A crowd of over 60 people joined Buddhist monks from 12 Long Beach temples in front of City Hall on Sunday, May 15 to celebrate the City’s first publicly recognized celebration of the Buddhist holiday Vesak.
“This noble act demonstrates the willingness to show to the public the cultural diversity of Long Beach,” said Chuon Kang, chairman of the board of directors for the Khemara Buddhikarama temple.
Vesak takes place on the full moon during the lunar month of Vaisakha, also called Saka Dawa in the Tibetan tradition, and is believed to have been a significant time throughout the life of Gautama Buddha, marking when he was born, reached enlightenment, and eventually reached nirvana after passing away.
“People this month around the world recite Buddhist verses that remind all of the Buddhist community to live in harmony with people of other faiths and to respect the beliefs of other people as the Buddha taught,” Kang said.
A large pagoda—a sacred multi-tiered imitation of a Buddhist temple—was constructed in the courtyard of City Hall, decorated with flowers, candles and golden pears, with a golden statue of Buddha sitting at the top.
Buddhist, Cambodian and American flags waved in the wind together as monks and community leaders addressed the crowd.
“We want to promote compassion, peace, harmony and a vision of humanity that supersedes our differences,” Councilmember Suely Saro said.
The event included songs and prayer, with most of the program delivered in Khmer.
The City of Long Beach also presented the 12 temples with certificates of recognition.
“This is the first Vesak Day ever celebrated right here at City Hall in the City of Long Beach, but it will not be the last,” said Vice Mayor Rex Richardson.