DDYP participated in the Buddhist Council of New York's Vesak Celebration at James Memorial Chapel

On April 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. EST, the Buddhist Council of New York (BCNY), in collaboration with Columbia University Buddhist Association (CUBA) and the Thích Nhất Hạnh Program for Engaged Buddhism, held the annual Vesak Celebration at the James Memorial Chapel, Union Theological Seminary, to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana of Sakyamuni Buddha. Venerable Yan She from Dharma Drum Mountain and 13 volunteers from Chan Meditation Center (CMC) and Dharma Drum for Young People (DDYP) attended this event. They chanted the "Praise the Buddha" prayer, Sakyamuni Buddha's name, and the “Transfer of Merit" prayer together, praying for world peace and the liberation of all sentient beings from suffering.

This year's Vesak celebration theme is "Unshakable Hearts in Uncertain Times," encouraging everyone to respond to change and uncertainty through the practice of the Four Immeasurables -- loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
Over one hundred monastics and lay practitioners from different Buddhist organizations in New York gathered together, joining their palms respectfully to pay homage to the Buddha and bathe the statue of Prince Siddhartha with clear water, to purify their bodies and minds through the ritual, wishing for peace in the world and the purification of human minds.

Monastics from the Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions offered prayers and chanted sutras, expressing reverence to the Three Jewels and extending blessings to the world and all beings. Venerables from different temples were also invited to give Dharma talks.
Representing the Mahāyāna tradition, Venerable You Lin from Fo Guang Shan IBPS New York, explained the meaning of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, encouraging everyone to embody these qualities through wholesome deeds in daily life, bringing faith, joy, comfort, and hope to others.
Representing Theravāda Buddhism, Ven. Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera from Brahma Vihara Meditation Center introduced the methods and sequences for cultivating the Four Immeasurable, wishing everyone to be free from the vexations of greed, hatred, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt, and to reach ultimate happiness and peace through meditation practice.
Performances added vibrant and heartwarming elements to the event. The Lion Dance performed by students of Columbia University showcased spirit, vitality, and strength. Catherine Boyack, an American flutist, enchanted the audience with an ethereal and soothing solo performance.

During the interactive session "Living the Four Immeasurables in Our Daily Lives," attendees were divided into 4 groups -- loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Participants freely joined discussions based on their chosen theme. As the group leader for the "Compassion" discussion, Venerable Yan She opened the topic with touching stories of Master Sheng Yen, the founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, and Pope Francis, leading group members to share their experiences of meeting "the most compassionate person in their lives." The participants shared moving stories that inspired deep reflection. As a summary, Venerable Yan She emphasized that true compassion cannot be separated from wisdom and the dissolution of self-centeredness, encouraging everyone to aspire to become the most compassionate person to someone else.

The Vesak celebration event concluded with the solemn chanting of the "Transfer of Merit" prayer, wishing the purification of minds and world peace.

Article：楊恆 Amanda Yeung
Photos：吳幸宜 Frances Wu，應江鴻 Jianghong Ying，陳欣郁Cynthia Chen，東初禪寺 Chan Meditation Center