The Central Committee for Culture of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha recently organized an art program celebrating Vu Lan Festival 2024 under the theme “Illuminating the Path in Life” at Diệc Pagoda, Vinh City, Nghệ An Province. Loving Vegan Food is honored to participate as the main sponsor of this meaningful event.
The program is part of the “Illuminating the Path in Life” music composition campaign, themed “Understanding Buddhist Culture Through Various Art Forms.” Officially launched on July 10, 2024, by the Central Committee for Culture of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, this campaign aims toward the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. Its goal is to build a Buddhist art repository that serves the needs of research, learning, and practical application of Buddhist-themed artistic works in daily life.
Additionally, the campaign is expected to raise public awareness of Vietnamese Buddhist culture through artistic works, discover and nurture creative talents in Buddhist art, and develop a rich, diverse, and high-quality collection of Buddhist artistic works that cater to the spiritual needs of both Buddhists and the wider community. This initiative also seeks to preserve and promote Vietnam’s Buddhist artistic heritage in the context of global development and integration.
Venerable Thích Thọ Lạc, Standing Member of the Executive Council and Head of the Central Cultural Committee, delivered a speech as the head of the program’s organizing committee.
As part of this campaign, there is a category for collecting existing works that align with the set criteria, aiming to convey the spirit of Buddhism to the public through the language, essence, and breath of modern life. A representative of the organizing committee stated that they had selected works that have been widely loved by young audiences over time, featuring content that praises and promotes a positive and beautiful way of life. These works were performed by various artists during the Vu Lan celebration program, “Illuminating the Path in Life.”
The art program featured nearly 500 guests, including the Central Committee for Culture of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, senior monks, representatives of the Music Association and the Artists Association of Nghệ An Province, as well as renowned artists from across the country.
Throughout the event, performances evoked deep emotions, emphasizing filial piety, gratitude toward parents, and the beauty of Buddhist values.
Notably, People’s Artist Phạm Phương Thảo moved the audience with her heartfelt renditions of “Carrying Mother to Heaven” and “Buddha’s Door”. The program also featured Meritorious Artist Thành Vinh, Meritorious Artist Thiên Huế, singer Hồ Quỳnh Hương, singer-songwriter Dương Trường Giang, singer Lê Việt Anh, Linh Lana, and Emmy Dance Group, among others.
The artists delivered soulful performances of Buddhist-inspired songs, including:
- “Carrying Mother to Heaven” – composed by Phạm Phương Thảo, based on the poem by Khánh Dương
- “Compassionate Mother” – composed by Trúc Linh, performed by Hồ Quỳnh Hương
- “Being a Father” – performed by Dương Trường Giang
- “Midnight Lamp” – composed by Lam Phương, performed by Lê Việt Anh
“Beautiful values help lighten our burdens in work and material life. Buddhism, music, art, and many other aspects of society serve to uplift and give wings to our aspirations and dreams, making them more tangible, more real, yet deeply humane. We truly wish to hear works that embody humanity and the profound values that music can bring,” shared journalist and social activist Trần Mai Anh as she sat enjoying the program. She also expressed her emotions, noting how this meaningful campaign has brought forth many valuable works that encapsulate the cultural heritage of various regions.
Artist Cao Ngọc Ánh
Artist Cao Ngọc Ánh, a member of the Art Council for the Buddhist Music Composition Campaign, shared her perspective:
“Artists are also warriors on the cultural and ideological front. Buddhist thought is a profound value within Vietnam’s cultural tapestry. The council has three key objectives: first, to bring Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and lifestyle to a broader audience, especially the youth; second, to elevate Buddhist music compositions to a higher artistic level; and third, to ensure that by the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, Vietnam will proudly present new, world-class Buddhist music compositions.”
Nhạc sĩ Dương Trường Giang
Meanwhile, musician Dương Trường Giang, who both performed and served as an Art Council member, reflected:
“As a musician, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a meaningful program. Being in a positive environment, surrounded by people who share noble values, makes life more fulfilling. Our role as musicians is to convey these beautiful messages to society. This program amplifies that mission, allowing us to contribute to spreading kindness and wisdom.”
The “Illuminating the Path in Life” art program for Vu Lan 2024 left a lasting impression on attendees, offering deeply touching performances and profound messages of compassion, gratitude, and love for family and homeland. Many guests were visibly moved by the powerful melodies and lyrics celebrating parental love and the spirit of devotion.
Loving Vegan Food is proud to have been part of this spiritual and artistic journey, supporting the growth of Buddhist culture and values through meaningful artistic expressions.