A Historic Milestone for Buddhism in Australia
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — In a historic and spiritually uplifting gathering, the Buddhist Federation of Australia, together with Buddhist communities across New South Wales, organized the state-level celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak on Saturday, 23 May 2026, under the theme “The Australian Observance of the United Nations Day of Vesak” at Minh Quang Monastery in Sydney.
More than one thousand monks, nuns, and Buddhist devotees representing diverse traditions and nationalities came together in a remarkable display of unity, compassion, and shared spiritual aspiration. The celebration reflected the growing presence of Buddhism in Australia and its continuing contribution toward peace, harmony, and multicultural understanding.
Photo Courtesy: WAB
The sacred day began at dawn with an international alms-giving ceremony, during which devotees offered dry food and requisites to more than one hundred monks and nuns from various Buddhist traditions. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and generosity, embodying the spirit of “Dassanānuttariya” — the unsurpassed blessing of witnessing noble virtue. Buddhists from many cultural backgrounds gathered with joyful hearts, expressing a shared commitment to compassion and selfless giving.
The afternoon ceremony commenced with a welcoming address by Most Venerable Thich Minh Hoi, Abbot of Minh Quang Monastery, who warmly greeted members of the Sangha, government representatives, United Nations delegates, and distinguished guests.
During the ceremony, Most Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, President of the Buddhist Federation of Australia, read official congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister of Australia and the Leader of the Opposition. The messages highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in fostering peace, mutual respect, and social harmony within Australia’s multicultural society.
One of the significant moments of the celebration was the presentation of a pure white Dhammakaya Buddha image in honor of International Vesak Day. On behalf of Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Thailand, Phra Kru Palad Rattanaveerawat entrusted Phra Kru Samu Snitwong Vuddhivangso, Assistant Abbot and Director of the Office of Corporate Communications, to present the sacred Buddha image to the organizing committee. The offering symbolized friendship, gratitude, and the strengthening of international Buddhist cooperation.
Another deeply inspiring moment followed during the grand inter-traditional chanting ceremony performed by monks representing Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions. The unified chanting created a profound atmosphere of peace and spiritual harmony, reflecting the universal message of the Buddha’s teachings beyond cultural and sectarian boundaries.
Phra Kru Bhavanayanavidesa (Ronrawee Ravipabho), Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya Melbourne, Secretary-General of the Union of Thai Buddhist Missionaries in Oceania, and Vice President of the Buddhist Federation of Australia, then guided participants in a meditation session dedicated to inner peace and mindfulness.
Participants were instructed to gently visualize a bright crystal sphere at the center of the body while silently repeating the mantra “Samma Arahang.” The meditation filled the monastery with an atmosphere of serenity, stillness, and spiritual reflection.
Phra Kru Bhavanayanavidesa explained that the meditation practice was offered as an act of homage to the Buddha. The inner light symbolized the radiant wisdom of Enlightenment and the boundless compassion that illuminates the path toward liberation from suffering. He further explained that “Samma Arahang” represents the perfect self-enlightenment of the Buddha and serves as a recollection of the Buddha’s virtues. Through stillness and inward awareness, he emphasized, the mind gradually becomes peaceful, pure, and compassionate.
Representatives from government agencies and civil society organizations later praised the timeless values of Buddhism and its practical role in cultivating “Inner Peace” as the foundation for lasting peace in the wider world.
The celebration concluded with the offering of Saṅghadāna and requisites to the Sangha. On behalf of the organizing committee, Phra Samuha Athorn Dhammacando, Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya Sydney, expressed gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and supporters whose collective efforts made the historic event possible.
In the final ceremony of the day, monks, nuns, devotees, and distinguished guests participated in the traditional bathing ritual of the Baby Buddha image. According to Buddhist tradition, pouring water three times symbolizes the purification of body, speech, and mind from defilements.
As participants gathered together for a commemorative photograph, the United Nations Day of Vesak celebration concluded in an atmosphere filled with peace, harmony, spiritual joy, and shared aspirations for the well-being of all beings.
