Article and Photos by Skrocki

Buddha’s birthday was celebrated Monday, May 25, 2015 by both the World Peace and Health Organization and Guang Huan Mi Zong. Both organizations are owned and operated by local Chinese Buddhists. This year’s celebration was held in the main parking lot of the Five World Buddha Temple on East Main Street in Amsterdam, New York. Buddhist Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi described the significance of the celebration, which involved the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha, representative of rebirth or a new beginning. The event was attended by locals as well as Buddhists traveling from all parts of New York and China who received an energy blessing from Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi. The day was full of both religious celebration and colorful cultural performances.