In Vietnam, the “Vu Lan bao hieu” (Parents' Day) or “Xa toi vong nhan” (Wandering Soul’s Day) is considered the second most significant event of the year, after Tet holiday, and is an occasion to give thanks and praise to parents and ancestors as well as to embrace the “wandering souls”.

Providing meals, supporting needy people, sending ashes of those who have passed away to the homeland has become the daily work of nun Thich Tam Tri, the President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Japan.

The master of meditation “passed away peacefully” at the Tu Hieu Temple in Hue – where his spiritual journey began and Vietnam’s Buddhist heartland, the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism said.

This year Vesak celebration in Vietnam will be held and broadcasted live April 30 – May 7 on Facebook, Youtube, Butta, Phatsuonline, and An Vien TV to avoid mass crowding during COVID-19 pandemic.