The very first Vesak at the White House and Joe Biden’s greetings to Buddhists
News & Updates, 08:33 AM, June, 08 2021
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WASHINGTON: For the first time in US history, the White House celebrated Vesak, the holiday that commemorates the Buddha's birthday, enlightenment, and death.
The first Vesak celebration at the White House.
The celebration included candle lighting with Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and representatives from the three major Buddhist traditions.
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff paying homage to the Buddha.
Joining Buddhists at home and around the world in their celebration of Vesak, US Secretary of state Tony
Blinken said Happy Buddha Purnima. “On this occasion, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of Buddhist communities the world over. We join these communities in recommitting ourselves to upholding the universal principles of compassion, peace, and respect for human dignity,” said Blinken.
Vesak commemorates the three key events in Shakyamuni Buddha's life: birth, enlightenment and nirvana.
During this harsh time, many things have changed and been upended due to COVID-19 but the teachings of the Buddha remain stable and outstanding for their principles of compassion and wisdom.
On the occasion of Vesak, US President Joe Biden sent greetings on 26 May 2021 to the Buddhist community.
US President Joe Biden.
"(First Lady) Jill and I extend our warmest wishes to Buddhists in the United States and around the world as they celebrate Vesak, a day honoring the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. The ceremonial lighting of a lamp, the symbol of this holiday that has been celebrated for over 2,500 years, reminds us of Buddhism's teachings of compassion, humility, and selflessness that endure today. On this day, we also commemorate the many contributions of Buddhists in America who enrich our communities and our country as we all work together toward brighter days ahead.”
In a tweet, US Vice President Kamala Harris shared.
US Vice President Kalama Harris sends greetings on Vesak day on her Tweeter.
“Today Buddhists in the US and across the world honor Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing with the celebration of Vesak -- a symbol of compassion, unity, and care for each other. These lessons couldn't be more important today. (Second Gentleman) Doug and I wish a Happy Vesak to all who celebrate!”
The Buddha took the first seven steps with a lotus blooming under his feet at each step. At the seventh step, he pointed one hand toward the sky and the other toward the earth, which signified incredibly special meanings not many people really understand.
The Buddha descended into the Saha world in the form of a human being. However, right upon his birth, he manifested various exceptional features that exceeded all human beings.
This story teaches us that diligently practicing the Buddha Dharma and doing good deeds will earn us merits that protect us from death and extend our longevity.
If you think, act, and speak with good intention in every moment, you can attain a peaceful mind. Such is the core value of Buddhism, to guide sentient beings to happiness and a more fulfilled life.
How to become a Buddhist
How to become a Buddhist
For a Buddhist, it is important to maintain right thoughts and awareness in every action. To achieve that, one needs to practice meditation. It is an essential part of Buddhist practice and the key to attaining mindfulness.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and Meditation
To seek refuge in the Three Jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, is the greatest fortune one can encounter in their lifetime. It helps us steer clear of bad paths and guides us to true liberation from suffering of life.
Visit Ba Vang Pagoda
Visit Ba Vang Pagoda
Ba Vang Pagoda is a great learning environment for Buddhists everywhere. There, you can study under the guidance of Abbot Thich Truc Thai Minh, an endearing and admirable teacher to many Buddhists. If you're on the path to furthering your Buddhist study, come and join us!
Or you are new to Buddhism? Click here! We'll take you through it in the best way.
Or you are new to Buddhism? Click here! We'll take you through it in the best way.
If you are new to Buddhism, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you take your first step in your Dharma journey - where you can learn to live a happier, more satisfying life.
The Budhda's guide to happiness
If you think, act, and speak with good intention in every moment, you can attain a peaceful mind. Such is the core value of Buddhism, to guide sentient beings to happiness and a more fulfilled life.
xem thêm
How to become a Buddhist
For a Buddhist, it is important to maintain right thoughts and awareness in every action. To achieve that, one needs to practice meditation. It is an essential part of Buddhist practice and the key to attaining mindfulness.
xem thêm
Mindfulness and Meditation
To seek refuge in the Three Jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, is the greatest fortune one can encounter in their lifetime. It helps us steer clear of bad paths and guides us to true liberation from suffering of life.
xem thêm
Visit Ba Vang Pagoda
Ba Vang Pagoda is a great learning environment for Buddhists everywhere. There, you can study under the guidance of Abbot Thich Truc Thai Minh, an endearing and admirable teacher to many Buddhists. If you're on the path to furthering your Buddhist study, come and join us!
xem thêm
Or you are new to Buddhism? Click here! We'll take you through it in the best way.
If you are new to Buddhism, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you take your first step in your Dharma journey - where you can learn to live a happier, more satisfying life.
