Bài phát biểu nhân ngày GIỗ tổ Hùng Vương của Đức Gyalwang Drukpa

ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF

HÙNG KINGS COMMEMORATION DAY

A Prayer for World Peace & Universal Well-Being

Very good morning,

Your Excellency Mr. Tsering Wangchuk Sherpa,

Respected Venerable monks and nuns,

And my dear Dharma brothers and sisters,

Today, we have gathered here for a deeply meaningful and auspicious occasion. As we all know, Vietnam is commemorating the sacred legacy of the Hùng Kings — a time of remembrance, gratitude, and national spirit. On this special day, we have come together not only to honor this heritage, but also to offer our sincere prayers for world peace, harmony, and the well-being of all sentient beings.

The relationship between India and Vietnam is truly unique and profound. Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country, and Buddhism itself originated in India. This spiritual connection forms a timeless bridge between our two nations — one rooted in wisdom, compassion, and shared values.

In this life, I am regarded as an emanation of the great Mahasiddha Naropa of India. Therefore, standing here today carries deep personal and spiritual significance for me. It is truly an honor and a joy to be present among you all on this sacred occasion.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the presence of Your Excellency, the Indian High Commissioner. Your presence adds great meaning and dignity to this event. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting previous ambassadors of India to Vietnam, and through these interactions, I have witnessed the strength and warmth of the bond shared between our two countries.

I myself was born in India and have been visiting Vietnam for nearly twenty years, at the invitation of my students and friends. Over time, I have come to feel a deep connection with this land and its people.

The Drukpa Lineage, to which I belong, shares a special karmic connection with Vietnam. “Drukpa” means “Dragon,” symbolizing the powerful union of compassion and strength. In Vietnamese culture as well, the dragon holds a sacred and revered place — representing power, protection, and prosperity. This shared symbolism reflects a beautiful harmony between our traditions.

The founder of the Drukpa Lineage, Drogon Tsangpa Gyare, was known as an embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Great Compassion. At the time of his cremation, twenty-one sacred images of Avalokiteshvara miraculously appeared from his remains — relics that can still be witnessed today.

In one of his earlier lives, he was the great Indian Mahasiddha Naropa. Later, Tsangpa Gyare witnessed nine dragons rising into the sky from the land of Namdruk in Tibet, accompanied by the sound of thunder. Inspired by this auspicious vision, he named the lineage “The Glorious Drukpa Lineage” — the lineage of the Dragon.

Similarly, in Vietnam, we have the sacred names Thăng Long — “Ascending Dragon” — and Hạ Long — “Descending Dragon,” both deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual identity of this land. I have personally visited Hạ Long Bay several times, and each time I feel a profound sense of connection and reverence.

Therefore, it truly feels that we all belong to one great “Dragon Family” — united through shared symbols, spiritual heritage, and the aspiration to benefit all beings.

On this auspicious day, I offer my heartfelt prayers that the energy of compassion, strength, and loving kindness may flourish throughout Vietnam and spread across the entire world. May peace prevail, may harmony grow, and may all beings find happiness and liberation.

I will not take much of your time.

Thank you very much.

Wishing you all a meaningful and blessed day.

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