Key Exhibits: A Glimpse into History
The 80m² exhibition space is divided into three thematic zones, each representing a pillar of Buddhism: 

1. Buddha Zone
   - Statue of the Buddha’s Birth with Nine Dragons Canopy: This iconic statue depicts Siddhartha Gautama as a newborn, standing on a lotus throne with one hand pointing to heaven and the other to earth. Surrounding him are nine dragons symbolizing the celestial beings that bathed him at birth. 



   - Terracotta Pagoda from the Lý Dynasty (11th century): A tiered tower inscribed with “Tháp chủ Khai Thiên Thống Vận Hoàng Đế” (Tower of the Emperor Who Opened Heaven), commissioned by King Lý Thái Tông to commemorate his reign’s fusion of royal authority and Buddhist devotion. 



2. Dharma Zone
   - Ancient Woodblock Sutras: Rare 15th–18th-century woodblocks used to print texts like the Lotus Sutra and monastic codes. These artifacts, carved on softwoods like persimmon and pear, reflect Vietnam’s early printing techniques popularized by scholar Lương Như Hộc. 
   - Five Periods of Buddhist Teachings: A visual timeline illustrating the Buddha’s 49-year teaching journey, from the profound *Avatamsaka Sutra* to the universal Lotus Sutra. 

3. Sangha Zone
   - Robes and Alms Bowls of Revered Monks: Includes the kasaya (ceremonial robe) of Most Venerable Thích Tố Liên, a key figure in modern Vietnamese Buddhism, and a 13th-century celadon-glazed bowl used by Zen Master Chân Nguyên. 

   - Royal Edicts (Sắc phong): Nguyễn Dynasty decrees from 1846 and 1880, written on yellow Long Đẳng paper and stamped with the imperial seal, honoring temples and deities. 



Highlighted Artifacts and Their Stories
- Sacred Parrot (Anh Vũ) Statues: These 54cm-tall gilded wooden carvings symbolize compassion. Legend recounts a parrot who used its feathers to douse a forest fire, inspiring divine intervention. 



- 16th-Century Ceramic Incense Burner: Discovered at Hải Dương’s Hói Pagoda, this grey-blue vessel features intricate floral motifs and remnants of dragon-inspired handles. 
- Stone Stele Rubbings: Including the 1647 “Stele of Ninh Phúc Temple”, which documents the pagoda’s role as a medieval Buddhist hub, earning it the nickname “Vietnam’s Shaolin Temple.” 

Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The exhibition traces Buddhism’s integration into Northern Vietnam’s identity across dynasties: 
- Lý–Trần Dynasties (11th–14th centuries): Marked by royal patronage and architectural marvels like the Bút Tháp Pagoda. 
- Lê–Nguyễn Dynasties (15th–19th centuries): Blending folk beliefs with Buddhist rituals, evident in deity edicts and communal worship practices. 
- Modern Era: Showcasing Buddhism’s adaptability through contemporary art and interfaith dialogue. 

“These artifacts are not mere relics — they are living embodiments of wisdom and compassion,” said Venerable Thích Thanh Phương, head of the organizing committee. “They remind us how Buddhism shaped Vietnam’s soul.” 

Event Details
- Dates: May 5–9, 2025 
- Venue: Vietnam Buddhist University Campus 2, Bình Chánh District, Ho Chi Minh City. 
- Organizers: Led by scholars, photographers, and Han-Nom researchers, the team has meticulously curated items from temples like Quán Sứ (Hanoi), Long Động (Quảng Ninh), and Bà Đá (Hanoi). 

---  The Vesak 2025 exhibition promises to be a bridge between past and present, inviting visitors to explore the spiritual heartbeat of Northern Vietnam—one artifact at a time.