Silent service hearts

1. At more than 3 a.m. at the campus of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City (Binh Chanh district), many volunteers were present to sweep and pick up trash, preparing for a new day of activities within the framework of the United Nations Vesak 2025.

Ms. Pham Thi Xuan and the logistics team members carefully packed the food into boxes. Photo: CAM TUYET

At the age of 58, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lu (residing in Hoc Mon district) was enthusiastically cleaning each area while chatting with us: “I have participated in supporting major Buddhist festivals and today I am honored to contribute to the success of the Vesak Festival 2025. The joy of contributing makes me forget all the hardships and feel truly at peace. For me, every moment here is a practical way to practice the Buddha's teachings, live a useful life, and serve life.”

Not far away, in the kitchen area, the atmosphere was bustling and busy. Members of the logistics team were busy preparing supplies, processing vegetables, food... to prepare thousands of meals for the delegates attending the ceremony. The work started at 2am and lasted until 9pm, but Mr. Vo Tuong Duy (born in 1997, living in District 12) said: "Standing in the kitchen these days, I feel very happy". Each dish, each bowl of rice, each simple bowl of soup was carefully prepared by Mr. Duy and the members, with all their heart, as he said: "Hopefully each meal will warm the hearts of Buddhists and international friends".

Mr. Duy said that since 2015, he has considered participating in volunteer activities on holidays such as Buddha's birthday, Vu Lan or retreats at pagodas as part of his life. Although he is busy with his office job, this time, he took 5 days off to devote himself to supporting the 2025 Vesak Festival, an event he calls "a great fate in life". For Mr. Duy, every hour of participating in volunteer activities is also an opportunity to create more good karma and enrich his journey of learning and practicing in everyday life.

On the other side of the kitchen, Ms. Ha Thi Thu Dung (born in 1964, living in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province) was busy with a pan of boiling oil, her hands quickly frying golden vegetarian dishes. Although they had only known each other for a few days, Ms. Dung felt: "Coming here, everyone from strangers came like family, helping each other cook. When the food was praised for being delicious, no matter how tired I was, I felt better immediately." Previously, since 2012, Ms. Dung also participated in volunteer kitchens at mental hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

2. Coming to Ho Chi Minh City from May 3, Ms. Pham Thi Xuan (born in 1960, residing in Quang Binh province) took on the logistics work for the grand ceremony. In the kitchen area, she and other members meticulously and carefully packed each portion of food into boxes. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but her smile was always on her lips. “Being able to contribute a small part to the grand ceremony, I feel excited and happy. I am tired, but I am happier, because I clearly feel that I am doing something meaningful for the community,” Ms. Xuan confided.

As noon approached, more and more people from all over the country flocked to Thanh Tam Pagoda (Binh Chanh District) to pay homage to the Buddha's relics. Under the scorching sun, volunteers in green shirts diligently spread out along the paths, warmly welcoming and guiding each group of people to line up to pay homage. After guiding the line, Quach Thanh Danh (born in 2004, a student at Van Lang University) gently used his conical hat to fan the elderly who were sweating. "I signed up to participate in this activity because I love Buddhism and want to contribute a little bit of my youth, helping people have a good experience when attending the grand ceremony," Danh shared.

Coming to pay homage to the Buddha's relics, Ms. Vo Thi Dieu (born in 1957, residing in Hoc Mon district) was moved when witnessing the image of volunteers tirelessly supporting among the bustling crowd. For her, it was the dedication and gentleness of those silent people that contributed to the success, so that every Buddhist like her could fully enjoy the joy of attending this important ceremony.

On the afternoon of May 7, Ho Chi Minh City Police said that they mobilized many units such as Traffic Police, Fire Prevention and Fighting Police... to ensure security and order, traffic flow and fire prevention for the 2025 Vesak Festival, taking place from May 6 to 8 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City Police have deployed synchronous solutions and mobilized maximum forces to ensure absolute safety for the grand ceremony. Specific plans have been developed and deployed, focusing on the areas where the ceremony will take place, key routes and points at risk of traffic congestion.

The Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police have proactively developed detailed scenarios for protection, escort, command and traffic regulation in the area where the ceremony will take place and the roads leading to it; closely coordinated with the functional forces and the organizing committee of the ceremony to develop flexible traffic diversion and regulation plans, ensuring a safe and smooth travel route for delegates, monks, nuns, Buddhists and people attending.

Regarding fire prevention and fighting, the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department, Ho Chi Minh City Police Department has developed plans to handle fire and explosion situations, and rescue and relief at the ceremony site and surrounding areas. The Fire Prevention and Fighting Police force has also increased fire safety inspections in these areas to prevent unfortunate incidents from occurring.

CAM TUYET - CHI THACH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-tam-long-phung-su-tham-lang-post794208.html