THE VESAK MESSAGE OF US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
at the White House on May 16 in 2022
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
US President Joe Biden extends warm wishes to American Buddhists on the occasion of the second Vesak Day held annually at the White House
We all know that Vesak festival includes the three important events of Buddha’s life: His Birth, Enlightenment, and Nirvana.
According to the White House website,[1] US President Joe Biden stated as follows:
“Jill and I extend warm wishes to Buddhists in the United States and around the world as they celebrate Vesak. This sacred day is a time to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, including the need to work for peace and justice, recognize our common humanity, respect and preserve the nature that surrounds us, and cultivate humility and compassion. The Buddha taught that we are but guests visiting this world, and for over 2,500 years, those who adhere to these teachings have enriched and strengthened this world we share. As we mark Vesak, we honor the American Buddhists who contribute so much to our country and advance our common values.”
Vesak Celebration held for the second time at the White House this year marks the importance of studying, applying, and practicing the Buddhadharma in daily life to benefit oneself and others right in the present life.
According to a press release from the International Buddhist Association of America (IBAA), Gentleman Mr. Douglas Emhoff presided over the ceremony along with White House staffs, who are all committed Buddhists.
Those attending the Vesak ceremony on that day included Ms. Wangmo Dixey, IBAA President, Matt Regan, Thai Venerable Ajahn Thanat Inthisan, Korean Venerable Dr. Jinwol Lee, Venerable Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin, and Venerable Wol, the first Bhikkhuni participated in this great ceremony.
Those attending the Vesak ceremony on that day included Ms. Wangmo Dixey, IBAA President, Matt Regan, Thai Venerable Ajahn Thanat Inthisan, representing the Theravada traditions of India and Southeast Asia, Korean Venerable Dr. Jinwol Lee, representing the Mahayana school of Korea, Venerable Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin, representing the Vajrayana tradition of the Himalayan regions, and Venerable Wol, representing the Mahayana nun school of Korea. She is the first Bhikkhuni participated in this great ceremony.
[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/16/statement-by-president-biden-on-vesak-2/
