On July 10, the Central Cultural Committee officially launched the “Music Composition Campaign – Ulluminating the Path in Life” under the theme: “Understanding Buddhist Culture Through Art Forms Towards the United Nations Vesak 2025 with the Theme: Solidarity, Unity, Cooperation – Buddhism for World Peace.” Loving Vegan is honored to accompany this campaign as a sponsor.
This campaign serves as a meaningful effort to promote and educate ethical values and lifestyles within the community through the spirit of Buddhism and various art forms. It also contributes to preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of Vietnamese Buddhism. Furthermore, the campaign fosters exchange and learning among writers, artists, and Buddhist scholars both domestically and internationally.
On the occasion of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha hosting the United Nations Vesak 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Central Cultural Committee has initiated this campaign to:
- Organize an artistic performance to celebrate Vesak 2025
- Host a special exhibition showcasing Vietnamese Buddhist culture alongside global Buddhist traditions
- Develop an online exhibition platform for wider accessibility
- Conduct scientific seminars and presentations on Vietnamese and international Buddhist art
- Organize a series of continuous, diverse, and outstanding artistic activities as part of the United Nations Vesak 2025 in Vietnam
Additionally, an online exhibition platform will be developed, allowing the public to access artistic works conveniently and efficiently. After the exhibition concludes, this platform will be upgraded into a Vietnamese Buddhist Cultural Database, digitally preserving and promoting Buddhist cultural heritage through 3D technology and VRTour360.
Participation and Submission Guidelines
The campaign includes both collecting existing works and encouraging new compositions with production support. The competition is open to Vietnamese citizens worldwide.
Accepted entries include:
- Music compositions related to Buddhist themes
- Buddhist poetry adapted into songs
- Musical works reflecting Buddhist philosophy
Entries should focus on one or more of the following themes:
- Ethical values and Buddhist philosophy in modern society
- Praising the virtues of monks, nuns, and Buddhist practitioners
- Showcasing Buddhist cultural beauty in Vietnamese spiritual life
- Exploring the history and cultural heritage of Vietnamese Buddhism
- Artistic creativity that conveys Buddhist ethics, philosophy, and lifestyle, reflecting both Vietnamese and global Buddhist traditions
Young composers are especially encouraged to participate.
Each participant may submit a maximum of three songs. Submissions must be typed clearly on A4 paper, including the song title, composer’s name, address, and contact information. Participants should also submit a recorded demo in MP3, MP4, or USB format (CD submissions are not accepted).
The Organizing Committee will start accepting contest entries from July 11, 2024, to October 15, 2024.
Timeline and Judging Process
The competition will be conducted in four rounds:
- Preliminary Round (October 16 – November 15, 2024)
- Entries will be judged based on sheet music and studio-quality demos.
- Semi-Final Round (November – December 2024)
- Three live performance nights will take place in North, Central, and South Vietnam.
- Final Round (January 2025)
- Live grand finale stage performance.
Submission Details
Entries should be sent to the Central Cultural Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the following locations:
- Northern Vietnam Office: Yen Phu Pagoda, Lien Ninh Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi
- Central Vietnam Office: Diec Pagoda, 49 Quang Trung Street, Vinh City, Nghe An Province
- Southern Vietnam Office: Phap Hoa Pagoda, 780 Truong Sa Street, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Email: amnhacsangdaotrongdoi@gmail.com
Awards and Recognition
The Organizing Committee will present awards for both collected and newly composed works. Prizes include:
- First Prize: 100 million VND
- Second Prize: 50 million VND
- Third Prize: 30 million VND
- Finalist Prizes: 10 million VND each
To ensure the highest artistic and professional standards, a panel of renowned experts and artists in the field will be involved in the judging process.
The best works will be selected for a special artistic performance celebrating the United Nations Vesak 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, scheduled for Q2 of 2025.
Loving Vegan is honored to support and accompany the “Music Composition Campaign – Illuminating the Path in Life” as a proud sponsor.