Spiritual works: Visitors look at a painting at the The Enlightenment Lord Buddha exhibition. The display is the first of its kind in Viet Nam. — VNS Photo Khanh Chi

HA NOI  (VNS) — Twenty six painters from India are providing a deep insight into the life of Buddha through a special event that opened yesterday in Ha Noi.

The exhibition Enlightenment Lord Buddha was organised by India's Embassy in Ha Noi.

It showcases 74 paintings displaying various aspects of the Indian philosopher who has influenced most of Asia for 25 centuries.

The paintings were done by artists from an organisation titled International Eminent Modern Art of India who explored Buddhist aesthetics and spiritualism.

Indian Ambassador to Viet Nam Preeti Saran said the display had been prepared with a vision to contributing to a better world.

"Vietnamese have lots of devotion for religious and spiritual matters, especially the Buddhist message of peace, love and harmony," she said.

"We think that many Vietnamese Buddhists and people will be fond of the paintings and have decided to bring them to Ha Noi so that Buddha's message of non-violence, tolerance and compassion can spread to more and more people."

The event, a continuation of the Festival of India held in Viet Nam in March, is the first of its kind in Viet Nam.

"I organise hundreds of exhibitions each year, but this is the first event on Buddhism," said painter Ngo Van Cao, director of the Exhibition Hall, 16 Ngo Quyen Street, which hosts the event.

"Each exhibit vividly portrays a face of Buddha. In my own opinion, the artists are highly professional," Cao added.

"They successfully display their spirit through work which comes from the heart."

According to the founder of International Eminent and Modern Art, Amandeep Singh Vaseer, related events are often held in India.

"We work a lot on Buddhism, spiritual life, the soul ... everything. But this is the first time we have had an opportunity to present work in Ha Noi," said Vaseer.

"With this type of art, painters need peace through meditation. They meditate while painting."

Art has its own language, so the paintings speak for themselves. They believe that the sacred meaning and morality of the paintings take viewers deep into Buddha's message of love, peace and compassion.

The exhibits are on display on the third floor of the Exhibition Hall, 16 Ngo Quyen, until Saturday. — VNS