The United Nations Vesak 2014 celebration was inaugurated with great fanfare.

On the morning of May 8th, the United Nations Vesak Day 2014 officially opened at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh province.

The opening ceremony was attended by National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Thien Nhan, former General Secretary Le Kha Phieu, former National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An, and many leaders of the Party and State, former leaders of the Party and State, representatives of ministries, departments, and localities. Venerable Thich Duc Nghiep, Vice Dharma Chief of the Central Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, along with other venerable monks and dignitaries of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, also attended the opening ceremony.

Scenes from the opening ceremony. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Jayaratne, ambassadors, members of the royal families of several countries, and over 1,000 delegates including leaders of Buddhist churches and sects, professors, doctors, scholars, Buddhist researchers, as well as practicing Buddhists from various Buddhist traditions from 95 countries and territories attended the Grand Ceremony.

The Grand Ceremony was also attended by over 10,000 monks, nuns, Buddhists, and people from all over the country.

Former President Le Duc Anh, former General Secretary Do Muoi, former General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, and Standing Member of the Secretariat Le Hong Anh sent congratulatory flower arrangements to the Grand Ceremony.

The grand ceremony began with an artistic program and the ritual of paying homage to the Three Jewels.

The delegates attending the ceremony commemorated three important events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and death (Nirvana), and reflected on the life and teachings of the Buddha.

The ceremony included a minute of silence in memory of the late Venerable Thich Tri Tinh, Chairman of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Association.

Following the opening remarks by the Chairman of the International Organizing Committee for Vesak 2014 and the Founding Chairman of the International Organizing Committee (Thailand), the Grand Ceremony heard the Message from the Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

The message read by Venerable Thich Duc Nghiep, Vice Dharma Chief of the Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, stated that the 2014 Vesak Celebration held in Vietnam was a great honor and a favorable opportunity for the country and Vietnamese Buddhism to contribute, together with the international Buddhist community, to promoting the teachings of the Buddha in the propagation of the Dharma, benefiting all beings, and protecting peace for humanity.

At this grand ceremony, Buddhist monks, nuns, and lay followers from both within and outside the country will have many opportunities to share the profound experiences and scholarship of scholars from all continents.

In their welcoming speech at the Grand Ceremony, the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Council affirmed that, in the new era, Buddhism has developed strongly throughout the world, and Vietnamese Buddhism has also made very positive progress, with the Sangha's prestige becoming increasingly deep and widespread both domestically and among Buddhist communities worldwide.

The speech emphasized the need to convey more of the Buddha's teachings, Buddhist faith, and peace in material and spiritual life to remote areas, border regions, and the vital islands of the country, especially to Buddhist expatriates residing and living abroad.

During this Rains Retreat season, monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers need to diligently practice and study in order to overcome inertia, the desire for personal comfort, indifference to people and things, and attitudes contrary to the selfless and altruistic spirit of Buddhism.

In the solemn atmosphere of the Buddha's Birthday celebration, speaking at the opening ceremony, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung stated that throughout history, Buddhism has always been closely associated with and accompanied the Vietnamese nation, always demonstrating the principle of engagement with the world, bridging the gap between religion and life, and striving for the goals of national independence, freedom, happiness, and peace for the people.

Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung affirmed: "In our country, freedom of religion and freedom of belief are fully enshrined in the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and other important laws."

Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung emphasized that Vietnam is committed to preserving and promoting its national cultural identity, while being ready to absorb and embrace the cultural essence of humanity. Vietnam always respects the noble values ​​built and nurtured over thousands of years by various religions, including Buddhism, especially religious ethics that guide people towards truth, goodness, and beauty, elevating human beings, morality, and character.

In his message to the celebration, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on everyone to rise above narrow personal interests, to think and act as members of an international community; for each person to open their heart and arms to their fellow human beings, especially those in need, and to commit to working together for the common good, for the progress of all humanity.

Mr. Ban Ki-moon particularly welcomed the theme of this year's Vesak celebration in Vietnam and stated that because the teachings of the Buddha have eternal value, Buddhist perspectives remain relevant in today's era as we promote efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, putting the world on a path of more equitable and sustainable development.

Delegates attending the Grand Ceremony also listened to messages from the Director-General of UNESCO, the King, leaders of nations, and leaders of Buddhist churches around the world, including a congratulatory speech from Sri Lankan Prime Minister Jayaratne, expressing his belief that the teachings of Buddhism will continue to spread to serve lasting world peace; and praying for peace, equality, and happiness for humanity, with all Buddhists being people of love, compassion, and generosity.

Following the opening ceremony, delegates attending the Grand Celebration will listen to presentations on how Buddhism contributes to achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, participate in group workshops, and hear sermons on the significance of Buddha's Birthday.

According to VNA