Vientiane: Phat Tich pagoda in Vientiane, Laos held a ceremony on May 12 morning to celebrate Lord Buddha's 2569th birthday, drawing monks, nuns, and members of the Vietnamese community in Laos.
According to Lao News Agency, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam attended the ceremony, which featured rituals such as incense offerings, almsgiving, and the symbolic bathing of the Buddha statue. These acts were performed to honor Shakyamuni Buddha and pray for peace, happiness, and well-being.
In his address, Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang, head of the Vietnam-Laos Buddhist Cooperation Coordinating Committee and Abbot of Phat Tich pagoda, emphasized the importance of rekindling the spirit of unity and compassion in today's world of growing global and regional uncertainties. He underscored the need to place humanity at the core of all actions.
He urged monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers to uphold their responsibilities with discipline, solidarity, and a commitment to development. Monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers should uphold their responsibilities and fulfill their duties, fortify the Dharma, build a resilient Sangha, preserve and nurture the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, while contributing to Vietnam's national construction and defense cause, he added.