Canada: Vietnamese Buddhist Community Participates in Vesak 2026 Celebration in Prince Edward Island
On May 30, the Vesak 2026 celebration was held for the first time in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, drawing participation from the Sri Lankan, Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Myanmar, and Thai Buddhist communities. Organized by the PEI Buddhist Meditation Centre, the event took place in a province that is home to more than 200 Vietnamese families.
During the gathering, monks from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Taiwan delivered Dharma talks on the profound significance of Vesak, commemorating the three major milestones in the life of Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha: His birth, enlightenment, and parinirvāṇa. Following the talks, the lay practitioners recited and took refuge in the Triple Gem, received the Five Precepts, and engaged in mindfulness meditation reflecting on the virtues of the Buddha.
The ceremony also provided a sacred opportunity for international Buddhists to participate in the traditional Buddha-bathing ritual, exchange insights on practicing the Dharma in daily life, and offer alms food to the attending monks in accordance with their respective cultural traditions.
In addition, attendees enjoyed a communal vegetarian feast featuring culinary specialties prepared by members of each participating community.
