Ba Den sacred mountain welcomes Buddha's relics: Pilgrimage in the light of Vesak

This place is not only famous for the Buddha statue of Tay Bo Da Son majestic, The world's largest sandstone Maitreya Buddha statue, which this year also has the honor of housing the sacred relics of Buddha Shakyamuni – the ultimate symbol of enlightenment, wisdom and compassion.

The 2025 Vesak Festival is co-organized by the International Organizing Committee of the United Nations Day of Vesak and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, with the participation of 85 countries and territories. This is the fourth time Vietnam has hosted the event, previously in Hanoi (2008), Ninh Binh (2014) and Ha Nam (2019). From May 8-13, within the framework of Vesak 2025, Ba Den Mountain was chosen as the place to enshrine the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni.

On May 8, the ceremony to welcome the relics took place solemnly and emotionally, with the participation of about 1,300 international delegates from more than 85 countries and territories such as: India, Bhutan, China, France, Germany, Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, UK, USA, Thailand... along with more than 800 domestic delegates from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and leaders of provinces, cities, ministries, branches and thousands of Buddhists from all over. In the solemn atmosphere, the image of the pilgrims silently stretching up the mountain was a vivid proof of the undying faith in Buddhism and the boundless respect of the Vietnamese people for the Enlightened One.

The relics – considered the essence remaining after the cremation of the Buddha’s body – are one of the most sacred and precious treasures in Buddhism. Visiting the relics is not only a rare opportunity, but also an opportunity for every tourist and Buddhist to sow good karma, expand compassion and nurture wisdom. Located in one of the most sacred spaces in the South, the Buddha relics at Ba Den Mountain seem to spread peaceful energy to all directions, opening the light of enlightenment for many hearts that are striving for goodness.

The reception of the relics took place on the occasion of the Vesak 2025 Buddha's Birthday, creating a brilliant and sacred spiritual space in the midst of the most important festival of global Buddhism. In the mysterious light of Vesak, every pilgrimage to Ba Den Mountain becomes an extremely meaningful journey of worship.

At Tay Bo Da Son Square, the sacred space seems to be still, the majestic statue of Buddha Tay Bo Da Son shines brightly. We feel the vastness and protection of the Three Jewels, in harmony with the majestic and poetic beauty of the sacred mountain. All boundaries and sufferings seem to disappear, leaving only a deep connection with a source of peaceful and loving energy. And in the center, shimmering and shining, is the Buddha's relic - a symbol of enlightenment and boundless compassion, which will be enshrined at the Buddhist Exhibition Center, open for Buddhists and visitors to come and worship.

Many Buddhists share that just once seeing the relics with their own eyes and standing before the majestic statue amidst the clouds of Tay Ninh is enough to calm their hearts, make their minds at peace, and strengthen their faith in Buddhism more firmly than ever.

After the procession and enshrinement of the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni for the public and Buddhists to worship, the planting ceremony of 108 Bodhi trees took place at Bodhi Garden World - on top of Ba Den Mountain. Here, eminent monks, religious dignitaries and Buddhist leaders from 80 countries and territories together planted 108 Bodhi trees.

Each tree is assigned a serial number and the name of the country participating in the ceremony, creating a symbolic "heritage garden" never before seen in Vietnam. Each tree planted in the sacred land is a sincere prayer sent to the universe - for world peace, for the awakening of human consciousness, and for the green future of the planet.

Immediately after the tree planting ceremony, more than 2,000 international and domestic delegates gathered at Tay Bo Da Son Square, where the candle lighting ceremony to pray for world peace took place. In the sacred and peaceful space, eminent monks and venerable monks from all over the world lit candles symbolizing the light of wisdom and compassion, spreading the message of love, solidarity and aspiration for a world without suffering, war and hatred.

The light from Tay Bo Da Son Square tonight not only illuminates people's hearts, but also spreads like a guiding light for humanity - reminding each of us of our mission to live mindfully, love and act for a peaceful and happy planet.

In the solemn space of the sacred mountain, each pilgrimage to Ba Den during Vesak this year is not simply a trip to worship Buddha, but also a journey back to oneself, to find peace and purity in the soul. Looking at the majestic beauty of the mountains, admiring the magic of Buddha's relics during this precious time, may each of our steps be more steady on the path to goodness in a life full of worries and fluctuations.

Let this sacred mountain embrace your worries, let the light of the Dharma illuminate your hearts, and let the beauty of nature and religious structures nourish your compassion and wisdom.

Let's return to Ba Den Mountain - the place where heaven and earth meet, the crystallization of spirituality and culture, to receive the peaceful energy from the sacred relics, and immerse ourselves in the sacred flow of Vesak 2025. A journey not only to worship, but also to find yourself in a space filled with the light of enlightenment and compassion.

Mai Thao

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/nui-thieng-ba-den-don-ngoc-xa-loi-phat-hanh-huong-trong-anh-sang-vesak-a189933.html