International friends impressed with Vesak 2025 in Vietnam

Foreign delegates were quite impressed and moved when participating in the Vesak Festival in Vietnam.

Feel the real peace

Present at this Vesak Festival, Mr. HpKain, a delegate from India, was moved to share that this was his fourth time coming to Vietnam and his third time attending the Vesak Festival in Vietnam. Although he had experienced the international Vesak atmosphere in Vietnam many times, he was still surprised and appreciated the way Vietnam organized the festival with thoughtfulness, solemnity, and imbued with East Asian Buddhist culture.

“Vietnam has a growing and dynamic Buddhist community that plays an increasingly important role on the world Buddhist map. The country’s continuous hosting of the Vesak Festival is a clear demonstration of its maturity and positive contributions to the global Buddhist community,” Mr. HpKain added.

Not only seeing the development, Mr. HpKain also felt something deeper than the message that Vesak brings to humanity, which is peace, altruism and freedom from disputes and conflicts. "I think the most valuable thing that Buddhism brings to the world today is tranquility and tolerance, which modern people, in the vortex of conflict and competition, need more than ever," said Mr. HpKain.

Ms. Alina (right cover) from Mexico with two companions when participating in the Vesak Festival.

Sharing the same sentiment with Mr. HpKain, Ms. Alina, from Mexico, and her two companions could not hide their joy at returning to Vietnam after attending Vesak for the first time in Ninh Binh in 2014. For her, this year's event is not only a place for religious gatherings but also a place to connect peace-loving hearts around the world.

“In my country, Buddhism has only become popular in recent decades. Therefore, witnessing Vietnam celebrate Vesak in such a solemn yet intimate atmosphere is truly special. It makes me understand more clearly the depth of history and influence of Buddhism in Asia, especially in Vietnam," Ms. Alina said emotionally.

Volunteers light candles to pray for heroic martyrs during a requiem for martyrs on the evening of May 6.

According to Ms. Alina, the greatest message that Vesak brings is the ability to help each person return to their inner self, be kind and sow the seeds of compassion. "I believe that a society can only truly develop when each person knows how to live with kindness and empathy. The Vesak Festival in Vietnam is clearly evoking that," Ms. Alina added.

From the Czech Republic, Mr. Vaclav, a non-Buddhist, also decided to come to Vietnam to experience Vesak for the first time in his life. Although not a Buddhist, he was still strongly attracted by the peaceful atmosphere, the well-organized arrangements and the warm welcome of the host country. "I think this is one of the most ideal places to organize Vesak. Not only because of the facilities but also because the Vietnamese people are friendly, open and cooperative," Mr. Vaclav shared and expressed his wish to return in the next Vesak celebrations.

Spreading Buddhist wisdom for world peace

Commenting on the significance of this event, Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang emphasized that the 20th United Nations Vesak Festival is a great honor for Vietnamese Buddhism, as this is the first time the event is held in Ho Chi Minh City, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. According to the Venerable, through this Festival, every Buddhist needs to uphold the spirit of practice, embody compassion and spread the light of love to all beings.

“Vesak is not only an occasion to celebrate the birth of Buddha, but also a call to awaken, inviting each of us to join hands to build a peaceful world, without suffering and separation,” Venerable Thich Tri Quang shared.

President Luong Cuong attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Vesak Festival on May 6.

Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, also affirmed: “The 50-year journey of national reunification is a testament to the strength of solidarity, tolerance and understanding, the core values ​​that Buddhism always strives for. Vietnam is entering an era of prosperous development and Buddhism will continue to be a source of spiritual energy accompanying the nation."

On behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, President Luong Cuong also shared: "Although it has been more than 2,600 years since the birth of Buddha, the core values ​​of the teachings of Compassion and Wisdom still retain their vitality in today's era. In the context of the world facing conflicts, inequality and moral crisis, the Buddhist spirit is the light that guides humanity towards peace and sustainable development."

Within the framework of the Vesak Festival, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha held a ceremony to pray for the souls of heroes and martyrs at Thanh Tam Pagoda (Phat Co Don Pagoda).

The President highly appreciated Vietnam's hosting of Vesak 2025, affirming that this is a testament to the practical and proactive contribution of Vietnamese Buddhism to the world. The President also emphasized: "The Party and State of Vietnam always appreciate and create favorable conditions for religions, including Buddhism, to operate within the legal framework, implementing the policy of respecting and protecting the freedom of belief and religion of all people. This is an important foundation for building the great national unity bloc."

“Throughout the history of building and defending the country, Buddhism has always been a religion that accompanies the nation, making an important contribution to social stability and national development. Today, the Vietnamese State continues to pay attention and create favorable conditions for the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to promote its role in spiritual and moral life and actively participate in social and charitable activities, build cultural life, and educate citizens to live a good life and follow their religion,” said the President.

Buddhist monks and followers pray for peace for humanity at the 2025 Vesak Festival.

Currently, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, representing monks, nuns and Buddhists nationwide to effectively carry out the role of spiritual guidance, spreading morality and promoting goodness. The President affirmed: "The fact that the Sangha is hosting the United Nations Vesak 2025 shows that Vietnamese Buddhism is not only deeply attached to the nation but also an active part of the international Buddhist community, contributing to peace, friendship and sustainable development of humanity."

According to baotintuc.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ban-be-quoc-te-an-tuong-voi-dai-le-vesak-2025-tai-viet-nam-post401575.html