Scene of the prayer ceremony for national peace and prosperity at Phat Tich Pagoda in the capital Vientiane (Laos). (Photo: Xuan Tu/VNA)
In the heart of the modern and vibrant capital of Laos, Vientiane, there is a peaceful space where the sound of temple bells ringing for many years has become a familiar sound to many Vietnamese people living abroad.
That is Phat Tich Pagoda, a pagoda with a strong hometown spirit, a place that preserves the cultural identity, spirituality and affection of the Vietnamese community in the land of a million elephants.
Located in Xaysettha district, Phat Tich Pagoda stands out in the space with its 7-storey tower, each floor has a Buddha statue sitting on a pure lotus pedestal, evoking a sense of peace. The curved roof, the delicate dragon-unicorn-tortoise-phoenix images, harmoniously combine architectural art and Vietnamese spiritual depth.
In the middle of the temple courtyard is the sacred Bodhi tree, brought back from Bodh Gaya (India), where Buddha attained enlightenment, as an extension of the enlightenment tradition.
Under the leadership of Venerable Thich Minh Quang and Venerable Thich Minh Nguyet, Phat Tich Pagoda has been constantly renovated and expanded, becoming both solemn and pure in form and rich in Buddhist activities.
Sharing with TTXN reporters in Laos, Venerable Thich Minh Quang, Abbot of Phat Tich Pagoda in the capital Vientiane, said that the pagoda is a support and a spiritual home for the Vietnamese community in Laos to have a place to live and unite closely with each other.
Amidst the life of making a living in a foreign land, the pagoda appears as a warm and cozy home, where people far from home find peace, tranquility and a deep connection with the roots of national culture.
Here, every traditional holiday of the nation such as Buddha's Birthday, Vu Lan, traditional Tet is not only an occasion for everyone to come together to worship Buddha, pray for peace, but also an opportunity for the community to gather together, share thoughts, feelings, and strengthen solidarity.
In addition, over the years, Phat Tich Pagoda has always considered charity work as a sacred mission of compassion, a practical path to practice religion. The pagoda regularly organizes activities to support the poor, the disabled and the less fortunate, regardless of religion, nationality or circumstances.
Vegetarian meals, nutritious porridge, and meaningful gifts personally wrapped by Buddhists are given to poor patients in hospitals - like a breath of warmth to soothe difficult days.
Not only limited to the capital Vientiane, the hearts of the Buddhists of Phat Tich Pagoda also cross mountains and forests, reaching even to remote villages throughout Laos.
The trucks carrying relief goods rolled out, carrying rice, warm clothes, medicine, but most of all, carrying love, sharing and the warmth of the overseas Vietnamese community to those who still have many deprivations.
And when Vietnam suffered from storms and floods, boxes of instant noodles, thin blankets, and warm clothes were hastily collected and sent back. Each small gift contains a heart full of longing for the homeland.
The shipments not only provide material support, but also send a message that no matter where we are, our compatriots will always turn to the Fatherland. Ms. Cao Thi Ly, an overseas Vietnamese in Laos, emotionally shared: "No matter where we are, our homeland is always in our hearts. Being able to help a little makes us feel warm."
Phat Tich Pagoda is not only a sacred temple in the heart of Vientiane, but also a "cultural bridge" for overseas Vietnamese and Lao people who love Vietnamese culture to learn Vietnamese, learn about their roots, nurture filial piety, love for their homeland and connect with the great friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
The schools, the ringing bells and the reunion ceremonies here have persistently preserved national identity, deepening solidarity between generations and two brotherly peoples.
Venerable Thich Minh Quang, Abbot of Phat Tich Pagoda, emphasized that the pagoda pays great attention to language so that future generations can know more Vietnamese, understand Vietnamese culture better and be more united with each other.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, assessed that Phat Tich Pagoda has made important contributions not only to maintaining the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese community in Laos, but also to cultural exchange between the Vietnamese and Lao peoples, fostering the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
Through humanitarian activities,education , preservation of language and traditional customs, the pagoda has contributed to deepening the special solidarity between the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos./.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/chua-phat-tich-hon-viet-giua-long-thu-do-vientiane-cua-lao-5052556.html
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