Buddha's birthday commemorated in Beijing

The Buddhist Association of China held a celebration for the Buddha's birthday at Guangji Temple in Beijing on Wednesday, which was attended by nearly 100 participants, including ambassadors to China from Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and envoys from other countries.

Regarding the Buddha's birthday, the National Religious Affairs Administration sent a congratulatory letter, extending holiday greetings to the Buddhist community nationwide.

The letter emphasized that the Buddhist community across the country should uphold and promote the fine tradition of patriotism, advance the Sinicization of Buddhism in China, and better integrate Buddhism with socialist society.

Master Yanjue, president of the Buddhist Association of China, said in his speech that for centuries, generations of Buddhist disciples have conveyed the spirit of compassion and harmony of the Buddha, building bridges of friendship, mutual respect and common development among the peoples of different countries, thereby making contributions to world peace.

He said that in the face of the current world changes unseen in a century, the Buddhist community nationwide should carry forward the fine traditions of Buddhism and unite and strive for the prosperity of the country, world peace and tranquility, and the relief of suffering for all beings.

At the celebration activity, the ambassadors and envoys participated in a bathing ceremony for the Buddha in the Mahavira Hall of the Guangji Temple.