The Government of Pakistan presents precious gifts to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha

On July 30, the Pakistani Government officially presented the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) with a replica of the ascetic Buddha statue - a sculpture from the ancient Gandhara civilization, excavated in Sikri (Pakistan) in the 19th century.

Chính phủ Pakistan trao tặng phẩm quý cho Giáo hội Phật giáo Việt Nam

Venerable Thich Duc Thien performs the Consecration ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan. (Source: Bchanel)

The original statue dates back to around the 2nd century AD and is currently kept and displayed at the Lahore Museum, Punjab province, Pakistan.

In Hanoi , Venerable Thich Duc Thien - Vice President, General Secretary of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha solemnly received the statue and presided over the spiritual ceremony including the following rituals: opening the eyes, chanting sutras, reciting mantras, reciting Buddha's name and offering incense to bless the statue and pray for a smooth and successful procession.

Immediately after the ceremony, the statue was solemnly carried by flower car from Hanoi to Bai Dinh Pagoda ( Ninh Binh province) - one of the largest Buddhist cultural centers in the country.

Replica of the Ascetic Buddha Statue. (Source: Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam)

Here, Most Venerable Thich Quang Ha - Vice President of the Executive Council, Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ninh Binh province welcomed the delegation of the Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam, received the statue of the ascetic Buddha to worship at the temple, with the witness and support of monks and Buddhists of the temple.

The ceremony was attended by Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee Tran Song Tung.

Pakistani Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri speaks at the ceremony. (Source: Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam)

Speaking at the ceremony, Pakistani Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri said: “This is a very special, rare and unique statue - a masterpiece and has been recognized worldwide."

The Pakistani government wants to present a replica of the statue to Vietnam to strengthen the friendship between the two countries, as a sacred symbol of the spirit of cultural and religious exchange between Pakistan and Vietnam.

The statue of the ascetic Buddha, also known as the statue of Prince Siddhartha fasting, is the image of the Prince before enlightenment. This is a symbol of self-discipline and determination to find the way to end suffering.

Within the framework of the ceremony, there was a prayer ceremony for peace, national prosperity and people of Vietnam and Pakistan to enjoy a prosperous and happy life.

Not only is it a milestone in the cultural and spiritual exchange between the two countries, the event is also a reminder of the spirit of overcoming suffering, engaging in the world and global solidarity that Buddha taught more than 2,600 years ago.

Some outstanding images at the event:

A replica of the ascetic Buddha statue is solemnly carried to Bai Dinh Pagoda. (Source: Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam)

The replica of the statue was officially installed at Bai Dinh Pagoda for monks, nuns and Buddhists from all over to worship, pay homage and practice according to the Buddha's spirit of asceticism and compassion. (Source: Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam)

Most Venerable Thich Quang Ha - Vice President of the Executive Council, Head of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ninh Binh province welcomed the delegation of the Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam. (Source: Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam)