Bao Tin An Lac Joint Stock Company launched its new book, "Bao Tin An Lac - Linh Ngoc", on 27/12/2025. Over 400 copies were registered for ownership at the event.

According to the author team from Bao Tin An Lac Joint Stock Company, the book explores humane options for individuals facing loss. It delves into memorial symbols, reflecting a growing modern need to preserve the spiritual presence of the deceased. "As cremation becomes a common choice in major cities, the question is no longer 'to bury or not', but how to preserve memories and connect generations", a team representative stated.

The launch ceremony for the book "Bao Tin An Lac - Linh Ngoc". *Photo: Bao Tin An Lac Joint Stock Company*

Journalist Dinh Ngoc Duong, the book's editor-in-chief, explained that research began by examining the significance of Sarira (Buddhist relics). This demonstrates the historical presence of individuals, rather than a spiritual phenomenon. From this perspective, the author team expanded the concept to "Linh Ngoc" as a modest term suitable for contemporary life.

During the launch event, the author team highlighted the scientific aspect of the "gemification" process for cremated remains. After cremation, where the main components are calcium phosphate and other minerals, the remains undergo processing to remove impurities. They are then compressed and crystallized under high temperature and pressure to form stable crystals, known as Linh Ngoc.

The scientific element is fundamental in helping society embrace this form of remembrance, according to editor-in-chief Dinh Ngoc Duong. He stated, "Gemification is a material processing method based on physical and chemical principles, applied in countries such as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and some Western nations, ensuring transparency. The spiritual value lies in how individuals choose to memorialize". Therefore, clearly presenting the technological process in the book is essential to prevent misunderstandings or false expectations when approaching a new concept related to spirituality.

The author team of the book "Linh Ngoc" from Bao Tin An Lac Joint Stock Company receives congratulatory flowers at the book launch. *Photo: Bao Tin An Lac Joint Stock Company*

From a societal perspective, Associate Professor, Doctor Vu Van Phuc, former Editor-in-Chief of Communist Review and former Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department, emphasized that new memorial forms should align with the continuity of traditional filial piety. He believes the core issue is how the living maintain a spiritual connection with the deceased and pass on family memories to future generations.

"If approached correctly, memorial symbols like Linh Ngoc can become a means of educating about family values and traditions, deeply reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of 'uong nuoc nho nguon' (drinking water, remembering the source)", he added.

The seminar focused on the book's three main pillars: spiritual culture, wisdom, and science and technology. *Photo: Bao Tin An Lac Joint Stock Company*

Furthermore, the book "Bao Tin An Lac - Linh Ngoc" asserts that this will be a widespread trend in the near future. The author team frames the issue as a dialogue: what additional choices does modern society need to help people confront loss humanely, adapt to new living conditions, and simultaneously preserve cultural depth?

Thien Minh