The “Sacred Dragon” exhibition, which features 15 dragon paintings and seven Buddhist-themed paintings on Do (poonah) paper, is now on display at the Nam Vien Phu (Vietnamese Garden Palace) Cultural Space in Chuong My District on the outskirts of Hanoi.

Dragon paintings are exhibited in Nam Vien Phu. Photo: Healinglife Zen Academy

In oriental cultures, the dragon has long been a symbol of nobility, eternal vitality, and cosmic power. In particular, the Dragon is an extremely important and sacred symbol in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese. According to popular belief, the zodiac sign that rules in 2024 is also the source of creative inspiration for many artists, including painters Vo Hoang Minh and Nguyen Duc Thanh.

The images of the sacred dragons were beautifully and gently depicted on Do paper paintings by Vo Hoang Minh in his works entitled "Two Dragons Adore the Moon", "Pair of Dragons Bring Luck", "Hidden White Dragon in the Clouds", "Majestic Black Dragon", and others.

Meanwhile, two colorful oil paintings by artist Nguyen Duc Thanh, titled "Mighty Dragon" and "The Mythical  Dragon Dominates Water", show the splendid, colorful beauty of the mascot that only exists in legends.

A painting-themed dragon on Do paper by Vo Hoang Minh. Photo: Le Hoang/The Hanoi Times

The cultural event was attended by many Vietnamese cultural enthusiasts, including Ali Akbar Nazari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam, and his family. "My family and I are very happy to live in Vietnam, where everyone is humble, warm, and friendly," he said.

Visitors will also be introduced to basic Zen and meditation practices by Master Le Thai Binh, founder of the Zen Vien Wellness Center and director of the Healinglife Zen Academy. This will help them increase mindfulness, emotional well-being, awareness, kindness, compassion, and compassionate joy.

Founded by Master Le Thai Binh, Nam Vien Phu is a place where local and international friends, and lovers of Vietnamese culture and heritage are welcome.

Dragons in an oil painting by painter Nguyen Duc Thanh at the exhibition. Photo: Le Hoang/The Hanoi Times