life, spreading the message of peace and happiness, and contributing to building a prosperous nation, a peaceful world and happy people.

Buddhists and pilgrims pray for prosperity and peace at Quan Su Pagoda. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Early in the morning on Buddha's birthday (Vesak Day), Le Thi Tinh, 40, and her mother went to Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi to offer flowers to Buddha and perform the traditional Buddha bathing ceremony.

First they poured a bucket of water from the left shoulder of the Buddha statue, then from the right shoulder, and finally on the chest or back. This symbolizes the three worlds of the Buddha - past, present and future. It can also be seen as the cleansing of the three karmas created by actions, words and thoughts.

"The Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi is the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha. Every year on Vesak Day, it's crowded with devotees and pilgrims. We join them to pray for peace and prosperity," Tinh said.

"Vesak, the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, is the most sacred day of the year for millions of Buddhists around the world.

It was on the day of Vesak 2,500 years ago that Buddha was born. It was also on the day of Vesak that Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on this day that Buddha went away.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at Quan Su Pagoda, Hanoi. Photo: VNA