On May 4 this year, the American Buddhist Confederation solemnly held a Bathing the Buddha ceremony in New York’s Times Square to celebrate the Buddha’s birthday, and rang the Peace Bell to convey the message of compassion and wisdom to the world. The event also featured a special public display of the Buddha’s relics, attracting devotees and visitors to pay their respects and experience the solemnity and blessing of the Dharma.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams attended the event in person, joining the crowd in ringing the Peace Bell to echo the Buddha’s teaching—maintaining inner purity and compassion in a troubled world. The resonant chimes symbolized the purification of the heart and prayers for the happiness and well-being of all beings.

It is worth noting that Nanren Shi, President of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation and Secretary-General of the American Buddhist Confederation, together with Pingping Huang, Secretary-General of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation, also attended the event and served as chief planners. Their active involvement brought together the Bathing the Buddha ceremony, Buddha’s birthday celebration, Peace Bell ringing, and veneration of the Buddha’s relics into a successful and meaningful gathering.

This event not only allowed New Yorkers to experience the warmth and strength of Buddhist culture in the heart of the city, but also conveyed the universal values of peace, compassion, and wisdom to the world.