Latest news with #UnityandInclusivityforHumanDignity
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Kiren Rijiju attends UN Day of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam, stresses relevance of Buddha's teachings
Hanoi: Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday attended the inaugural session of the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025, conveying warm greetings on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the auspicious occasion to the global crowd. Rijiju emphasised the profound teachings of the Buddha and their contemporary relevance and shared how India has upheld the ancient wisdom on sustainability. Along with Rijiju, the Indian delegation attending the session included International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, IBC Director General Abhijit Halder, and Ambassador of India to Vietnam Sandeep Arya. "More than 2000 delegates from across the world participate in this grand event themed on 'Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development'," IBC posted on X. Earlier in the day, Rijiju engaged in a heartwarming interaction with the Indian community in Vietnam, appreciating their contribution to strengthening India-Vietnam ties and upholding Indian values overseas, terming it truly commendable. The holy Buddha relic exposition witnessed over 5 lakh devotees on Monday, paying homage to Lord Buddha. "Sacred Moments of Devotion. Worshipping Holy Buddha relics brings profound joy and pride -- not just to Buddhists, but to all who revere the enlightened one. Now, even those unable to travel to India can honour him at home," IBC added in another post. "At Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, pilgrims -- young and old, near and far -- gathered in quiet reverence for this rare blessing. On April 5 cumulative footfall of 5 lakh plus," it added. Last week,also the holy relic exposition witnessed a sea of devotees, with lakhs of devotees paid homage. On Friday, Rijiju, joined by Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks and senior officials with the sacred relics from Sarnath, reached Vietnam. The Indian delegation was warmly received by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and other officials, reflecting the profound and shared spiritual values that unite both nations. "Arrived in Vietnam leading the high-level Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. Grand ceremonial reception was accorded by the Government of Vietnam and Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The Holy Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2-21, 2025 for UN Vesak Day celebrations," the Union Minister said in a post. Following ceremonial prayers, the holy relics were reverently enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a symbolic gesture of peace and friendship, a sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University. A joint press conference was held by the Indian delegation and leaders of the Vietnamese Sangha, where Rijiju conveyed a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Modi and the people of India. The Vietnamese government expressed its sincere gratitude for the sacred gesture, which stands as a symbol of the enduring civilisational and spiritual ties between the two countries. The holy relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025.
The Star
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Holy Buddha relics arrive in Vietnam for UN Wesak celebrations
Buddha's Holy Relics will first be displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in HCM City. - Vietnam Buddhist Sangha via Vietnam News/ANN HO CHI MINH CITY: Vietnam welcomed Buddha's sacred relics - a national treasure of India - on Friday (May 2), marking the first time the venerated artifacts have been brought to and enshrined in the country. The precious artifacts were accompanied by India's Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) hosted the reception ceremony at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City on the day, attended by Most Venerable Thich Trí Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council alongside Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vice Supreme Patriarch, President of the VBS Executive Council, Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngọc Dung, and Permanent Vice Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee Duong Ngoc Hảa. Following the airport reception, the relics were transported to the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in HCM City, the main venue for the upcoming 20th UN Day of Wesak Celebrations. From May 3-8, they will be enshrined at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Binh Chanh District for public viewing and veneration. The relics are scheduled to travel to several significant Buddhist sites across Vietnam, including Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area in the southern province of Tay Ninh, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi – the headquarters of the VBS, and Tam Chuc Pagoda in the northern province of Ha Nam. The UN Wesak 2025, themed 'Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,' will take place from May 6 to 8. Some 1,200 delegates from 85 countries and territories, including dozens of heads of states, are expected to attend the event. Vietnam has hosted the UN Wesak celebrations three times before: in Hanoi in 2008, Ninh Binh Province in 2014, and Hanam Province in 2019. — VNA/VNS/ANN
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Ba Den Mountain will be the host of large-scale events for Vesak 2025
BA DEN MOUNTAIN, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 March 2025 - Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, Vietnam will become the destination for thousands of delegates to light candles and pray for global peace as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. Many meaningful activities will take place during this most significant Buddhist celebration worldwide. The candlelight prayer ceremony for world peace will be held on May 8 at Ba Den Mountain. Photo courtesy of Sun World Ba Den Mountain. During the second meeting of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha on February 26, important preparations for Vesak 2025 were discussed. The meeting was chaired by Most Venerable Thích Thiện Nhơn - President of the VBS Executive Council, Head of the Organising Committee and Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of ICDV. Delegates agreed on various aspects of the UN Vesak 2025 programme, scheduled to take place from May 6 to 8, along with side events featuring international delegates. According to the plan, the first day will welcome leaders of Buddhist sanghas from different countries. The second day will feature a series of group seminars on five key subtopics, engaging scholars, particularly young researchers. On the third day, the closing ceremony will be held in the morning. In the afternoon, delegates and venerable monks will travel to Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh. At the summit of Ba Den Mountain, a solemn candlelight prayer ceremony for world peace will be held, with the participation of over 2,000 Vesak delegates from 80 countries and territories. This event is considered a profoundly meaningful activity aligned with the theme of Vesak 2025 'Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development.' Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit said that this year's programme encompasses various contents, with 'peace' being one of the most prominent. It can be understood as peace of mind, a fundamental foundation for social stability, global harmony and the finding of peace in nature and the environment. 'With Ba Den Mountain, I can feel the essence of 'peace' through the Buddhist spirit and the presence of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue, a symbol of joy and serenity. This sacred mountain allows one to immerse in nature, share tranquillity with others and spread the spirit and message of world peace in practice,' Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit shared. The President of ICDV also highlighted that this is not merely an abstract idea but a concrete example of how we can live in peace while developing the economy, without destroying the environment or causing harm to others. This is why a sacred spiritual destination filled with positive energy like Ba Den Mountain will serve as a place where individuals can seek healing and tranquillity. As part of the second discussion meeting on Vesak 2025, representatives from the Ba Den Mountain tourist area reported on preparations for the candlelight prayer ceremony for world peace. 'Hosting the Vesak 2025 delegation for the world peace candlelight prayer ceremony is a tremendous honour for the Ba Den Mountain tourist area. On May 8, we will also hold special ceremonies to welcome the delegation during this grand Buddhist event, including a bodhi tree planting ceremony and the enshrinement of Buddha relics for Buddhists and the public to pay homage,' Nguyen Lam Nhi Thuy, Deputy General Director of Sun Group in the Southern region, said. Paying homage to the Buddha's relics during the Vesak festival is one of the most spiritually significant rituals, allowing Buddhist followers and the public to receive the Buddha's blessings. Ba Den Mountain is one of the few places in Vietnam that preserves the Buddha's relics, which were bestowed by the World Fellowship of Buddhists at Bodh Gaya, India, in 2014. The sacred relics of the Buddha will be reverently enshrined at Ba Den Mountain for Buddhist followers and visitors to pay homage during the Vesak Grand Celebration. Photo courtesy of Sun World Ba Den Mountain. As part of the Vesak 2025 celebrations, the Vietnamese government has also considered approving the VBS to organise a procession of the Buddha's relics from India and receive the heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc for enshrinement. Scheduled from May 6 to 8, the UN Day of Vesak 2025 is one of the most significant international cultural events, honouring humanistic values and global peace. Vietnam is expected to welcome about 2,000 delegates from 80 countries and territories, including UN officials, heads of state, supreme Buddhist leaders, presidents of Buddhist organisations and numerous scholars and intellectuals worldwide. Hashtag: #SunWorldBaDenMountain
