Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 8, 2023

On May 5th, Sri Lanka's delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held an International Day of Vesak celebration 2023. Venerable Jue Rong, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Europe, Venerable Miao Da, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan France, and Wen Xiao Dan, the President of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Paris, among other Fo Guang members were invited to attend.
Sri Lanka's delegation to UNESCO held an International Day of Vesak celebration 2023. photo／The Life News Agency

Sri Lanka's delegation to UNESCO has been holding the International Day of Vesak celebration for several years and has a friendly relationship with Fo Guang Shan. Every year, they invite Fo Guang Shan representatives to participate in this event. Venerable Jue Rong also invited Sri Lanka's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, to attend the Fo Guang Shan's Buddha's Birthday Celebration to witness the beauty of the integration of Southern and Northern Buddhism.
Venerable Jue Rong (right) and Venerable Miao Da (middle) invited Manisha Gunasekera to attend the Fo Guang Shan's Buddha's Birthday Celebration. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Mahinda Deegalle, Honorary Professor at the University of Bath, gave a keynote speech on the International Day of Vesak celebration. The theme of the speech is "The practice of Buddhism and Right Mindfulness for the physical and mental health of modern society," and Venerable Mahinda Deegalle emphasized that "If you understand Buddhism thoroughly, everything you see is Buddha."  He stressed that contemporary society needs the Dharma and right mindfulness. If everyone can cultivate right mindfulness, they can face the chaos of the world and get the perfect ease.

Most Venerable Parawahera Chandaratana, the founding president of the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, led participants in practicing "metta bhavana" meditation. He said that by cultivating metta bhavana, one can face all sentient beings with compassion and live a better life.

In addition, the first Thursday in May is the "National Day of Prayer" in the United States. On May 4th, mayor of New York City Eric Adams held the "NYC Day of Prayer", inviting various religious groups in New York to participate. Religious leaders were called upon to harness the power of religion and faith to pray together, hoping that everyone avhieve oneness and coexistence with religious power.

I.B.P.S. New York also responded by holding an event, and Venerable Jue Lin, Abbess of I.B.P.S. New York invited city officials to participate the light offering and sutra copying ceremony to pray for world peace.

Representatives of New York City Mayor, including Winnie Greco, Special Advisor to the New York City Mayor and Director of Asian Affairs, went to I.B.P.S. New York to participate the light offering and sutra copying ceremony, and presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Mayor of New York City.
Special Advisor to the New York City Mayor and Director of Asian Affairs Winnie Greco (3rd from left) went to I.B.P.S. New York to participate the light offering and sutra copying ceremony. photo／The Life News Agency

Winnie Greco expressed gratitude to Fo Guang Shan for responding to the NYC Day of Prayer. She stated that Fo Guang Shan is the most popular religious group within the New York City government and serves as the bridge between different religious groups and non-profit organizations, demonstrating inclusiveness and serving everyone. Winnie Greco emphasized that faith can help everyone overcome fear, and she encouraged everyone to pray for the world and strive for world peace.