A newly recreated collection of 19th-century woodblock prints titled Nhu Lai ung hien do (The Manifestation of the Tathagata) has made its debut, drawing large audiences of monks, nuns, devotees, and art enthusiasts during the Vesak 2025 celebrations organized by the United Nations.

This updated version of Nhu Lai ung hien do is based on historical engravings from the 1800s and was skillfully assembled by artisan Nguyen Cong Dat along with woodblock craftsmen from Thanh Lieu village in Hai Duong Province.

The collection spans 36 cm by 29 cm and consists of 88 pages, featuring 41 intricate illustrations that depict significant events from the life of the Tathagata, from his birth to his enlightenment. Each illustration includes narratives detailing the Buddha’s life and often serves as a source for relief sculptures in temples and monasteries.

The event, celebrating Vesak 2025, was notably attended by distinguished monks and nuns, traditional artisans, cultural researchers, folk art collectors, and many who hold a deep appreciation for Vietnam’s rich artistic traditions.

In addition to viewing the exhibition, participants had the opportunity to engage in traditional woodblock printing on do paper, a handmade Vietnamese paper.

This hands-on experience was particularly popular among younger attendees and cultural scholars interested in learning about this ancient craft.

The organizers highlighted that the event served not only to honor Vesak—the celebration of the Buddha’s birth—but also to pay tribute to Vietnam’s cultural heritage, a legacy nurtured by generations of artisans. Each engraved line and printed page carries significant spiritual and cultural meaning.

A Buddha bathing ceremony was also part of the festivities, adding to the spiritual ambiance.

The exhibition is open to the public at no cost from May 4 to May 12 (from the 15th to the 24th of the fourth lunar month) at the Dieu Tuong Am Buddhist Art and Culture Space located in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, opposite Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.