For years now, Buddhist communities across U.S., Canada, and the world have come together to celebrate Buddhist unity and diversity on Vesak the holiday, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of the Buddha. In Washington DC, for example, local temples have formed an organization called the International Buddhist Committee, which for the past 30 years has been primarily dedicated to planning an annual international Vesak celebration that includes participants of all lineages and cultural backgrounds. Similar events are held in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Toronto, and many others.

As a distinctively Buddhist holiday, Vesak is a perfect time to reach out to different Buddhists to share and celebrate together, as well as to reach out to non-Buddhists to demonstrate the many ways Buddhism is lived and practiced. North American Buddhist Alliance (NABA) is interested in developing a network of Vesak organizers across North America, whether your community has been celebrating Vesak together for some time or if you are interested in starting a celebration in your area. The network will share event information, experiences, ideas, and aim to create shared resources with those organizing community Vesak celebrations.

For more information or to join the NABA Vesak network, please contact Matt Regan at secretary@ibcdc.org