The Government of Pakistan has presented the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha with a replica of the Snow Mountain Buddha statue, which depicts the period of ascetic practice in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha.

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The Snow Mountain Buddha statue represents the ascetic period of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life. The original statue is a treasured relic of Pakistan. Photo: Venerable Thich Minh Quang

The ceremony marks a significant milestone in cultural and spiritual exchange between Pakistan and Vietnam. It reflects goodwill, interfaith unity, and a commitment to promoting peace and bilateral relations between the two nations.

At the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Hanoi, Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President and General Secretary of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, extended heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Kohdayar Marri, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Pakistan to Vietnam, for the invaluable gift from the Pakistani government.

Venerable Thich Duc Thien recited a short sutra and offered incense, praying for the statue's journey to its new resting place to be dignified and smooth.

Following the ceremonial offering, the replica of the Snow Mountain Buddha statue was transported and formally enshrined at Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province.

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The replica of the Snow Mountain Buddha statue has been enshrined at Bai Dinh Pagoda. Photo: Venerable Thich Minh Quang

Venerable Thich Quang Ha, Vice President of the Executive Council and Head of the Provincial Sangha in Ninh Binh, officially received the statue. It is now open for monks, lay followers, and visitors from all regions to pay respects and offer prayers.

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri noted that Pakistan and Vietnam have shared over 50 years of diplomatic relations and expressed his country’s ongoing commitment to deepening this friendship.

“The Snow Mountain Buddha is a precious cultural relic of Pakistan. By gifting this replica to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, we aim to demonstrate our diplomatic goodwill and promote peace, dialogue, and cooperation across multiple fields,” said the Ambassador.

The Snow Mountain Buddha statue is exquisitely carved, featuring sharp and detailed craftsmanship. It dates back to the 2nd century AD and originates from the ancient Gandhara civilization. The original was excavated in the 19th century in Sikri, Pakistan.

Today, the original statue is housed at the Lahore Museum in Punjab Province, Pakistan.

Binh Minh