The theme of this year's Vesak is: "Radiating compassion". At the ceremony, monks at the Great Stupa read the message of the Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Venerable Thich Tri Quang, sent to monks, nuns, and Buddhists in Vietnam at home and abroad on the occasion of Vesak, Buddhist calendar 2570.
In which it is emphasized that this is a special event, not only commemorating the birthday of Buddha Shakyamuni, but also an opportunity for each Buddhist child to look back, in order to better understand the profound lessons from the life of the Buddha and his practical teachings.
The life of the Buddha is like a "map
In the Kim Cuong Thua tradition, the life of the Buddha is summarized through twelve great merits. Each merit not only marks a stage in his life but also symbolizes the inner transformations of the learner.
The Buddha's departure from the royal palace to become a monk is seen as a symbol of abandoning attachments and prejudice. The event of becoming a monk under Bodhi tree shows the ability to recognize the inherent good nature of each person. He leaves relics after entering Nirvana, reminding of the responsibility to leave good values for future generations.
The Buddha took all twelve steps of merit more than 2,600 years ago. The next journey belongs to each of us," emphasized the message of this year's Great Celebration.
For everyone to scrutinize
In the morning, monks, nuns and the public perform the chanting ceremony, which is traditionally recorded as being performed by Long Tho Bodhisattva more than 1,800 years ago. The content praises the twelve merits of the Buddha and the profound transformative meaning of each stage of enlightenment.
Coming from Ho Chi Minh City, Buddhist Nguyen Thi Thanh shared: Buddha's Birthday at the Great Mandala Tower in Tay Thien is like an open door, helping each Buddhist child step into the spiritual map of twenty-six centuries, to realize that they can also take the full twelve steps on the journey of happiness and enlightenment.
The Grand Festival program includes many typical rituals such as Buddha bathing, procession of flower cars to celebrate Buddha's birth, chanting songs praising the twelve merits of the Buddha, offering lanterns, releasing animals, attracting a large number of Buddhists and pilgrims from all directions to attend.
The image of young children with grandparents and parents participating in Buddha bathing rituals or lighting lamps for offerings is considered a continuation and transmission of good cultural and spiritual values from generation to generation.
For young people, this is an opportunity to temporarily leave the phone screen, look back at what has been experienced during the year, practice a more virtuous lifestyle and turn their hearts to pray for their parents, family and loved ones to be safe.
Modern life often flows through the familiar loop of work, family and daily worries. "This time coming to the Stupa to attend the ceremony is a moment for me to look back at myself and find peace of mind" - a male Buddhist said.
Many monks who are practicing at the Pagoda said that every step of the Pagoda during the Buddha's Birthday month (Saga Dawa - Tibetan) is multiplied by one hundred million times the blessing. "This is not a metaphor, but an official teaching in the doctrine, which has great encouragement for Buddhist children" - Ms. Mai Phuong (Hanoi) said.
Vesak is not just a day to remember. For Buddhist practitioners, this is a meaningful time throughout the year to look back on their own cultivation path.
