On May 2, 2026, the 4th Annual Love the Earth Multicultural Carnival, International Buddha Bathing Day and BC Buddhist Culture Day, hosted by the Xing Wu Zen Temple of Canada, was solemnly held at Cambie Community Centre Park in Richmond. The event was a resounding success, filled with joy and Dharma happiness.
Hosts: Wu Jin, Han Aitong, Wu Tong, Mark, Cao Sisi
On this day, the Buddha’s light shone brightly, and venerable Dharma masters from various traditions, Canadian dignitaries at all three levels, guests from all walks of life, lay Buddhists, cultural and artistic groups, and members of the public gathered together to celebrate this grand event. The atmosphere was lively, joyful, solemn, and peaceful, showcasing a beautiful scene of diversity and harmony
The procession, accompanied by chanting, flowed in accordance with the Dharma, reflecting a clear and tranquil mind, and presenting a sublime joy of Dharma.
“B.C. Buddhist Cultural Day” is an official announcement by the British Columbia Provincial Government and the City of Richmond, designating the first weekend of May each year as Buddhist Cultural Day. This not only affirms Buddhist culture but also testifies to the spread and acceptance of Buddhism in Western society. This grand event transcends religious celebrations, becoming an important platform for connecting communities and promoting multicultural exchange.
Venerable Shi Xing Wu , abbot of Xing Wu Zen Temple in Canada, has been organizing this auspicious event for four consecutive years with the aim of inheriting and promoting the Buddhist wisdom of compassion and compassion, and praying for social harmony and world peace.
This is precisely the direction that Xing Wu Zen Temple has been promoting for many years: to let the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism step out of the halls, into the people, and into their lives. Through traditional culture and a carnival for the joy of all, it conveys good intentions, multiculturalism, environmental protection, public welfare, community harmony, and a shared aspiration to care for the Earth, allowing the public to hear the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism, inspiring good intentions, and increasing compassion.
Lay Buddhists making offerings to monks.
Over the years, the event has benefited from the compassionate blessings of venerable elders from around the world and local eminent monks, as well as the extensive support from governments at all three levels, various sectors of society, and the media. It has also been made possible by the joint efforts of lay devotees and co-organizers. Through the harmonious union of all these factors, the grand and solemn event has been successfully completed. Venerable Shi Xing Wu expresses his sincerest gratitude and dedicates all merits to the faithful and virtuous masses.
Buddha’s Birthday is a sacred festival, symbolizing the cleansing of impurities, introspection, and a return to the purity of one’s true nature. It is a time to pray for the happiness, peace, and good fortune of all beings, and for world peace.
The event featured over a hundred unique stalls and cultural displays, Asian-style food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment. This year, a special “Charity Market” was also set up to promote a caring and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
The central stage features over fifty continuous and exciting cultural and entertainment performances, with more than 300 performers passionately showcasing the beauty of multiculturalism, bringing together the styles and cultures of various ethnic groups, and conveying the harmony, beauty and integration of the community.
Golden Dragon Brings Auspiciousness – Performed by students of the Shi Xing Wu Shaolin Zen Wu Cultural Centre
The Dharma masters, members of parliament, and lay Buddhists dotted the eyes of the lion dance performer.
Lion Offering Auspiciousness – Performed by the Shaolin Hung Kuen Martial Arts
In the opening address, Venerable Shi Xing Wu spoke with sincerity and profound insight, expounding on how to see clearly through the wisdom of Buddhism, act with compassion, and seek harmony amidst differences. The Venerable pointed out that Buddhism is not only found in temples but also in daily life, and he wished everyone to treat each other with kindness, to illuminate their lives with awareness, so that the power of goodness could continue to flow.
At the same time, Venerable Shih Xing Wu expressed his gratitude for the support and protection from all sectors of society: it is thanks to the convergence of many causes and conditions that this grand event has been successfully presented.
On the occasion of this multicultural carnival, he also called on everyone to protect the earth with a compassionate heart, safeguard life with enlightened actions, and jointly build a pure, harmonious, and sustainable society.
Parm Bains, MP Congressman Bains, delivered a speech and presented a congratulatory letter.
Speech by MP Chak Au
MLA Steve Kooner delivered a speech and presented a congratulatory letter.
MLA Teresa Wat delivered a speech and presented a congratulatory letter.
Alexa Loo, Richmond City Councillor’s speech
Anne Kang, MLA delivered a speech and presented a congratulatory letter.
Venerable Shi Xing Wu together with BC Minister of Culture and Education and MLA, Ann Kang, jointly announced the official opening ceremony of the Love the Earth Multicultural Carnival and set off fireworks.
Venerable Elder Zhaochu, Executive Council Member of the International Vesak Council, Vice President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, Vice President of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, and Vice President of the Chinese Sangha Buddhist Association, delivered a compassionate Dharma talk (second from left); the President of the Canadian Buddhist Federation, President of the Buddhist Association of America, and Abbot of Pu Guang Temple in Oakland, San Francisco (far left); and Venerable Master Zhaoxu, President of the Canadian Buddhist Federation and Abbot of Toronto Chinese Buddhist Temple (second from right), also gave compassionate teachings. Venerable Master Zhaoxu invited Dharma Master Shi Xingwu to serve as Vice President of the Canadian Buddhist Federation.
Venerable Master Shi Xing Wu presented a Buddha statue to the eminent monks.
Venerable Master Xing Wu presented certificates of appreciation to the virtuous individuals, co-organizers, and performing groups
The monks watched a multicultural performance with the public
The Buddhist forum was held at Xing Wu Zen Temple at 3:30 p.m. that day.
The Dharma Masters delivered their teachings in the form of academic papers, interacting and exchanging ideas with local scholars, lay Buddhists, and UBC doctoral students. The audience, including the Dharma Masters themselves, praised the event, saying they benefited greatly from it, making it a truly auspicious and successful occasion.
At the end of the event, the Venerable Elder gave a compassionate sermon.
Venerable Shi Xingwu concluded with a Zen Buddhist verse: “When you realize your true nature, all dharmas are inseparable from your mind.” May we always maintain good thoughts, cultivate loving-kindness, generate Bodhicitta, practice the Bodhisattva path, make supreme vows, and walk together on the path of compassion.
May the Buddha’s light shine upon all, bringing peace and prosperity to the nation and its people. May the world be at peace, and may all beings find happiness and freedom of body and mind.
We are grateful for all the conditions that brought this event to fruition. We thank the venerable Dharma Masters, all the businesses for their support, and all the staff, volunteers, actors, hosts, teachers, students, disciples, parents, and all the lay devotees who have contributed to this auspicious and solemn event. Let us meet in the light and continue our journey in good intentions.
May our hearts be clear and our world be at peace; may all beings share this wish step by step.
Special thanks to: Sponsors
Special thanks to the organizers: Lingyu, on-site director, and Xiaodi, executive director, of ReDiant Media
Thank you to the co-organizers, supporting units, and performing units:
Thank you for media support:
Thank you to the hosts: Wu Jin, Han Aitong, Wu Tong, Mark, and Cao Sisi
Vancouver Mandarin drama society
Youth Arts Troupe’s junior emcees: Avery Wu, Katie Wang, Sophia Feng, Abby Yao, Cynthia Gu
Thanks to video production and playback: Stanley,(Coffee Teacher)
thanks to stage sound effects: Lao Fu
thanks to screen sponsor: TOP1 BIG Screen
Special thanks to the photographers for the Event:
Mr. He Pengling, President of the Canadian Chinese Photographers Association; David Tong; Zeng Lun; Mr. Lv huanTai; Ms. Liang Deng; and Mr. Xie Bosheng
Thanks to drone photographer Ye Huohuo and crane photographer Sunny for the photos.
Thanks to Da Bao Moving
Thank you to all the volunteers: Jeff Jiang’s team, Richard, Jeffery, Yoyo, May Chiu, Lysha, Felice, Bingbing, Winnie, Josie, Colin, and the ReDiant Media volunteer
Thanks to Shi Xing Wu Shaolin Zen Wu Cultural Center,
Thanks to the Shaolin Hung Kuen National Martial Arts Association,
Thanks to HOHA Media Promotion.
Event Chairman: Venerable Shi Xing Wu
Overall Event Coordinator: Senior Sister Joyce;
Overall Event Planner: Ziying.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Venerable Shi Xingwu
