by Chuc Thanh

Virginia Beach (VA) — May 17^th, 2009 at Philippine Cultural Center, the Buddhist Education Center of American, INC. (Dong Hung Buddhist temple) held the 2633 years of Buddha’s Birthday celebration. On that particular gorgeous Buddha’s Birthday, fragrant incense wafted through the hall and many smiles appeared even though it rained heavily over 800 Buddhist followers and Vietnamese people that came to celebrate this holiday.

The hosts, this year, wished that the Buddha’s Birthday would become a holiday for all including any and all communities from any country. Specially, thank you all for coming to share and enjoy the happy environment on The Buddha’s Birthday.

The celebration would progress through special services by the monks and nuns. The sacred time of the celebration was the bathing of the newborn baby Buddha and cutting Buddha’s Birthday cake. There was preaching by Ven. Thich Chuc Hoi with topic “The flowers hold the baby Buddha’s feet”. After that the lion dance officially opened the Happy Buddha’s Birthday. In addition, more than 10 different kinds of vegetarian foods were served by Dong Hung Buddhist followers.

The hosts wished that from now on, two Buddhist events – The Ulumbana (offering) day and Buddha’s Birthday will become holidays for all without regard to religion or race. These two events will bring enjoyment to communities but also will help lead the happy life for the world.

Click here to see the event's pictures