Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum in Southern California convened a Life-Release Ceremony at Marina del Rey.)
In January, Buddhist communities worldwide observed H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day, commemorating the occasion through ceremonies, acts of service, and educational programs. The observance reflected teachings that emphasize cultivation, moral integrity, and compassion, offering participants a chance to express reverence through meaningful action while fostering harmony within their communities.
The annual observance traces back to January 19, 2011, when the then-Mayor Vincent C. Gray of Washington, D.C., officially proclaimed the date as H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day. In his proclamation, Mayor Gray called upon the public to honor H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for His profound contributions to the well-being of humanity. This recognition has since been reinforced through further acknowledgments. In 2011, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III received the Top Honor Prize of the World Peace Prize Award for His humanitarian contributions. In 2012, the United States Senate passed Resolution No. 614, formally conferring upon Him the honorific title “His Holiness” (H.H.), affirming the respect accorded to His spiritual leadership.
Across California, the observance was marked by a series of meaningful activities. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum in Southern California convened a Life-Release Ceremony at Marina del Rey. Guided by Dharma Master Jiaozun Zhengda, Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, participants, alongside the monastic community, recited the Heart Sutra and the Great Compassion Mantra. Dharma Master Jiaozun Zhengda then blessed the fish awaiting release with Dharma water, offering prayers for their liberation from suffering and the removal of karmic obstacles. The merit from these practices is dedicated to all sentient beings, with the aspiration that stability, harmony, and lasting peace may prevail throughout the nation and the world.
Compassion also took the form of community service. In observance of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Holy Miracles Temple, and Sanger Mission launched the 2026 Food and Goods Drive in Pasadena, from January 15 to February 17, 2026. The initiative focuses on collecting essential supplies to support local food banks, homeless shelters, and animal shelters, extending care to those most in need.
Hua Zang Si Temple in San Francisco convened a Life-Release Dharma Assembly in San Rafael on January 18. As the assembly recited the Heart Sutra, prayers were dedicated to the well-being of all people, the cessation of wars, the healing of suffering, and the flourishing of peace and compassion throughout the world.
Education and family engagement added a heartfelt touch to the observance. On January 10, Hua Zang Si hosted a Buddhist children’s story class, where young participants met peers of their age and learned Buddhist values. Parents said the simple stories helped children absorb meaningful values while gently introducing Buddhist concepts, an experience many found inspiring.
Macang Monastery in San Francisco marked H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day through two significant community events: a Food Drive on January 17 and a Beseeching Blessings Dharma Assembly on January 22. Following collective sutra recitations and prayers led by monastics and lay practitioners, the monastery distributed food supplies to low-income families, exemplifying the Buddhist commitment to compassion, generosity, and service to those in need.
Together, these observances, spanning spiritual practice, education, and service, reflected the enduring influence of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s compassion and wisdom, inspiring kindness, peace, and harmony across communities. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day not only reminds people that compassion in action is a powerful force for harmony and understanding, but also encourages everyone to carry the spirit in their daily lives.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The events and activities mentioned are part of the observance of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day, a day dedicated to honoring the teachings and humanitarian contributions of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The content reflects the perspectives and activities of the participating organizations and communities.
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