The Second New York Lunar New Year Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition: The Art of Mindfulness (2026)

The Second New York Lunar New Year Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition: The Art of Mindfulness (2026) will be held from March 1 to March 7, 2026, at the New York Lecture Hall of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation.
The exhibition is jointly presented by the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation and The Art of Mindfulness Foundation (AMFF).

The exhibition centers on “The Art of Mindfulness,” exploring art not as an abstract concept, but as a lived and embodied experience, expressed through the practices of calligraphy and painting.

The exhibition features works by Venerable Xianshu and lay practitioner Nanren Shi, Chairman of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation, along with calligraphy and paintings by other highly accomplished Buddhist elders and practitioners.
Rather than emphasizing technical mastery or formal display, the works emerge naturally from states of concentration, awareness, and presence, revealing a deep integration of artistic expression and contemplative practice.

The opening ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
The opening program invites visitors to engage in quiet viewing and gentle exchange, allowing space to experience the inner clarity conveyed through calligraphy and painting.

Throughout the exhibition period, seated meditation experiences and singing bowl meditation experiences will also be offered. These guided sessions invite participants to slow down and return to the present moment through the interplay of visual art, breath, and sound, offering a direct encounter with the stillness and awareness embodied in the Art of Mindfulness.

More than an art exhibition, The Second New York Lunar New Year Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition: The Art of Mindfulness (2026) offers a moment of pause within urban life. In the spirit of the Lunar New Year, it invites visitors to reconnect with inner balance and quietude through the meeting of art and mindfulness.

Celebrating Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Ordination Day & the 11th Anniversary of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation

Date: November 8–9, 2025
Location: College Point， NY, USA
(Lunar Calendar: September 19–20, 2025)

This November, the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation will joyfully host two significant events in New York:

1. The Commemoration of Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Ordination Day

2. The Federation’s 11th Anniversary Ceremony

These auspicious occasions mark not only milestones in our community’s journey but also moments for deep spiritual reflection and collective aspiration.

Honoring Guan Yin Bodhisattva

Guan Yin Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion, has long been revered as a guiding light for those who seek to relieve suffering and extend kindness without discrimination. On November 8, 2025, we will come together in reverence, chanting and offering heartfelt prayers, expressing our gratitude for the Bodhisattva’s vows and boundless compassion.

Celebrating 11 Years of Hua-Yan Federation

Since its founding, the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation has dedicated itself to integrating Buddhist wisdom into modern life—through Dharma education, meditation practice, cultural exchange, and humanitarian service. Over the past 11 years, we have built bridges between East and West, nurturing a shared understanding of compassion and wisdom across cultures. This anniversary is not only a celebration of our past efforts but also a renewal of our vow to serve all sentient beings.

Special Dharma Lectures on the Heart Sutra

As part of this year’s events, we are honored to invite Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dorje Lama to deliver a series of lectures on the Heart Sutra (心经). Known for its concise yet profound expression of Buddhist wisdom, the Heart Sutra is a gateway to understanding emptiness, interdependence, and the nature of ultimate reality.

On November 9, 2025, the Heart Sutra Discussion Forum will bring together Dharma teachers and practitioners to exchange insights and engage in meaningful dialogue. Confirmed participants include Venerable Zhengru, Vice President of the American Buddhist Confederation, who ordained at the age of 13 and has many years of deep cultivation and Dharma teaching experience; Mr. Nanren Shi, President of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation and Secretary General of the American Buddhist Confederation, a former monk who graduated from a Buddhist academy and taught there for many years; and Ms. Pingping Huang, Secretary General of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation, a long-time Buddhist practitioner who has published and translated the Diamond Sutra into modern Chinese, dedicated to making the Dharma accessible and ensuring its transmission, among others.

Through these discussions, we aim to deepen our understanding of the sutra’s timeless teachings and explore their relevance in navigating the complexities of contemporary life.

A Gathering of Heart and Mind

These two days of practice, learning, and fellowship will be more than a series of ceremonies—they will be a living expression of the Dharma. We welcome friends from all walks of life to join us in honoring Guan Yin Bodhisattva, celebrating our shared journey, and dedicating merit for the peace and well-being of all beings.

Bathing the Buddha and Ringing the Peace Bell Resonate in Times Square, Praying for World Peace

On May 4 this year, the American Buddhist Confederation solemnly held a Bathing the Buddha ceremony in New York’s Times Square to celebrate the Buddha’s birthday, and rang the Peace Bell to convey the message of compassion and wisdom to the world. The event also featured a special public display of the Buddha’s relics, attracting devotees and visitors to pay their respects and experience the solemnity and blessing of the Dharma.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams attended the event in person, joining the crowd in ringing the Peace Bell to echo the Buddha’s teaching—maintaining inner purity and compassion in a troubled world. The resonant chimes symbolized the purification of the heart and prayers for the happiness and well-being of all beings.

It is worth noting that Nanren Shi, President of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation and Secretary-General of the American Buddhist Confederation, together with Pingping Huang, Secretary-General of the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation, also attended the event and served as chief planners. Their active involvement brought together the Bathing the Buddha ceremony, Buddha’s birthday celebration, Peace Bell ringing, and veneration of the Buddha’s relics into a successful and meaningful gathering.

This event not only allowed New Yorkers to experience the warmth and strength of Buddhist culture in the heart of the city, but also conveyed the universal values of peace, compassion, and wisdom to the world.

Why Should We Learn to Maintain Mindfulness in Our Own Lives?

In today's fast-paced life, we often find ourselves caught in endless whirls of thoughts and inner dialogues, often leading to feelings of anxiety and distress. However, we can harness a powerful tool to combat this mental chaos and embark on a healthier, happier lifestyle: mindfulness. By integrating mindful self-dialogue into our daily lives, we can unleash the potential of our subconscious, promote positive change, enhance happiness, and improve our overall quality of life.

At the core of mindfulness is consciously directing our attention to the present moment and accepting it without judgment, while cultivating higher levels of awareness. When applied to self-dialogue, mindfulness becomes a potent tool for self-improvement, empowering individuals to manage their inner conversations.

Mindful self-dialogue involves consciously monitoring our inner dialogue, keenly aware of the constant stream of thoughts in our minds, ensuring that these thoughts align harmoniously with our values and goals. Through engaging in mindful self-dialogue, individuals cultivate healthier cognitive patterns, gradually perfecting themselves, thereby catalyzing happiness and enhancing well-being.

Healthy self-dialogue constitutes an integral part of mindful self-dialogue. It includes identifying and challenging negative thoughts, replacing them with more constructive and affirmative alternatives. This practice empowers individuals to break free from self-destructive behaviors, fostering healthier and more beneficial self-relationships. By consistently engaging in healthy self-dialogue, individuals can boost self-esteem, alleviate anxiety, and cultivate resilience when facing adversities, facilitating positive life transformations.

Mindful self-dialogue not only alters our thinking patterns but also significantly enhances our overall sense of happiness. Its positive impact permeates various aspects of life, including interpersonal relationships, careers, and overall life satisfaction.

Learning to maintain mindfulness in our own lives has several benefits:

1. **Reduce Stress:** Maintaining mindfulness helps us better cope with stress and anxiety, enabling us to face life's challenges with greater calmness and composure.

2. **Enhance Focus:** Mindfulness training helps improve our concentration and attention, making it easier for us to focus on tasks and handle daily affairs.

3. **Increase Happiness:** By maintaining mindfulness, we can more deeply experience and appreciate the beauty of life, thereby enhancing our sense of happiness and fulfillment.

4. **Improve Interpersonal Relationships:** Mindfulness training helps cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence, making us more sensitive to others' emotions and needs, thereby improving our relationships with others.

5. **Promote Mental Health:** Maintaining mindfulness helps reduce negative emotions and self-criticism, strengthening self-acceptance and emotional regulation abilities, thereby improving our mental health status.

In summary, learning to maintain mindfulness can lead us to live more calmly, attentively, and joyfully, helping us better cope with various challenges and difficulties in life.

The International Huayan Society is now accepting registrations for its Mindfulness and Art Therapy monthly course. The course is generally scheduled for the third Sunday of each month. The next session will take place on March 24, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The course includes:

- Walking Meditation: Introduction to walking meditation to help participants slow down and focus their attention.

- Guided Meditation: Body scanning meditation, as well as insight meditation.

- Mandala Art Therapy.

- Music Walking Meditation.

- Guided Mindfulness Tea Ceremony: Understanding the principles of Zen tea and its logical principles.

- Singing Bowl Chanting Therapy.

- Zen Meditation Guidance: Both online and offline guidance from meditation instructors and answering meditation-related questions.

Due to limited venue capacity and enrollment slots, interested individuals are encouraged to register early.

Buddhist Closing Prayer Offered by Pingping at Manhattan Women Faith Leaders Convene

Manhattan Women* Faith Leaders Convene to Address Housing Crisis and Migrant Justice

New York, NY - March 6, 2024 - Today, amidst the backdrop of a mounting affordable housing crisis and pressing issues surrounding migrant justice, Manhattan's diverse community of women* faith leaders convened at the Riverside Church for the 2024 Manhattan Women* Faith Leaders Breakfast and Roundtable. Hosted by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, the Interfaith Center of New York, and the Riverside Church, the event brought together leaders representing various faith traditions to explore innovative and compassionate approaches to addressing these critical challenges.

New York City is grappling with an escalating affordable housing crisis exacerbated by skyrocketing rents, evictions, and a lack of support for migrants. Against the backdrop of an uneven economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for collaborative and community-centered solutions has never been more urgent.

Faith leaders and their communities have long been at the forefront of addressing societal crises, from ensuring food security to promoting public safety. Women* faith leaders, in particular, offer unique perspectives and insights that can drive innovative and more humane approaches to housing and migrant justice.

During the gathering, attendees engaged in robust discussions and shared best practices aimed at fostering greater understanding and cooperation across faith lines. The event served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and solidarity as participants explored ways to leverage their collective influence and resources to effect positive change.

As a poignant conclusion to the event, Pingping Huang, the chief secretary of The International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation, offered a closing prayer rooted in Buddhist tradition, underscoring the importance of spiritual unity and compassion in the pursuit of justice and equity.

In his remarks, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander emphasized the crucial role of faith communities in driving social change, stating, "Our city faces complex challenges, but by coming together across faith traditions, we can harness the power of collective action to build a more just and equitable society for all."

The 2024 Manhattan Women* Faith Leaders Breakfast and Roundtable underscored the vital role of women* faith leaders in shaping the future of our city and reaffirmed the commitment of participants to work collaboratively towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.

2024 New Year Art and Zen Meditation Journey Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition

To introduce and spread the essence of traditional Chinese culture, the International Huayan Buddhist Federation held a New Year Art and Zen Meditation Journey Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition on the 25th in Queens, New York, USA, celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Nearly 100 guests attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, which showcased over 100 pieces of calligraphy and paintings by Chen Shaogong, Huang Pingping, and the Venerable Master Xian. During the event, Venerable Xiansu engaged with guests on topics of Tiantai Zen meditation.

Venerable Xiansu, from the Yuquan Temple in Dangyang, Hubei Province, China, had just arrived in the United States for a short visit in early February. In addition to displaying his Zen-inspired paintings, he also introduced the Tiantai Zhiyi Zen meditation of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism during the opening ceremony. He expressed that whether through painting or behavior, his works are created spontaneously, aiming to convey an inner state beyond words and language.

Chen Shaogong and Huang Pingping, the president and the chief secretary of the International Huayan Buddhist Federation, have long been engaged in the creation of calligraphy and paintings with Buddhist themes, combining traditional Chinese forms with contemporary Western abstract oil paintings and watercolors. Their works include the writing of Buddhist scriptures, traditional Chinese poetry, and Zen-inspired paintings.

Chen Shaogong mentioned that the eight pieces of the "Heart Sutra" he created during the pandemic reflect the changes in his state of mind during that period. Huang Pingping stated that her works are created following meditation, in line with her mood, and due to her strong personality, her works unconsciously exhibit bright colors. The content is merely a manifestation of her mood, without any specific direction or meaning.

Consecration Ceremony for The "Eighteen Arhats"

On November 5th, 2023, the International Huayan Buddhist Federaton held a consecration ceremony for the "Eighteen Arhats" in Queens, NY. The eighteen Shoushan stone Arhats, collected by Li Yan for nearly thirty years, have crossed the oceans as ambassadors of Sino-American friendship and were donated to the International Huayan Buddhist Federaton. The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Ming Yu, the president of the American Buddhist Confederaton.

Chen Shaogong of the International Huayan Buddhist Federaton expressed his deep gratitude to Li Yan and her family for donating the Shoushan stone Eighteen Arhats, which had been in their collection for 26 years.. He felt joyful seeing the Arhats arrive safely at the association by sea. The Eighteen Arhats are considered auspicious symbols in Buddhism, representing good wishes for the people's auspiciousness and well-being.

Li Feng, CEO of Charming Media, stated that the Eighteen Arhats are carved from Shoushan stone with exquisite craftsmanship. Currently, mining of Shoushan stone has been banned, making these eighteen Arhat statues even more precious. Li Yan, the chairman of Charming Media, has collected the Eighteen Arhats for 26 years. During the pandemic, she formed a connection with the International Hua-Yan Buddhist Federation and conceived the idea of donation. The official donation ceremony was held in Guangzhou in May this year. Li Yan mentioned that it was hard to part with the Eighteen Arhats, which had witnessed the company's development, but she hoped their donation would serve as a messenger of Sino-American friendship.