Spiritual values link Vietnam

According to VNA, speaking at the meeting, Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the special significance of this visit, as for the first time, Buddha's relics were invited to be enshrined in many localities in Vietnam. The event took place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, National Reunification Day and the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak held in Ho Chi Minh City.

Xá lợi Đức Phật Thích Ca được cung rước từ sân bay Tân Sơn Nhất về Học viện Phật giáo Việt Nam tại Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. (Ảnh: TTXVN phát)

The relics of Buddha Shakyamuni were carried from Tan Son Nhat airport to the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Buddhist Affairs Online)

Mr. Kiren Rijiju expressed his appreciation for the sentiments of the Vietnam - India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnamese people in general towards Mahatma Gandhi and India. He affirmed that the India - Vietnam relationship was built on the foundation of common ideal values between two great leaders, President Ho Chi Minh and Mahatma Gandhi - who fought tirelessly for the independence, freedom and dignity of oppressed peoples.

According to him, the invitation of Buddha's relics to Vietnam this time is a living proof of the deep friendship between the two countries.

Dr. Huynh Thanh Lap, Chairman of the Vietnam - India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City, recalled the significant milestones in the bilateral relationship in recent times, especially the inauguration of the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in the center of New Delhi (2022) and the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the center of Ho Chi Minh City (2023). The presence of the statues of the two leaders Ho Chi Minh and Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City not only honors the great heroes of the two countries but is also a symbol of national culture, a vivid demonstration of the good friendship between the two countries that has been carefully cultivated by generations of leaders and people of Vietnam and India.

Relics of Buddha Shakyamuni were invited to Vietnam for the first time.

On the morning of May 2, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (HCMC), the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha solemnly held a ceremony to welcome the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni - the national treasure of India, accompanied by Minister Kiren Rijiju on a military plane of this country.

This is the first time that the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni from India have been enshrined and worshipped in Vietnam. After the welcoming ceremony at the airport, the relics were brought to the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 2, where the 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak will take place. The relics were then invited to be enshrined at Thanh Tam Pagoda (Binh Chanh District) for Buddhists and the public to worship from May 3 to 8 (the morning of May 6 is reserved for delegates attending the Day of Vesak to worship).

It is expected that the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni will be carried and displayed for Buddhists and the public to worship at the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area; Quan Su Pagoda (Hanoi) - the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and at Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ha Nam province.

The 2025 United Nations Day of Vesak will be hosted by Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6-8 with the main theme "Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development". According to the Organizing Committee, about 1,200 delegates from 85 countries and territories around the world, including dozens of delegations of heads of state and leaders of countries, are expected to attend the event.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/gia-tri-tam-linh-gan-ket-tinh-huu-nghi-viet-nam-an-do-213165.html