Washington, DC – The Embassy of India hosted a celebration to commemorate the life and message of Lord Buddha. Venerable monks from across the world, scholars from the International Buddhist Association of America, officials from the White House, academics, and the Indian diaspora were in attendance.
Extending greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, Indian Ambassador to the US, Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, spoke of the sacredness of the day, which is celebrated across many different cultures. “The first global Buddhist summit was successfully organized in India last month, where scholars from across the world participated. Dear friends, in a world, which is facing multiple challenges today in the form of the pandemic, terrorism, and environmental degradation, there is no problem of which solutions cannot be found in the teachings of Buddha. Lord Buddha said, ‘Be your own light.’ And he showed us the path which he himself lived,” said Ambassador Sandhu.
Ms. Wangmo Dixey, President of the International Buddhist Association of America, noted, “To see so many gathered in honor of the blessed one underscores the task which we have taken at the International Buddhist Association of America, namely to bring all Buddha’s sanghas and our great country together. So we can speak with a unified voice and offer the deep wisdom of the Buddha and the treasure held within the great tradition we all share. So we can bring its healing balm to our troubled times and offer what we can to our homeland of the United States.”
Speaking to the guests, Deputy Assistant to President Biden and AA and NHPI Senior Liaison Office of the Chief of Staff Ms. Erika Moritsugu said, “On this sacred day, we commit to upholding the universal principles of compassion, love, and respect for human dignity and do our part in spreading joy, healing, peace, and unity in our individual candle, and may our collective lighting and illumination as we celebrate this joyful day, illuminate the darkness and inspire others.”
A message of peace from the Dr, Dhammpiya, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), and Director General of the IBC, Mr. A. Haldar, was read out on the occasion. “We are thankful to the delegation from the US represented by members of the Sangha as well as Academicians from various Universities and Institutions who participated and joined in making the Event a success. We want to thank the Indian Embassy for giving us the opportunity to participate in this sacred Day of Vesāk. We would like to reiterate that the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is committed to providing a unified platform for all Buddhist traditions and organizations worldwide and to ensure that the path of Dhamma remains relevant in society’s changing landscape.”
Professor B.N. Hebbar, Department of Religion at George Washington University, presented on important Buddhist sites in India. Bhikhuni Sungak Kyungae Han delivered remarks on the occasion.
The celebration concluded with a Bharat Natyam dance performance depicting the life of Buddha.
