Vietnam's mark at Vesak 2025

The Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Venerable Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, speaks at the ceremony to express gratitude and conclude the journey of bringing the relics of the Buddha from India to Vietnam and back, on June 2, 2025 (Indian time). Photo: VNA

His Holiness Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), recently shared his thoughts on the organization and scale of the 2025 United Nations Vesak Celebration (May 6-8), as well as Vietnam's role in becoming a focal point for international Buddhist culture, spirituality, and cooperation.

The Venerable Monk stated that this is the fourth time Vietnam has hosted the Vesak Grand Celebration, and each time has left a special mark. This year's preparations have been meticulously carried out, from welcoming international delegates to organizing religious ceremonies, demonstrating the sophistication and professionalism of the Vietnamese Organizing Committee.

He highly appreciated the cultural identity displayed throughout the event, stating that Vesak 2025 had a distinctly Vietnamese "flavor," harmonious and consistent in its transmission of Buddhist cultural and spiritual values. The Venerable emphasized the meticulousness, organization, and sophistication in every detail that created a remarkable Grand Ceremony, leaving a deep impression on monks, nuns, Buddhists, and international delegates.

According to Venerable Jangchup Choeden, Vesak is an event of special sacred significance for the global Buddhist community. Although Buddhism has many different traditions and sects, when mentioning Vesak and the Buddha, everyone turns towards a common reverence, demonstrating a spirit of harmony and unity on this important day. He expressed hope that Vietnam will continue to have more opportunities to host the United Nations Vesak Celebration in the future.

A special highlight of Vesak 2025 is that it coincides with the procession of the Buddha's relics from India to Vietnam (from May 2nd to June 2nd). The Venerable Monk called this a sacred "added gift," offering a precious opportunity for international delegates to venerate and receive blessings. The veneration of the relics in Vietnam this time holds profound significance, as it marks the first time in history that the Buddha's relics have been officially brought from India to Vietnam.

He shared his emotion at witnessing long lines of people queuing for hours with reverence, demonstrating the people's respect and strong faith in the teachings of the Buddha.

Highly appreciating the success of Vesak 2025, Venerable Jangchup Choeden suggested that Vietnam could consider inviting more relics for future Vesak celebrations, such as the Piprahwa relic or the relics of the great disciples Sariputta and Maudgalyayana.

According to him, venerating the relics not only brings blessings to monks, nuns, and Buddhists, but also contributes to deepening the spiritual meaning of Vesak, while spreading the values of compassion and wisdom of the Buddha.

In his message to the Vietnamese people, the Venerable Monk urged that to achieve peace and harmony in life, each person should continue to learn and practice the teachings of the Buddha. When the teachings are internalized and applied to daily life, people will find inner peace, thereby fostering a harmonious and peaceful society.

According to VNA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/dau-an-viet-nam-tai-vesak-2025-529276.html