This is one of the most important holidays of Buddhism. The event was solemnly and dignifiedly organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of representatives of government leaders at all levels; monks, Buddhists from Buddhist Sangha of districts in Ho Chi Minh City.
Speaking at the ceremony, Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Council, said that this year's Vesak festival has a special meaning for Buddhism and the Vietnamese people. For the first time, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha organized the United Nations Vesak Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), marking a heroic and united historical period of North and South reunification.
"On this Vesak Day, we are extremely happy and blessed to be able to pay homage to the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni - the highest symbol of compassion, wisdom, and the spirit of sacrifice and altruism for the benefit of humanity.
We are also fortunate enough to be able to admire the immortal heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc - a living symbol of steadfast compassion, noble sacrifice for the happiness of sentient beings and the longevity of the Dharma.
On the occasion of Buddha's birthday, I earnestly call on all Buddhists to practice together, cultivate compassion, spread love to all beings, contribute to dispelling the darkness of suffering in the world, light up the light of wisdom and compassion, pray for all of us to be united, live in harmony and actively build a world of peace , tranquility and happiness," said Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang.
At the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, also said that this year's Vesak celebration takes place in a special context when Ho Chi Minh City and the whole country are joyfully celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, national reunification and the 135th birthday of the great President Ho Chi Minh. In particular, the fact that Ho Chi Minh City was chosen by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the international community as the venue for the 2025 United Nations Vesak Festival is a great source of pride, demonstrating the role and position of Vietnamese Buddhism in the international arena; at the same time, affirming the image of a modern, peaceful, friendly, humane and deeply integrated Ho Chi Minh City.
"Buddhism's teachings of compassion, harmony, tolerance and solidarity are a solid foundation for building a harmonious life between people and between people and nature. These values are also what Ho Chi Minh City always strives for in the process of building a civilized, modern and humane city.
Even more meaningful, at Viet Nam Quoc Tu, we have the opportunity to admire the immortal heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc - the indomitable and tolerant symbol of the spirit of engaged Buddhism. That heart is not only a miracle but also a living testament to the spirit of patriotism, justice and peace. After more than sixty years, that message remains intact, inspiring in each of us the responsibility to live kindly, altruistically and to love each other more.
The history of the Vietnamese people has always recorded the persistent, silent but great contributions of Buddhism from the time of the resistance war to the current renovation and integration. With the spirit of "protecting the nation and bringing peace to the people", Vietnamese Buddhism always accompanies, shares and contributes to building a humane society, good life, good religion.
Ho Chi Minh City deeply appreciates and is grateful for these valuable contributions. In the direction of sustainable development, the City always considers close ties with religious organizations, especially the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, as an important factor to maintain social stability and improve the spiritual and material life of the people. The City will continue to create favorable conditions for religions to accompany and promote the spirit of "good life, good religion", contributing to building a civilized, affectionate, healthy and united living environment", said Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong.
“I am getting older this year, but every time Buddha's birthday comes, my heart is always filled with excitement and emotion. Buddha's birthday is not only a sacred occasion for Buddhists to remember his grace, but also an opportunity for us to look back at ourselves, slow down, listen more and live more kindly. I believe that, regardless of age, everyone can learn from Buddha's teachings to live peacefully, know how to love and share. For me, living in the light of the Dharma is the greatest luck and happiness,” said Ms. Doan Thi Anh, a Buddhist in Thu Duc City.
Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/dong-dao-tang-ni-phat-tu-ve-viet-nam-quoc-tu-du-dai-le-phat-dan-1018666.html
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