Shimla, Nov 11
In a gesture that underscores the powerful spiritual connection between Buddhist communities in Southeast Asia and the Tibetan tradition, the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has invited representatives of Tibetan Buddhism to attend Vesak, the annual celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. The invitation was extended to the Dalai Lama during a recent visit by a VBS delegation to his residence in Mcleodganj near Dharamshala.
Vesak, celebrated on the full moon of May, holds immense significance across the global Buddhist community. Next year, the Vietnamese Sangha will host Vesak from May 6 to 8 in Vietnam, marking one of the most revered events for Buddhists worldwide. The request to send Tibetan representatives not only strengthens inter-Buddhist ties but also reflects the enduring spiritual connection between different Buddhist schools.
Ven. Thich Nhat Tu, a senior member of the Vietnamese delegation, conveyed that the Dalai Lama warmly received their invitation and agreed to send Tibetan Buddhist representatives. “We requested His Holiness to send a delegation to join our Vesak celebrations, and he graciously accepted,” he stated. Beyond participation in Vesak, Ven. Thich Nhat Tu expressed a desire for broader collaboration between the Vietnamese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, noting, “We also asked His Holiness to authorize a Tibetan master to sign a memorandum of understanding with VBS for long-term cooperation.”
Buddhism in Southeast Asia is a deeply rooted force that transcends national boundaries, uniting diverse communities through shared reverence and faith. The Southeast Asian and Tibetan traditions, though distinct in rituals and practices, are interconnected streams that flow from the teachings of Buddha. The invitation is a symbolic representation of how spiritual roots bind different Buddhist communities, fostering unity in a world where Buddhism remains one of the strongest cultural and religious links across borders.
The delegation also expressed interest in translating the Dalai Lama’s writings to make Tibetan Buddhist teachings accessible to a broader Vietnamese audience, a gesture that seeks to deepen the shared spiritual experience of Buddhism across Asia. Ven. Thich Nhat Tu voiced the Sangha’s respect and admiration for the Dalai Lama, saying, “We wish him a long life for the benefit of people around the world.”
The visit follows the recent Buddhist Conference in Delhi, where the Vietnamese delegation participated alongside other global Buddhist leaders. After the conference, 45 members of the VBS traveled to Dharamshala to meet the Dalai Lama, reflecting the strong mutual respect between the Vietnamese Sangha and Tibetan spiritual leadership.
The Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha remains the only government-recognized Buddhist association in Vietnam, with a profound influence in promoting unity and peace. The collaborative initiatives between Tibetan and Vietnamese Buddhists highlight the unifying role of Buddhism, affirming its potential to build bridges of peace and understanding across borders. As Buddhists in Vietnam and Tibet come together for Vesak, they affirm their shared path of compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment in a world where spiritual solidarity is more meaningful than ever.
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