On 16 May 2026, at St Peter’s Eastern Hill Anglican Church in Melbourne, the Buddhists of 14 countries and the Australians jointly offered alms to the monastic community in the morning. In this event, Ven. Prof. Wilegoda Ariyadeva Thero, at the age of 76 and with 63 ordination years, presided over the blessing and chanting of the monks from Mahayana and Vajrayana denominations. This reflects the unity of all Buddhist denominations.
At Parliament Gardens Reserve, the laypeople joined the “Friendship Walk” procession to publicize the great compassion of the Buddha, heading to Melbourne Town Hall. This event attracted the locals and tourists in Melbourne. At Melbourne Town Hall, Venerable Phrakhrusamu Sanitwong Wuttiwangso, director of Communication Department and assistant abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya offered a lantern to pay homage to the Buddha relics together with other monastic representatives of various denominations. This activity was followed by the chanting of all Buddhist denominations, the meditation practice led by Venerable Phrakhru Phavanayanvithes and speeches of many international Buddhist leaders, such as Venerable Thích Nguyên Tạng, abbot of Quang Duc Buddhist Monastery in Victoria.
In this event, Wat Phra Dhammakaya Melbourne opened a booth to contribute souvenirs and to publicize the Buddhist activities of the temple. It also offered free food & beverage to volunteers. This international Vesak activity is not only the religious ceremony but also a proof of the great wisdom and compassion of the Buddha whose teachings can break through the obstacles of cultural differences to bring true peace to the world.
