On Oct. 14, 2018, Buddhist Master Richard Lu, Ambassador for World Peace and also a spiritual teacher of 10 million followers, held a large-scale public talk at Madison Square Garden, New York. The event took place at 1pm and attracted 10,000 people to attend.
Close to 10,000 participants across the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Francisco, etc. attended the talk. The event was also joined by leading politicians, businessmen, members from the media industry and Buddhist clergy from the US and abroad, as well as Buddhist friends and volunteers from places such as Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania and Asia.
The program began with the brilliant performance of several Buddhist songs, presented by the world-famous vocalist Chyi Yu. In recognition of Richard Lu’s many years of outstanding contribution to the spread of Buddhism, philanthropy and world peace, Ms. Mengxian Zhang presented Richard Lu with the World Culture of Peace Contribution Award on behalf of Assistant Speaker of the New York State Assembly Felix W. Ortiz, and commended Richard Lu’s dedication and service. New York City Mayor Office Representative Mr. Tommy Lin praised Richard Lu’s committed endeavours and presented him with the New York Peace Contribution Award. Mr He Xin, Chairman of the Mid-America Asian Culture Association, presented Richard Lu with the World Culture of Peace Award.
For many years, Richard Lu has been promoting the culture of peace and interfaith harmony through the peaceful philosophy of Buddhism—non-violence and compassion. His efforts have been well recognised by the international community and have also helped people around the world to appreciate the value of traditional Chinese culture. Richard Lu has been using plain language to explain the profound teachings of the Buddha for the past twenty years, making Buddhism truly applicable in our daily lives. Across the world today, Richard Lu’s Buddhist practice has helped 10 million people find spiritual refuge and liberation, thus changing their lives for the better.
Richard Lu’s 10-day tour in the US this year started on 5 October. His public talk in Los Angeles attracted 10,000 people to attend on 7 October; another three public talks had also been held in New York since 11 October, before the major event on 14 October. This year marks the sixth Richard Lu’s tour in the US to spread Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture.
The events attracted a lot of Buddhist practitioners and followers, including people of Western backgrounds, from New York and other cities in the US. A lot of practitioners drove a long distance or even flew to New York, hoping to receive guidance and advice from Richard Lu. Buddhism learning and practicing materials were very popular among participants at the event and distributed for free. More than 1,000 volunteers from all over the world were offering help and support wholeheartedly throughout the event. Vegetarian food were also offered for free at the event.
Richard Lu’s speech harmonizes the wisdom of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, covering a vast variety of topics ranging from history to modern life. His talk taught people how to apply the Buddhist teachings to cope with everyday issue. Sparkling with a good sense of humour and witticism, his speech called for deep pondering and introspection. It was a cleansing experience for the audience living in a world filled with afflictions.
Richard Lu’s talk shines a light on the rich and profound nature of traditional Chinese culture and humanistic Buddhism; it helps to overcome vexations in our minds. His tour worldwide indeed serves as a bridge that not only connects overseas Chinese community members across the world, but also showcases the treasure of the Chinese culture in Western societies.
Richard Lu currently serves as Chairman of both the Australia Oriental Media Group and the Australia Oriental Media Buddhist Charity Association. He is also President of the Australian Chinese Buddhist Research Centre, Honorary Visiting Professor at University of Siena in Italy, and lecturer in the areas of Buddhism and Philosophy at University of the West of Scotland in the UK.
Richard Lu is a Justice of Peace (JP) in Australia. He has been awarded the royal title of Dato’ in Malaysia and holds an advanced diploma in Counseling & Psychology (Australia). He has been promoting traditional Chinese culture, Buddhism, world peace and philanthropy for over 20 years by holding over 200 large-scale public talks in over 30 countries and regions.
Ever since 2010, Richard Lu has been invited to give talks in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco. He was also invited to speak at Harvard University and attend international peace conferences in places such as the United Nations, US Congress, and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. Being awarded the title of Ambassador for World Peace on several occasions, Richard Lu was invited by the President of the United Nations General Assembly to attend and speak at the “High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace” at UN headquarters. The forum was joined by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, UN President of General Assembly and other leaders from around the world. In both 2017 and 2018, Richard Lu was invited to deliver keynote speeches at the Celebration of Vesak Day at UNESCO headquarters.
