In a meaningful gesture of cultural and religious exchange, local Buddhist leaders and international peace advocates gathered at the Buddhasāsanarangsey Temple in Fresno, California, for the ’2025 Maha Visakha Puja’ celebration. The event, co-organized by the HWPL San Francisco branch and the Cambodian Buddhist Association of Fresno, drew approximately 20 participants including prominent monks and peace activists.
Maha Visakha Puja, one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Held annually in the Theravāda tradition, this three-day observance offers a time for reflection, community unity, and spiritual renewal.
As part of the celebration, the May 24th program featured two main segments: cultural exchange and interfaith peace dialogue. Religious leaders including Venerable Bunthon Say, head of the Cambodian Buddhist Association in Fresno, and Venerable Ratana Yoeung of Wat Khemara Rangsey Temple, introduced attendees to the spiritual significance of the temple and Buddhist rituals. A prayer for peace was held, highlighting the ceremony’s deeper intent to foster harmony beyond borders and beliefs.
HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), a global peace NGO, introduced its peace initiatives and ongoing interreligious projects. During a keynote message, the HWPL San Francisco branch emphasized the importance of sacred texts as a source of common moral ground for dialogue and reconciliation between religions. “This celebration is not only a tribute to the life and teachings of Buddha, but also a platform for shared commitment to peace and mutual understanding among different faiths,” said an HWPL representative.
The event culminated in a round of interfaith interviews and dialogue under the theme of “Peace Through Scripture,” where participants agreed on the need for continued cooperation. Buddhist leaders expressed strong interest in joining HWPL’s Religious Youth Peace Camp and Interfaith Alliance for Peace in America (RPA), pledging to engage in further peace-promoting activities across communities.
The 2025 Maha Visakha Puja celebration highlighted the importance of interreligious understanding and cultural exchange, serving as a platform to explore potential collaboration between local religious communities and international peace organizations. Based on this experience, the HWPL San Francisco branch to expand engagement with diverse faith groups and civil society actors, aiming to develop ongoing initiatives for peace and dialogue.
