Sacred symbol of Buddhism

In Buddhist culture, high mountains are considered a sacred symbol, associated with legends about the life of Buddha. The most famous mountains in the world include Mount Sumeru (Tibet), or Vulture Peak, located about 70km from Bodh Gaya, known as the place where Buddha preached.

Returning to Vietnam, from North to South, there are 4 mountains known as sacred acupuncture points including Fansipan (Lao Cai), Nua Mountain (Thanh Hoa), Da Chong Mountain (Ba Vi, Hanoi) and Ba Den Mountain (Tay Ninh). These are mountains closely associated with the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people and have a strong presence of Vietnamese Buddhist culture.

At an altitude of 986m above sea level, Ba Den Mountain stands out majestically in the middle of the vast Southeast Delta. Professor, Dr. Tran Lam Bien - a cultural heritage researcher said: "Ba Den Mountain is the place where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converges to allow all species to thrive."

Visiting Ba Den Mountain for the first time to visit and discuss the Vesak 2025 festival, Venerable Dr. Tampalawela Dhammaratana - Vice President of ICDV said that Ba Den Mountain reminded people of the mountains that are symbols of Buddhism in the world, associated with stories about the life and journey of the Buddha's teachings.

The connection between the spiritual world and the real world

Known as the “first mountain in heaven”, Ba Den Mountain is famous for its majestic scenery, year-round clouds and a paradise of flowers in all four seasons. On the top of the mountain are majestic cultural and spiritual works such as the tallest Buddha statue in Asia, the largest sandstone Maitreya statue in the world, or gardens with gravel paths, the sound of flowing water and smiling miniature statues, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation as if lost in a fairyland.

When coming to Ba Den Mountain during a visit and working session on the Vesak 2025 festival, Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit - Chairman of ICDV said that this is a very rare place in the world where the spiritual world and the real world can be found. “Most tourist attractions in general are either amusement parks or to serve spiritual life. Ba Den Mountain is different, this is a place for you to come to worship Buddha and nurture your spiritual life. But this journey is not boring at all, with a peaceful and beautiful landscape to cherish your soul” - said the Venerable.

According to the President of ICDV, Ba Den Mountain is the perfect destination for the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak, in line with the theme “Harmony and Inclusion for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insight for World Peace and Sustainable Development” of Vesak 2025.

In addition, sustainable development, aiming at protecting the environment and the planet, is also something that the United Nations is very concerned about, and this is clearly demonstrated at Ba Den Mountain. "Coming to Ba Den Mountain, everywhere is the green of grass and trees, of mountains and rivers, and a unique spiritual and cultural space combined with modern technology," the Venerable added.

Thousands of international Buddhists are expected to visit and admire the vibrant Buddhist cultural space at Ba Den Mountain during the Vesak 2025 - the most important festival of world Buddhism taking place from May 6-8, 2025.

Ngoc Minh