July—the Vu Lan season—is a special occasion to pray for parents’ continued health and peace. It is also a time to carry forward memories and honor traditional values with profound human significance.

This Vu Lan season, the Retired Educators Association of National Economics University (NEU) organized an Evening of Filial Devotion and Gratitude for children and grandchildren to express their devotion to their parents, nurture their sense of filial respect, and show gratitude to the grandparents and ancestors who gave them life and raised them.

A view of the Evening of Filial Devotion

The program began with heartfelt reflections from Mr. Nguyen Thanh Do on the meaning of the Vu Lan ceremony of filial devotion. It offers a space to share moving, sacred stories about filial duty, maternal love, and the bonds between teachers and students, as well as stories of filial devotion and ceremonial practices that honor examples of devoted children. These stories and practices awaken gratitude and a sense of filial duty in each of us, including gratitude and devotion to parents who have joined their ancestors.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Do shares his reflections at the program

During the program, teachers, delegates, and guests also looked back on the 15 years since the establishment of the NEU Retired Educators Association (2009–2024), reflecting on the contributions of generations of teachers who have dedicated themselves to the University and inspired subsequent generations. Throughout its 15-year journey, the Retired Educators Association has not only connected retired teachers but also fostered a community full of enthusiasm and dedication to education. It also stands as a testament to the perseverance and unceasing contributions of generations of the University’s educators.

Mr. Dang Quoc Chinh shares reflections and talks with the “people behind the stories” attending the program

At the ceremony, two members of the Retired Educators Association and one student from the University shared true stories from their everyday lives that are still unfolding, under the theme “Our Stories.” Those directly involved did not consider their actions extraordinary, thinking instead, “It is just an everyday thing—anyone in that situation would do the same.” Participants also listened together to poignant, deeply moving songs and melodies praising mothers and fathers and expressing children’s reverence for their parents.

The rituals of offering incense and requesting a ceremonial flame at the Memorial House

Emotions reached a crescendo with the Song of Filial Devotion at the ceremonial altar on stage, together with the rituals of offering incense and requesting a ceremonial flame at the Memorial House on the second floor of the Cultural House at NEU. According to traditions passed down by ancestors, ceremonial lanterns represent a sacred source of light connecting the spiritual realm. They are precious offerings that connect the light of our wisdom with the light of enlightenment of heaven, the Buddha, and the deities. Immediately afterward, delegates and guests passed the candles from hand to hand, cradling each flame, turning their thoughts toward the ceremonial altar, and praying together for their parents. This created an atmosphere of solemnity and deep emotion, with feelings mingling with tears, whispered prayers, and memories of parents held in reverent, quiet reflection. The reminders in the prayers at the ceremonial altar seemed to unite the entire hall in gratitude and filial devotion… Together, the ceremonial lanterns at the event formed a HEART OF FILIAL DEVOTION, bringing together the feelings and wishes of each participant as an offering to those who gave them life and nurtured their bodies and minds.

Offering a heart of filial devotion

A vow to remember forever

The gift of life towers like a mountain

The grace of nurturing flows like a river.

Each candle lit serves as a reminder of a child’s filial duty

Ms. Dinh Thi Ngoc Quyen, representative of the Retired Educators Association, thanks the University, organizations, and individuals for their assistance, support, and involvement in the Association’s activities in general and the Evening of Filial Devotion program in particular

Singer Tung Duong joins the Evening of Filial Devotion

Article and photos: Retired Educators Association and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.