2026-05-17 Buddha’s Birthday Celebration at Fo Guang Shan Miami: University Students and Faculty in Florida Bathing the Buddha Together

On the morning of May 17, Fo Guang Shan Miami grandly held its Buddha’s Birthday Celebration, attracting professors and students from several South Florida universities to participate and together witness the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. On the day of the event, local government representatives and community residents responded enthusiastically, with nearly 400 attendees gathering to celebrate the birth of the Buddha.

The Bathing the Buddha Dharma Service opened with a solemn offering procession that captivated the entire audience: Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members reverently presented the "Offering of Pearls," university student representatives presented the "Offering of Lights," the BLIA Miami Young Adult Division (YAD) brought the "Offering of Treasures," young women in Hanfu presented the "Offering of Flowers," young children ("Little Bodhisattvas") offered a lively "Offering of Fruits," and the Senior "Pine & Crane" group presented the "Offering of Incense." As the grand finale, the Palm Beach New Star Art Troupe delivered a classic dance performance titled Dunhuang Meditation, serving as an "Offering of Music" through devout, flowing movements to praise the Buddha's birth.

Michelle Gomez, Mayor of the City of Tamarac, and Secretary Jung-Sheng Tu of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) attended in person to deliver remarks and present certificates of recognition. Attending the Buddha's Birthday celebration for the first time, Cherryl Muriente, Public Realm Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), highly praised Fo Guang Shan Miami for its contributions to promoting local cultural exchange. She noted that over the past two years, collaborative events such as the "Lantern Festival" and the "Mindfulness Art Festival" organized with the BLIA Miami Chapter have successfully enriched local community life through multicultural diversity.

Professor Erik Larson, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Florida International University (FIU), attended with his wife Ledy and their two sons, experiencing the ritual of bathing Prince Siddhartha for the first time. Professor Larson shared with emotion that during the Bathing the Buddha ritual, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility, noting that coming to the temple felt as warm as coming home. His family subsequently enjoyed delicious vegetarian dishes at the carnival food stalls, expressing sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality and thoughtful preparation by the BLIA members.

A distinguished gathering of community leaders attended the event, including: Dr. Jin (Julie) Zeng, Director of FIU's Asian Studies Program; Dr. Qing Lai, Associate Professor in FIU's Department of Global and Socio-Cultural Studies; Alex Xiao, Founder of the Deyin Foundation; Kwok-Lien Ng, President of the On Leong Merchants Association of the US, along with board members Hui-Chang Huang and Wing-Yhan Lau; and Tseng-Yen Pan, President of the Chinese Association. Together in a harmonious and warm atmosphere, everyone brought the celebration to a joyful conclusion.