Vesak 2019 celebration has the theme “Buddhism’s Approach to Global Leadershipand Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies” and is chaired by theVietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in coordination with the International Councilfor the Day of Vesak (ICDV).
At a press conference held in Hanoi on April 18, Venerable Thich Gia Quang, DeputyChairman of the Executive Council and Head of the Communications Board of theVietnam Buddhist Sangha, who is Vice Chairman of the Vesak 2019 OrganizingCommittee, said Vietnam successfully hosted Vesak celebration in 2008 in Hanoiand in 2014 in Ninh Binh province.
According to Thich Duc Thien, Deputy Chairman-Secretary General of theExecutive Board of the VBS, Vesak 2019 celebration will welcome around 1,500 foreignBuddhist leaders, scholars, researchers from 105 countries and territories togetherwith heads of state and ambassadors and representatives of internationalorganizations in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Party, State and VBS leaders and around 15,000-20,000 local andoverseas Buddhist followers will attend the event.
Vesak 2019 celebration will have five forums discussing the responsible leadershipfor sustainable societies, Buddhism’s approach to harmonious family, education,and responsible consumption, and Buddhism and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Some 398 presentations inEnglish from foreign scholars and 110 others by Vietnamese scholars have beensent to the event.
Spiritual and cultural events will be held on the sidelines of the event, likethe Bathing of the Buddha ritual, requiems, a lantern night, photo exhibitionson world heritage pagodas, an exhibition on Buddhist antiques, and an artexchange.
Vesak 2019 is an important diplomatic event affirming of the role of Vietnam’sBuddhism in international integration.
TheUN General Assembly on December 15, 1999 recognized the Day of Vesak tocelebrate the thrice-sacred event of the life of the Buddha Gautama. TheBuddhist community in different countries has organized activities to celebratethis day every year.-VNA