CONTINUING THE FLOW OF VIETNAMESE CULTURE: DIỆU TƯỚNG AM UNVEILS THE WOODBLOCK "NHƯ LAI ỨNG HIỆN ĐỒ" IN CELEBRATION OF VESAK 2025

Ho Chi Minh City – May 4, 2025 – Amid the solemn and joyous atmosphere of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, Diệu Tướng Am, a studio specializing in the design and creation of Buddhist cultural spaces, solemnly held the opening ceremony of the "Essence of Thanh Liễu Woodblock Printing" Exhibition & Experience Week, alongside the unveiling of the re-carved woodblock "Như Lai Ứng Hiện Đồ."

The event took place at the Diệu Tướng Am Buddhist Culture & Art Space (opposite Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda), drawing the attendance of Venerable monks and nuns, traditional craft artisans, cultural researchers, collectors of traditional fine art, along with a large gathering of Buddhist followers and admirers of national art.

Honoring Vesak – Cherishing Vietnamese Culture

Speaking at the ceremony, a representative of Diệu Tướng Am shared: "Today's event is not only to reverently celebrate the Buddha's birthday—a sacred milestone for all humanity—but also an occasion to honor the flow of Vietnamese culture, a legacy shaped by the dedication of generations of artisans, preserving profound spiritual values in every carved line and every printed woodblock."

The highlight of the program was the unveiling of the woodblock "Như Lai Ứng Hiện Đồ"—a faithful restoration based on 19th-century carving records, created by artisan Nguyễn Công Đạt and a team of craftsmen from Thanh Liễu woodblock printing village (Hải Dương). The wooden print depicts the image of the newborn Buddha, one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the earth—a classic symbol in East Asian Buddhist art.

A Space Connecting Culture and Spirituality

Beyond the exhibition, the event also gave attendees the chance to personally experience traditional hand-printing of woodblocks onto authentic Vietnamese dó paper. This hands-on activity drew particular interest from young visitors, creative professionals, and cultural researchers eager to observe and take part.

Many guests shared their heartfelt emotions at being able to "print a Buddha image with their own hands," feeling a profound connection between art, spirituality, and national identity.

Diệu Tướng Am – Bringing Buddhism Closer to Modern Life

For many years, Diệu Tướng Am has been more than a provider of comprehensive solutions for creating serene spiritual spaces and Buddhist artworks—it has also served as a custodian, continuing and spreading cultural and spiritual values through meaningful activities such as Buddha bathing ceremonies, Buddhist studies talks, and recurring Buddhist art exhibitions.

Diệu Tướng Am is regarded as one of the pioneering studios in bridging Buddhism with modern living spaces through design, applied art, and cultural-community initiatives.

On the occasion of this year's Vesak celebration, Diệu Tướng Am continues to fulfill its role as a bridge, spreading spiritual and cultural values through approaches that are accessible, meaningful, and creative.

Additional Information:

- The exhibition is open free of charge from May 4 to May 12, 2025 (the 15th day of the 4th lunar month).

- Location: Diệu Tướng Am Buddhist Culture & Art Space – 382 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Võ Thị Sáu Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (opposite Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda).

- Attendees will receive a woodblock print as a gift upon joining the experience.

- Buddha bathing ceremonies and the woodblock exhibition will continue throughout Vesak week at the Diệu Tướng Am space.