A Vietnamese-script calligraphy exhibition opened at Tam Chuc Pagoda on the morning of October 17, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Central Committee for Cultural Affairs (1981-2026).

The exhibition features more than 150 works by calligraphers from across Vietnam.

Through diverse brushwork and artistic styles, Buddhist scriptures, spiritual teachings and the words of revered Buddhist masters are presented in Quoc Ngu, the modern Vietnamese writing system based on the Latin alphabet.

The exhibition creates a distinctive artistic experience that combines traditional calligraphy with Buddhist cultural heritage.

Beyond their elegant strokes and compositions, the works convey messages about morality, ethical conduct and the pursuit of goodness.

The exhibition also brings Buddhist teachings closer to the public through an aesthetically engaging art form deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural identity.

At the opening ceremony, large numbers of local residents, Buddhist followers and tourists gathered to admire the artworks and experience the atmosphere of the calligraphy exhibition.

Groups of visitors spent considerable time studying individual works, reading and reflecting on Buddhist teachings.

Many also patiently queued to request personalized calligraphy, hoping to take home meaningful messages symbolizing peace, wisdom and virtuous living.

Nguyen Thi Duyen, a visitor to the exhibition, said she was impressed by both the artistic beauty and spiritual significance of the works.

"I find the artworks beautiful and meaningful. What impresses me most is how familiar Buddhist teachings are expressed through individual calligraphic strokes," she said.

"They have artistic value while encouraging viewers to reflect on how they live and treat others. Visiting the exhibition is also an opportunity for me to learn more about Buddhist culture."

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Venerable Thich Minh Quang, Deputy Abbot of Tam Chuc Pagoda, emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of writing in Vietnamese tradition.

He said writing serves not only as a means of recording language but also as a way of preserving the nation's ideas, moral principles and collective spirit.

Within a Buddhist setting, when scriptures and the teachings of revered masters are expressed through calligraphy, each work carries artistic value while encouraging contemplation, cultivating kindness and guiding people toward the values of Truth, Goodness and Beauty.

For this reason, he explained, Buddhist calligraphy is more than an artistic creation. It also serves as a medium for communicating Buddhist teachings and spreading Buddhist culture throughout society.

The Venerable expressed his hope that Buddhist calligraphy using the Vietnamese writing system would gradually extend beyond exhibitions into pagodas, monasteries and everyday life.

Such efforts, he said, could contribute to moral education, spiritual enrichment and the promotion of compassion and wisdom within the community.

Trong Tung