A performance at the show (Photo: VNA) In his remarks at the event, Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council, stated that nowadays, the festival is not only a purely sacred religious day but also an occasion of profound significance for compassion, directing each person back to the roots of the nation and ancestors.
He said the art programme is a respectful tribute from the younger generations, offering homage to the spirits of those who have passed away and to the previous generations who have contributed to the birth, nurturing, development, and protection of the country.
At the event, the organising committee presented gifts to some heroic Vietnamese mothers, war invalids and veterans, and revolutionary contributors.
A view of the stage from above (Photo: VNA) The origin of the festival is explained by the legend ofMaudgalyayana (known as Muc Kien Lien in Vietnam), a chief disciple ofSakyamuni Buddha, who was unable to alleviate the suffering of hismother in the realm of hungry ghosts.
He was told that the onlyway to deliver his mother from the pains of suffering is to rely uponthe strength of monastics of all directions in their cultivation ofmeritorious virtues.
The merits could liberate the deceased fromthe three suffering realms and allow them to enjoy a life of abundance,good fortune and longevity. Therefore, by observing the practice, allBuddhists can deliver their parents from the miseries of the threesuffering realms.
From this, many Buddhist countries havedeveloped their own custom of offering food, clothing, and other itemsto hungry spirits in the seventh lunar month.
This festival has been widely celebrated in Vietnam to express respect, love and honour towards parents./.
VNA
