A meticulously crafted replica of the 2nd-century Fasting Buddha statue, a treasured artifact of Pakistan’s Gandhara heritage, has been presented to Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple, Bai Dinh Pagoda, strengthening the cultural and spiritual bonds between the two nations. Pakistani Ambassador Kohdayar Marri formally handed over the statue in a momentous ceremony, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office on Saturday.

The replica, modeled after the original Fasting Siddhartha statue housed in Lahore Museum, embodies Prince Siddhartha’s arduous journey toward enlightenment. Gifted by the Pakistani government, it symbolizes values of self-control, fortitude, and interfaith understanding.

Prior to its installation at Bai Dinh Pagoda, the statue received blessings at the Pakistani Embassy in a sacred ritual led by the Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien. The statue was then received at the pagoda by Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang in a traditional Buddhist ceremony attended by high-ranking Vietnamese officials, religious figures, and other distinguished guests.

Ambassador Marri underscored Pakistan’s dedication to safeguarding its Buddhist legacy and nurturing cross-cultural exchange. ‘This present showcases Pakistan’s diverse history, reverence for all religions, and our joint aspiration for tranquility,’ he stated, adding that “Tolerance and respect are fundamental to Islam, and such interactions bolster diplomacy and concord.”

Venerable Thich Minh Quang lauded the symbolic act as a testament to inter-religious amity, promoting deeper comprehension between Pakistan and Vietnam. The ceremony concluded with prayers for lasting camaraderie between the two countries.