Canberra, Australia – Almost a thousand Buddhists from Sydney, Melbourne, and across Australia travelled to Canberra to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations Day of Vesak. Buses and private vehicles brought laypeople and Sangha members together for a landmark event, coordinated by the Australian Observance of the United Nations Day of Vesak’s Organising Committee, led by the Buddhist Federation of Australia in collaboration with other Buddhist organisations.

The celebration, marking a significant milestone, included a vibrant display of Buddhist cultural traditions. Held in the nation’s capital, the official ceremony took place in the iconic Great Hall of Parliament House.

Morning Activities: Alms Offering and Sangha Gathering

The day began with spiritual merit-making activities. Over 150 monks and nuns from more than 60 temples across New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT participated in a traditional alms offering ceremony. The event offered attendees a rare opportunity to make merit and witness the unity of the monastic community across traditions.

Lunch was served at Albert Hall, graciously catered by the Bhutanese Buddhist and Cultural Centre in Canberra. The sight of so many monastics dining together in harmony made for a powerful and memorable image of Buddhist unity.

Mindfulness Walk and Historic Gathering

In the afternoon, participants gathered near the Old Parliament House for a mindfulness walk procession toward Parliament House. The peaceful walk concluded with a historic group photo in front of the national landmark — a powerful symbol of unity and diversity among the Buddhist community in Australia.

Spiritual Ceremony in the Great Hall

Doors to the Great Hall opened at 2:30 PM, quickly filling with attendees. The spiritual ceremony began promptly at 3:00 PM with an introduction by the event’s MC, who welcomed representatives from various Buddhist traditions.

Chanting began with the Theravāda tradition, led by Most Venerable Salee, abbot of Chaiyapoom Temple. This was followed by the Vajrayāna tradition, led by Lama Choedak Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Sakya Losal Choe Dzong, Tibetan Buddhist Society of Canberra. Mahāyāna chants were offered in both Vietnamese, led by Most Venerable Thich Bao Lac, and in Chinese, led by Venerable Bhikkhuni Manko of Fo Guang Shan’s Nan Tien Temple.

The harmonious chants echoed through the hall, creating a sacred and meditative atmosphere. Venerable Phrakhru Bhavanayanwited then led a guided meditation, helping attendees cultivate peace and mindfulness.

A shared Buddhist chant concluded the spiritual segment, allowing participants to radiate loving-kindness and dedicate merit. A special video presentation followed, highlighting the history and global significance of the UN Day of Vesak.

Official Ceremony: Messages of Peace and Unity

The official ceremony commenced with the arrival of parliamentary patrons, spiritual patrons, and the United Nations representative. Welcoming speeches were delivered by the parliamentary patrons, The Hon. Chris Bowen MP Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Maria Kovacic, Senator for NSW and Senator David Shoebridge, Senator for NSW followed by an opening speech from Senior Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan OAM. Then the Vesak message from the United Nations Secretary-General and the Vesak message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which was delivered by Hon. Alicia Payne MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The keynote address, titled “ Creating a Murmuration-Peace Making Through Spiritual Friendship” was delivered by Dr. Diana Cousens. Using the graceful flight patterns of starling birds as a metaphor, Dr. Cousens illustrated how small-scale, intentional connections can lead to broader collective harmony — a message that deeply resonated with attendees.

Performances and Cultural Exchanges

Cultural performances added joy and colour to the proceedings. Highlights included a traditional dance, A Lotus Will Bloom Out, performed by Jongbapsa Sydney (Korean Buddhist Temple), and a Vesak Chorus, bringing a festive spirit to the sacred celebration.

Ambassadors from India, Thailand, and Bhutan — countries that originally supported the Vesak Day Resolution at the United Nations in 1999 — offered special Vesak remarks, underlining their commitment to global peace and spiritual values.

A symbolic gift — a Buddha image from Thailand — was presented by special guest Khun Phornsan Kamlang-ek, representing the strong ties between the Buddhist communities of Thailand and Australia.

Closing Reflections

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ven. Phrasamu Atorn Dhammachandho, representing the Organising Committee. Gratitude filled the hall as participants reflected on the significance of this gathering — the first UN Day of Vesak held in the Great Hall in 15 years.

“It is a rare and unforgettable opportunity to come together in such a sacred and meaningful way,” one attendee shared. “This memory will be cherished for years to come.”