Scaled-down service held to celebrate Buddha's birthday

This year's celebrations were confined within the meeting hall of Quan Su Temple, instead of the usual procession of flower floats and Buddhist followers along major streets near the temple.

After the reading of the VBS Supreme Patriarch's message, in his speech Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang called on humanity to be mindful of their actions and pay more attention to their destiny in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The senior monk highlighted the Buddha's teachings on interdependence as the foundation for sustainable development, efforts to protect the environment as well as the prevention of diseases.

He added that the Buddha's philosophy of compassion and wisdom will encourage people to show love and kindness to others, especially to those in need of support.

On the occasion, the VBS Executive Council called on Vietnamese Buddhists to uphold the Buddha's teachings, safeguard national culture and make valuable contributions to society.

In his congratulatory speech, head of the government's committee for religious affairs Vu Chien Thang spoke highly of Buddhism for always upholding the spirit of protecting the nation and solacing the people.

He also applauded the VBS's practical actions to fight the coronavirus disease along with the government and other religions.

As part of the ceremony, Buddhist monks, nuns and delegates offered incense and took part in the traditional ritual of bathing the statue of the new-born Buddha.

(Source: NDO)