The eighth day of the fourth lunar month is Sakyamuni ancestral Buddha's birthday.  To all Buddhists in the world, this is a sacred and significant day.

          In the history of China, at the height of prosperity of Buddhism during the Sui and Tang periods, under the promotion of the governments which followed Confucianism and worshiped Buddhism, on the day, or even the whole month of Buddha's holy birthday, grand large scale celebrations were staged.  Cities or villages alike, the whole town turned out.  Colourful holy banners, festive lanterns with riddles, dragon and lion dance displays, parades and fairs at temples, dragon boat races, marriage banquets, Dharma teachings and speeches, flowers scattering and incense burning, heavenly music filling the atmosphere and other festivities filled all the towns.  Many Buddhist temples also chose to Kai Guang (open light) on the day.  It was a scene of truly spectacular celebration.

          As history unfolded into the Ching dynasty of recent time, the Manchus from northeast China ruled the central plains of the divine land.  The Ching government exerted strict control of the Han Chinese by prohibiting large scale gatherings for the sake of a tranquil public order.  The tradition of celebrating Buddha's birthday thus gradually declined.

          During the Republic of China, at the beginning of the twentieth century, Buddha birthday celebrations resumed in the Chinese society.  Unfortunately, since 1949, the political landscape in China changed colour, grand celebrations of Buddha's birthday have never happened again.

          Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism, during Its lowest ebb in the fifties and sixties, organized only internal secret and low profile celebrating Dharma meetings far away from security forces.  Although Dharma meetings of Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism celebrating Buddha's Holy birthday were still held annually, they could not be as open as it is now.  In 1989 when Holy Zhi-Ji Vimalakirti Ahdharma Buddha Patriarch Master WANG left China, the Dharma conch signifying worldwide dissemination of Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism was loudly trumpeted.  Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism, thrusting up the repeatedly battered but unscathed body, at a great distance from the holy territory of the divine land, has once again reinstated this sacred tradition overseas.

Elder guru Vajra Yong Ming, MC of the assembly

          We should thank the Australian government for her implementation of the multicultural policy.  In a country where Christianity is the main religion and cultural tradition, we have to thank the tolerance, kindheartedness and acceptance of Christians.

          Also, we have to praise the several million worldwide followers of Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism.  It is only with their utmost piety that we can welcome the radiant and enchanting spring of the great worldwide development of Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism.