With the theme “Vietnam Buddhist heritage” in a monthly talk show held in Phat Hoc Xa Loi pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on November 1, 2014, researcher Trần Đình Sơn talked about the ‘hot” issue of the sacred symbol of lion.
Regarding the use of mascots, the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism issued the document 2662/BVHTTDL-MTNATL dated August 8, 2014 asking the local Departments of Culture of all provinces and cities not to allow the exhibition or use of spiritual symbols or animal statues unsuited to Vietnamese customs and culture, and later the Department of Fine Art and Photography issued an official note dated August 19 introducing models of Vietnamese mascots.
According to researcher Trần Đình Sơn, lion statues of Ly dynasty has still been kept in old Buddhist pagodas, especially Phat Tich pagoda in Northern Vietnam, and these statues are the first lion statues ever made in Vietnam. In comparison to those of other countries, Vietnamese lion statues look more friendly and happier.
The talk show attracts many participants
