(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Hanoi Buddhist Sangha Executive Board organized a grand ceremony at Quan Su pagoda in Hanoi on Monday to mark Buddha’s 2559^th birth anniversary, Vesak 2015.

VFF President Nguyen Thien Nhan exercises the Bathing the Buddha ritual

At the event, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Nguyen Thien Nhan, reviewed the history of Buddhism in Vietnam, the spirit of unity and harmony upheld by all monks and nuns, and Buddhist development in parallel with national growth. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has encouraged its dignitaries and followers to actively engage in national activities. Mr. Nhan said: "We expect that Buddhist dignitaries and followers will promote Buddhist values to broaden unity between Buddhism and other religions. The Sangha will reinforce patriotism among Vietnamese Buddhist followers inside and outside the country to contribute to national development and defense, with the goals of a prosperous people, strong nation, democracy, equality, and civilization.”

Releasing birds ceremony at Quan Su pagoda

In a message to Vietnamese Buddhist dignitaries and followers, Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, inspired them to follow Buddha’s teaching of unity for Buddhism and the national interest. His message called on them to pray and share with the earthquake victims in Nepal.

At Quoc Tu pagoda in Ho Chi Minh city’s district 10, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Ho Chi Minh city held a solemn ritual to mark Vesak 2015. Attending the event were Le Hong Anh, member of the Politburo and the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, leaders of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and local Buddhist followers. Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Ho Chi Minh city, Vo Thi Dung, congratulated Buddhist dignitaries and followers and wished them a peaceful and happy Vesak 2015.