THE VIETNAMESE DELEGATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL TIPIṬAKA CHANTING CEREMONY, MAHĀ ASALHA PUJA, AND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE THERAVĀDA SANGHA OF INDONESIA
Borobudur, Indonesia

 

For the first time, the Vietnamese delegation had the great honor of participating in this sacred event in Indonesia as the representative of ITCC Vietnam (International Tipitaka Chanting Council – Vietnam), together with the Indonesia Tipitaka Council (ITC), an official member of the International Tipitaka Chanting Council (ITCC). The celebration brought together the International Tipiṭaka Chanting Ceremony, Mahā Asalha Puja (the beginning of the Rains Retreat), and the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Theravāda Sangha in Indonesia at the sacred Buddhist heritage site of Borobudur.
Sacred Activities and Devotional Engagement
During the celebration, the Vietnamese delegation respectfully offered alms to the Sangha, joined thousands of Indonesian Buddhists in the Tipiṭaka procession from Mendut Temple to Borobudur, participated in various Dhamma activities, and attended the monks’ prayers for world peace. Although Buddhists make up only about 3% of Indonesia’s population, their unwavering faith in the Triple Gem, their sincere observance of the Vinaya, and their dedicated practice of the Buddha’s teachings left a profound impression on us.

Professional Organization and Collective Spirit
The organization of this international event was exceptionally professional, meticulous, and inspiring. Supported by countless devoted volunteers and lay Buddhists, every detail reflected the true spirit of generosity, harmony, and selfless service. The Organizing Committee and all volunteers deserve the highest appreciation for their remarkable dedication. Throughout three days of chanting and ceremonies, nearly 10,000 Buddhists demonstrated that practicing the Buddha’s teachings is not merely a belief, but a way of living through discipline, mindfulness, compassion, and service.

The Spiritual Resonance of Borobudur
Borobudur, one of the world’s most sacred Buddhist monuments, truly feels like a heart that breathes mindfulness into everyone fortunate enough to arrive there. In the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, “The Heart of the Buddha” continues to radiate warmth and compassion, bringing together nearly 10,000 Buddhists from more than 600 islands across Indonesia.
According to the Vietnamese tradition, on 27 July 2026, we respectfully dedicate all the wholesome merits generated during Mahā Asalha Puja to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, to all victims of war, natural disasters, and tragedies. May the blessings of the Triple Gem help free them from suffering and resentment, and may they dwell in peace, happiness, and well-being in whatever realm they may be.

Namo Buddhaya!