Bhikkhu Thích Tâm Huy chairs Buddha statue bathing ritual. — VNA/VNS Photo

PARIS — The Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery in France held a ceremony on Sunday to mark Lord Buddha’s birthday (Vesak Day).

Bhikkhu Thích Tâm Huy, head of the Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery, highlighted the meaning and importance of Buddha's birthday; and called on everyone to follow the Dharma, do good deeds, and attain enlightenment for themselves and others.

Buddhist dignitaries and followers prayed for peace in the world, and good health and happiness for everyone. They then participated in a Buddha statue bathing ritual.

The Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery was built in 1976 and completed in 1990 in the Paris suburban town of Villebon-sur-Yvette. It is a gathering place of Vietnamese Buddhist in France.

Earlier, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Đinh Toàn Thắng offered incense at Khuông Việt pagoda, in Orsay city, nearly 4km from the Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery. — VNS