05/05/2023 Vesak Celebration
On May 5, 2023, Eastern Time, Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa Sak and a group of over twenty people participated in the Vesak celebration held at the White House Library by Mr. Doug Emhoff, the Vice President of the United States. Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa Sak stated, "This marks the third year of holding this celebration at the White House, and I am delighted to see an increasing number of participants each year. Despite the security measures and invitation-only policy, it has gained the attention of various countries' embassies. This year, four ambassadors and representatives from other countries' embassies attended. Representatives from the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions of Buddhism were also present. It is a highly exceptional event." Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa Sak emphasized that through this event, they hope to encourage the United Nations to designate Buddha's Birthday as a public holiday. This would enable Buddhism, the world's third-largest religion, to have a shared time each year for celebrating Buddha's birth, allowing more people to understand Buddhist principles and strengthen their faith.
Source: https://twitter.com/SecondGentleman/status/1654616387371913218?s=20

04/08/2023 Amata Meditation Center Grand Opening Ceremony
On April 8th, 2023 in Boyds, Maryland, religious delegates, county officials, and devotees celebrated the grand opening of Amatavihara Meditation Center by US Zen Institute. The modern, state-of-the-art facility was the result of a multi-year effort led by the abbot of US Zen Institute, Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa Sak.
After blessings of a Farsi poem as well as Pali chanting, Venerable Dr. Dhammadipa Sak and Jhayi Shih Cheng unveiled a historic Gandhara Buddha statue from the 2nd century CE. Attendees joined together to pay respect to the Buddha with with five symbolic offerings of light, flowers, water, perfumed smoke, and fruit.
