{"id":13821,"date":"2026-06-14T02:51:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T19:51:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/?p=13821"},"modified":"2026-06-14T02:55:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T19:55:04","slug":"vesak-celebration-at-the-white-house-united-states-a-historic-milestone-on-june-11-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/vesak-celebration-at-the-white-house-united-states-a-historic-milestone-on-june-11-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Vesak Celebration at the White House, United States: A Historic Milestone on June 11, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'arial black', sans-serif;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 130%; color: #ff0000;\">Grand Vesak Celebration\u00a0 <span style=\"color: #008000;\">The White House<\/span> <span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">By <a href=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/category\/author\/ven-thich-trung-sy\/\"><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Ven. Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13822 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: impact, sans-serif; font-size: 170%; color: #ed1c24;\">THE GRAND VESAK CELEBRATION AT THE WHITE HOUSE<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: impact, sans-serif; font-size: 170%; color: #ff00ff;\">Washington, D.C., United States of America<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: impact, sans-serif; font-size: 170%; color: #0000ff;\">Buddhist Era 2570 (2026 C.E.)<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: impact, sans-serif; font-size: 170%; color: #ed1c24;\">THE IMPRINT OF COMPASSION, WISDOM, AND PEACE<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"fnk2VLrExr\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/tv\/dai-le-vesak-tai-toa-bach-oc-hoa-ky-dau-an-lich-su-ngay-11-thang-6-nam-2026\/\">\u0110\u1ea1i L\u1ec5 Vesak t\u1ea1i T\u00f2a B\u1ea1ch \u1ed0c, Hoa K\u1ef3: D\u1ea5u \u1ea4n L\u1ecbch S\u1eed, ng\u00e0y 11 th\u00e1ng 6 n\u0103m 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;\u0110\u1ea1i L\u1ec5 Vesak t\u1ea1i T\u00f2a B\u1ea1ch \u1ed0c, Hoa K\u1ef3: D\u1ea5u \u1ea4n L\u1ecbch S\u1eed, ng\u00e0y 11 th\u00e1ng 6 n\u0103m 2026&#8221; &#8212; Phap Nhan Temple\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/tv\/dai-le-vesak-tai-toa-bach-oc-hoa-ky-dau-an-lich-su-ngay-11-thang-6-nam-2026\/embed\/#?secret=fnk2VLrExr\" data-secret=\"fnk2VLrExr\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Most Venerable and Venerable Members of the Sangha,<\/span><\/em><br \/>\n<em><span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Dear Buddhist devotees and honored guests,<\/span><\/em><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Vesak is the most sacred and important observance of the fourfold Buddhist community worldwide, commemorating the three momentous events in the life of the Blessed One, Shakyamuni Buddha: His Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana. It is not only a time for millions of Buddhists around the world to honor and pay homage to the Buddha, the Fully Enlightened One and Teacher of gods and human beings, but also an occasion for all humanity to reflect upon the timeless values that Buddhism has offered to the world for more than twenty-six centuries: compassion, wisdom, peace, tolerance, and respect for the inherent dignity of every human being.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">On June 11, 2026, a remarkable milestone was marked for the Buddhist community in the United States when the Vesak Celebration was held at the White House under the coordination of the White House Faith Office and the International Buddhist Association of America (IBAA). This event carries not only religious significance but also reflects the recognition of American society for the positive contributions of Buddhism in fostering moral values, culture, and peace for humanity.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">The ceremony was solemnly conducted in the presence of venerable religious leaders representing various Buddhist traditions active in the United States, representatives of federal government agencies, international diplomats, and distinguished guests from many countries around the world. In particular, the program also welcomed officials from the White House Faith Office and the Spiritual Adviser to the President of the United States, reflecting the administration\u2019s profound appreciation for the spiritual and cultural values of the Buddhist community.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">At the opening of the ceremony, a representative of the White House Faith Office extended a warm welcome to the venerable monastic leaders and all distinguished guests, expressing honor and privilege in receiving the Buddhist community on the occasion of Vesak at the administrative center of the United States of America.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13824 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Following that, Ms. Wangmo Dixey, President of the International Buddhist Association of America, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of holding the Vesak Celebration at the White House, and affirming the universal values that Buddhism has offered and continues to offer to humanity in nurturing moral life, compassion, and harmony among nations in the spirit of peace.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Representing the President of the United States, Ms. Paula White\u2014Spiritual Adviser to President Donald Trump and liaison for interfaith relations in the United States\u2014conveyed the President\u2019s greetings to the entire Buddhist community on the occasion of Vesak. In her remarks, she expressed her joy that the celebration was held at the White House and acknowledged the positive contributions of Buddhism to social life. She also expressed her hope that the Buddhist values of compassion, non-violence, and peace would continue to spread, contributing to the building of a more peaceful and humane world.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">One of the most solemn and moving moments of the ceremony was the candle-lighting ritual in tribute to the Blessed One. The light of the candles was lit as a symbol of the enlightenment that has illuminated humanity for more than 2,600 years and continues to shine to this day. This was followed by a prayer for world peace conducted by the three major Buddhist traditions\u2014Therav\u0101da, Mah\u0101y\u0101na, and Vajray\u0101na (Tibetan Buddhism)\u2014reflecting the spirit of unity and harmony in the rich diversity of the global Buddhist community.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Representatives of the Buddhist traditions successively shared spiritual messages aimed at fostering peace, compassion, and the transformation of suffering. The Therav\u0101da delegation included countries such as Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The Mah\u0101y\u0101na delegation brought together representatives of Buddhist traditions from Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13825 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/05-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/05-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/05-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/05-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/05-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/05.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">In particular, at this year\u2019s Vesak Celebration, the Vietnamese Buddhist delegation was represented by the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Nguy\u00ean Si\u00eau, President of the Executive Council of the Unified Vietnamese American Buddhist Congregation and Abbot of Ph\u1eadt \u0110\u00e0 Temple in San Diego, California; the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Vi\u00ean L\u00fd, President of the Executive Council of the Overseas Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha and Abbot of \u0110i\u1ec1u Ng\u1ef1 Temple, California; and Venerable Th\u00edch Ch\u00fac \u0110\u1ea1i, Head of the Education Department of the Unified Vietnamese American Buddhist Congregation and Abbot of Gi\u00e1c S\u01a1n Temple, Maryland.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">In his remarks on behalf of the Mah\u0101y\u0101na Buddhist tradition, the Most Venerable Th\u00edch Nguy\u00ean Si\u00eau emphasized the significance of the Vesak Celebration being held at the White House\u2014a symbol of democracy and global leadership. He affirmed that the core values and teachings imparted by the Buddha to humanity, including compassion, mindfulness, wisdom, and the aspiration for peace, remain as relevant today as ever, with the power to heal the suffering and divisions that continue to afflict our world. He also called upon Buddhists everywhere to continue sharing these noble messages with all people, thereby contributing to the building of a more humane, harmonious, and sustainable civilization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13826 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">The program then proceeded with addresses by diplomatic representatives and officials from the embassies and consulates of various nations. The speakers expressed their deep appreciation for Buddhism\u2019s contributions to fostering ethical values in society, promoting intercultural dialogue, and advancing peace, mutual understanding, and harmony among nations throughout the world.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">The Vesak Celebration concluded with the entire assembly joining their palms in prayer for world peace, the well-being and happiness of all people, and the enduring presence of the Buddha\u2019s teachings. In a spirit of joy and deep inspiration, participants gathered for commemorative photographs, marking a meaningful spiritual event held at the White House\u2014the center of one of the world\u2019s most influential institutions of leadership and governance.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">The 2026 Vesak Celebration at the White House was not merely a religious event; it stood as a symbol of the vibrant presence of Buddhism in contemporary society. It served as a bridge connecting cultures, spiritual traditions, and nations in a shared aspiration for freedom, peace, understanding, and compassion. This occasion will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant milestone in the history and development of the Buddhist community in the United States and throughout the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">June 11, 2026<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Gi\u00e1c S\u01a1n Temple<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Venerable Th\u00edch Ch\u00fac \u0110\u1ea1i<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Head of the Department of Education<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 170%; color: #282828;\">Unified Vietnamese American Buddhist Congregation<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13827 \" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/00.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1029\" height=\"1373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/00.jpg 720w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/00-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1029px) 100vw, 1029px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13829 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07-1024x656.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07-1024x656.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07-768x492.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07-1536x984.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-13828 size-large\" style=\"color: #333333;\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/03-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/03-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/03-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/03-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/03.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-family: impact, sans-serif; font-size: 110%;\">VESAK CEREMONY. Held in the EEOB, Thursday June 11, 2026. (<span style=\"color: #008000;\">Official White House Photo by Patrick B. Ruddy)<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13822 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/06.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13824 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grand Vesak Celebration\u00a0 The White House By Ven. Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 THE GRAND VESAK CELEBRATION AT THE WHITE HOUSE Washington, D.C., United States of America Buddhist Era 2570 (2026 C.E.) THE IMPRINT OF COMPASSION, WISDOM, AND PEACE \u0110\u1ea1i L\u1ec5 Vesak t\u1ea1i T\u00f2a B\u1ea1ch \u1ed0c, Hoa K\u1ef3: D\u1ea5u \u1ea4n L\u1ecbch S\u1eed, ng\u00e0y 11 th\u00e1ng 6 n\u0103m [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13823,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[207,206,835,331,233],"tags":[837,836],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13821"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13821"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13821\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13835,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13821\/revisions\/13835"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}