Impressions of Buddhist culture in the Land of a Million Elephants

(Baonghean) - Laos - a neighboring country, bordered by mountains and rivers with Vietnam, is often referred to by international friends as a peaceful and gentle country. Buddhism is deeply rooted in the thoughts of Lao people, expressed in every aspect of cultural life, creating a Lao people with a very unique mark.

The way to That Luang tower.

With a population of about 7 million people and up to 1,400 large and small temples, Laos is the country with the highest ratio of temples to population in the world. Introduced to Laos during the reign of King Dvaravati in the 7th century, Buddhism has become the state religion since the 14th century. 90% of the Lao population follows Buddhism and Lao people have a very close, natural connection to temples and everything related to Buddhism. The presence of Buddhism in Lao culture and life is expressed through architecture, sculpture and aesthetics. Over time, there has been development but all have retained characteristics such as curved roofs, reminiscent of Buddhist temple architecture.

Reclining Buddha statue in Vientiane Capital.

Visiting the Land of a Million Elephants during Bunpimay, visitors will be impressed by the image of a joyful and bustling festival. Along with the water-splashing custom, the Buddha bathing ritual at the temple has become a unique spiritual cultural feature of the Lao people, an act of showing respect to Buddha for instilling faith and love for life in people. At the auspicious hour, the Spring Princess - the beauty of the festival and the girls in colorful costumes parade through the streets and perform a ceremony at Xi Muong Pagoda - a famous sacred pagoda of Laos. Then, blending into the melody of music, locals and tourists dance and sing, wishing for a prosperous and peaceful year. The hospitality and behavior of the Lao people, combined with the traditional cultural features of the Champa land, make this country an attractive destination for many tourists.

Phuong Thao