An official from the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation on May 10 paid a visit to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) on the occasion of the 2555th birthday of Lord Buddha.

Commission Permanent Deputy Director Nguyen The Trung expressed his best wishes to Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers on the occasion, praising their contributions to national construction over the past time.

He expressed his hope that the VBS will continue coordinating closely with authorities at all levels and the Fatherland Front, and encouraging monks, nuns and followers to abide by policies and laws of the Party and State and participate in patriotism movements to build the country of prosperity and civilisation.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Standing Vice Chairman of the VBS Central Committee’s Executive Council affirmed that all Vietnamese Buddhist monks, nuns and followers will continue to unite with people nationwide in a journey with the nation.

The same day, a grand ceremony to celebrate Lord Buddha’s birthday was held at Phat Tich pagoda, in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

On the occasion, Phat Tich pagoda, one of the most ancient pagodas in Vietnam , hosted religious researchers’ discussions on the role of the pagoda as well as zen masters in the evolvement process of Buddhism in the north and in Vietnam generally.

Researchers also explored historical, cultural and artistic values of the pagoda, which is viewed as one of the most ancient Buddhist centres in the country./.