VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 3 • September 2026

HHMH Represented at White House Vesak Ceremony

Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani joined Buddhist leaders from across the nation at the fifth annual ceremony commemorating the shared values of peace, compassion and religious freedom

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Buddhist Association of America (IBAA) hosted the Fifth Annual Vesak Lamp Lighting Ceremony on June 11 at the White House complex in Washington, D.C., in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

This year’s ceremony brought together Buddhist leaders, monastics and representatives from diverse traditions, along with ambassadors and dignitaries from South and Southeast Asia, in a spirit of friendship, cultural understanding, and peace.

Representing Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi, Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani attended the event together with Bishop Marvin Harada of the Buddhist Churches of America and Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara of the Jodo Shinshu International Office.

Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. Celebrated by Buddhists throughout the world for more than 2,500 years, Vesak was formally recognized by the United Nations in 1999 as an international day of significance.

This year’s White House Vesak Ceremony was organized by Mrs. Wangmo Dixey, President of the IBAA, in cooperation with the White House Faith Office, particularly Pastor Paula White- Cain.

In her welcome message, Mrs. Dixey said, “This year is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

“It is fitting that we gather in this historic place, representing many cultures, traditions and faiths, united by our shared aspirations for peace, understanding and a better future for all.

“We are supported by the enduring American ideals of religious freedom and mutual respect — values that have allowed diverse spiritual traditions to flourish and contribute to the richness of our nation.”

Mrs. Dixey also noted that Buddhism is practiced today by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

The ceremony included messages from representatives of the White House Faith Office, the lighting of lamps and chants and aspirations offered by representatives of the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.

Bishop Marvin Harada lit the ceremonial lamp on behalf of the Mahayana tradition.

Bishop Harada, Bishop Umitani and Rev. Kuwahara then joined other Mahayana representatives in chanting sutras and offering aspirations for peace and harmony.

Reflecting on the experience, Bishop Umitani shared, “It was truly a privilege and honor to participate in the Vesak Ceremony at the White House. As I joined the service, I felt the beauty of diversity and the richness of the Buddhist traditions that have flourished throughout the United States.

“As one of these traditions, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi has both a place and a responsibility to continue sharing the Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion — values that transcend differences and unite humanity.”

Across the United States, nearly 4,000 temples, monasteries, meditation centers and practicing communities serve people from all walks of life. One of America’s unique strengths, she explained, is that the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions have all flourished side by side.

While many countries may be home to only one Buddhist tradition, the United States offers opportunities for Buddhists of different traditions to learn from, appreciate and support one another while remaining united in their shared values.