Government of Pakistan presents a cultural treasure to Vietnam Buddhist Sangha
WVR - The presentation of the replica of the Fasting Buddha statue by the Government of Pakistan serves as a symbol of religious harmony and the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries, reflecting a shared commitment to peace, dialogue and cultural cooperation.
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| Most Venerable Thich Đuc Thien performed the Eye-Opening Consecration Ritual at the Embassy of Pakistan. (Photo: Bchanel) |
On July 30, the Government of Pakistan officially presented the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) with a replica of the Fasting Buddha statue – a sculpture from the ancient Gandhara civilisation, excavated in Sikri (Pakistan) in the 19th century.
The original statue dates back to around the 2nd century AD and is currently preserved and exhibited at the Lahore Museum in Punjab Province, Pakistan.
In Hanoi, Most Venerable Thich Đuc Thien, Vice President and General Secretary of the VBS Executive Council, solemnly received the statue and presided over a spiritual ceremony including rituals such as eye-opening consecration, sutra chanting, mantra recitation, Buddha name chanting, and incense offering, to bless the statue and pray for a smooth and complete procession journey.
Immediately after the ceremony, the statue was reverently escorted on a flower-adorned vehicle from Hanoi to Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh Province) - one of the major Buddhist cultural centres in the country.
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| Replica of the Fasting Buddha Statue. (Photo: Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam) |
There, Most Venerable Thich Quang Ha, Vice President of the VBS Executive Council and Head of the VBS Chapter of Ninh Binh Province, welcomed the delegation from the Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam and received the Fasting Buddha statue to be enshrined at the pagoda, in the presence and blessings of the monastic community and lay Buddhists.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Tran Song Tung, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee and a member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee.
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| Ambassador of Pakistan to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri delivers a speech at the ceremony. (Photo: Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam) |
Speaking at the ceremony, Pakistani Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri said: “This is a very special, rare and unique statue - a masterpiece that has been recognised worldwide”.
The Government of Pakistan wished to present the replica to Vietnam as a gesture of friendship between the two nations and as a sacred symbol of cultural and religious exchange between Pakistan and Vietnam.
The Fasting Buddha statue, also known as the statue of Prince Siddhartha practising asceticism, portrays the prince before enlightenment. It symbolises self-discipline and the determined quest to end suffering.
As part of the ceremony, a prayer service was held for peace, national prosperity, and the well-being and happiness of the peoples of Vietnam and Pakistan.
More than a milestone in spiritual and cultural exchange between the two nations, the event also served as a reminder of the spirit of overcoming hardship, engagement with the world and global solidarity as taught by the Buddha over 2,600 years ago.
