Ho Chi Minh City: In celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV-2025), a vibrant exhibition on Buddha Dhamma was inaugurated today at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a compelling showcase of Buddhist heritage, art, and spiritual unity. The event began with the ceremonial Bathing of the Buddha, performed by senior Sangha members from across Asia, and was marked by traditional Vietnamese cultural performances that dazzled with color and reverence.
The exhibition is a true reflection of shared spiritual heritage, drawing participation from Sangha members and delegations from India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond. Their collective presence underscored the unifying message of the Buddha’s teachings across national and cultural boundaries.
Adding depth to the celebration, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is presenting three thematic exhibitions exploring the spread of Buddha Dhamma from India to Vietnam. These include:
- An electronic display of Jataka tales,
- A collection of sculptures depicting diverse forms of the Buddha,
- And a comparative study of Buddhist artefacts from India and Vietnam, drawing on inscriptions, historical texts, and visual materials.
A major highlight is the digital restoration of murals from the Ajanta Caves, including the iconic Bodhisattva Padmapani painting from Cave 1, dating back to the late 5th century during the Gupta dynasty. Developed in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation of Nasik, this immersive display invites visitors to walk amidst visions of Bodhisattvas and celestial beings, where ancient narratives of compassion and wisdom gently unfold.
In a parallel sacred initiative, Buddhist Relics are being enshrined and venerated at key monastic sites across Vietnam during the UNDV celebrations. The itinerary includes:
- Hanh Tâm Monastery, Ho Chi Minh City (till May 8)
- Bà Đen Mountain, Tây Ninh Province (May 9–13)
- Quán Sứ Monastery, Hanoi (May 14–18)
- Tam Chúc Monastery, Hà Nam Province (May 18–21)
Tam Chúc Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Southeast Asia, will host the concluding leg of this sacred exposition.
