Pagodas in Nghe An strictly prevent Covid-19 epidemic during Buddha's birthday

Implementing Notice No. 17/TB-BTS dated April 21, 2020 on guidelines for organizing the Vesak Festival PL 2564-DL 2020 of the Executive Committee of the Buddhist Sangha of Nghe An province, many pagodas in the province celebrated the Vesak Festival in a quick and concise manner, with rituals performed sequentially, without organizing large gatherings, ensuring minimum distance and wearing masks, and using disinfectant during the ceremony.

Chanting ritual to pray for peace and an end to the Covid-19 pandemic at Co Am Pagoda (Dien Chau). Photo: Phuong Nam

On May 1, 2, 3, or April 8, 9, 10 of the lunar calendar, at Diec Pagoda (Quang Trung Ward, Vinh City), Dai Tue Pagoda (Nam Anh Commune, Nam Dan District), Co Am Pagoda (Dien Minh Commune, Dien Chau District), Long Hoa Pagoda (Hung Long Commune, Hung Nguyen District), Phuc Lac Pagoda (Nghi Thach Commune, Nghi Loc District)... the 2563rd Buddha's Birthday Ceremony took place to commemorate and show gratitude to Buddha, and pray for peace in the country and happiness for all living beings.

During the ceremony, due to the complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic, the pagodas set up small altars, and the Buddhist worship activities took place quickly; the rituals were divided into many days and many sessions so that everyone could attend while still ensuring safety; Buddhists were divided into many small groups to perform the ceremony so no one had to wait in line and gather in large numbers.

Venerable Thich Tam Thanh (abbot of Co Am Pagoda) and monks perform the Buddha bathing ritual.

In addition, unlike previous years, pagodas and monasteries will not organize large gatherings, flower car processions, welcome art programs, or any other form of large gatherings.

Buddhists and visitors when coming to the temple only burn incense, pray and leave; must keep the minimum distance according to regulations, wear masks and wash hands with sanitizer before and after performing the ceremony.

All prayer rituals at the temple ensure the minimum distance as recommended by the Ministry of Health. Photo: Phuong Nam

The activities during Buddha's birthday are broadcast live online for Buddhists and people to follow.

Although taking place in a quiet atmosphere with few attendees, with a sincere heart towards Buddha, the ceremony activities took place in a solemn and pure atmosphere with many rituals imbued with Buddhist colors such as offering flowers, making offerings to the Triple Gem, chanting Buddha's name to pray for protection, commemorating Buddha and Buddhists who sacrificed for the Dharma and the nation, bathing Buddha, releasing animals...

View of Buddha's Birthday at Co Am Pagoda. Photo: Phuong Nam

In particular, because the Buddha's Birthday took place in the context of the Covid-19 epidemic, in addition to celebrating the opening rituals, bathing the Buddha was performed with the meaning of celebrating the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni.

At the pagodas, the bells and drums of the Heart Sutra are rung three times, the Buddha's birthday rituals and the Dharmachakra Sutra are chanted, and the Covid-19 pandemic is eliminated, the nation is peaceful and the people are safe. The weekly chanting of sutras and prayers for the pandemic to end is continued.