The Vesak Great Ceremony in 2025

Commemorating the Buddha's Birthday coming to the world was an important and significant event in Buddhists’ thought. This is a chance to recall His careers, sacrifices, love and timeless wisdom to all sentient beings of three realms. In that gratitude, Hoang Phap Pagoda solemnly celebrated the Great Buddha's Birthday on May 12nd, 2025 (April 15th, LC), Buddhism calendar 2569 with thousands of Buddhist men and women who attended.

At 6 a.m, three series of drums and the bell was sounded to greet the monks to enter the stage for starting the rite of incense offering to the Buddha.

 

Attending this ceremony were the presence of Most Thich Chan Tinh, Master of Hoang Phap Pagoda, Junior Thich Tam Truong, Abbot of Hoang Phap Pagoda together with the Abbot of facilities belonging to the Hoang Phap sect, pagoda’s monks and Buddhists everywhere. Continuing the program, the participants spent one minute recalling the Shakyamuni Buddha’s grace, listening to the bell and verse chanting from Junior Thich Tam Hac. After having stated the reason and introduced the ceremony, Junior Thich Tam Truong gave a speech on the Vesak and its meaning.

 

Giving preaching words in the ceremony, Most Master Thich Chan Tinh had a dharma talk to all attendees.

 

In the midst of impermanence of life, the Buddha appeared in the world like a bright torch, like a dazzling sun to dispel the darkness of ignorance, helping humanity see the bright path. He is a living demonstration of the power of self-reliance and wisdom. There are five special outstanding characteristics of the Buddha: He was born into a royal family, had 32 good signs and 80 beauties, had extraordinary wisdom, decided to leave home after seeing five strange signs at the city gates, and finally attained Buddhahood. Indeed, all of these were the results of His excellent causes and conditions.

 

These special auspicious omens are the result of his efforts to practice the Paramitas, accumulating merit and blessings over countless lifetimes. By the example of the Buddha, we need to understand the path to enlightenment and deliverance is not beyond the ability of each person to save itself, if one knows how to diligently practice, keep the precepts, give alms, meditate, and cultivate wisdom. It is from the constant practice of these virtues that the light of wisdom can shine, helping us to let go of the chains of ignorance, perfect the path, and attain peace and happiness.

 

The sound of the prajna drum bell rang out in the sacred atmosphere, monks and Buddhists performed the rituals of celebrating the Buddha Birthday and releasing balloons - a symbol of peace and freedom.

 

After that, the Buddhists gathered at the Dharma Wheel Building to recite the Buddha's name and participate in the competition Quiz Buddhadharma.

 

This chance, the attendees will strengthen their knowledge, have the opportunity to learn deeply about His life.

 

Images recorded: