Under One Moon: IBC Celebrates Unity, Dharma, and Cultural Friendship

Reported by: Rev. Gurumada Ananda Thero (BA1 student)
As the full moon brightened the night sky, the International Buddhist College (IBC) came alive with joy, friendship, and togetherness. On 25 September 2026, monastic members, lecturers, staff, students and guests gathered at IBC to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The evening brought together people from different countries and cultures through Dharma, music, lanterns, performances, food, and friendship. The celebration began with a peaceful chanting ceremony representing the Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions. Venerable Dipananda, Venerable Changji, Venerable Chifeng and Venerable Khenpo Rangdrol led the chantings, which created a calm and meaningful atmosphere. Although the three Buddhist traditions have different languages and practices, their presence together showed the spirit of unity, respect, and harmony within the IBC community. Following the chanting, Venerable Khenpo Rangdrol shared the Dharma with the audience, giving everyone a moment to reflect on the deeper values of the celebration. The spiritual part of the evening was followed by a video presentation about the Mid-Autumn Festival, introducing its history, traditions, and cultural meaning to IBC’s international community.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the lantern procession. Participants received lanterns and candles before gathering for a group photograph. They then walked together with their glowing lanterns, creating a warm and joyful scene beneath the night sky. The lanterns were more than just a beautiful part of the celebration. They also carried a simple message: many small lights can come together to create something bright and beautiful. In the same way, people from many different backgrounds can come together as one community. The evening continued with a variety of cultural performances. Usha Meghwal from India and Nan Eain Hla from Myanmar presented The Chant of Metta, bringing the message of loving-kindness to the celebration. The Than Hsiang Taijiquan Group from Penang then presented Adrift in Taiji, Amidst the Mountain Rain, sharing a graceful and impressive Taijiquan performance. Next, Sonam Rinchan, a student from India, presented a folk song connected with the Epic of King Gesar, followed by a Ladakhi flute performance. The final performance was by Professor Tilak Kariyawasam, who presented a classic Sri Lankan song. Together, these performances showed the rich cultural diversity of the IBC community.

The celebration also included a lively quiz, where participants enjoyed friendly competition and shared laughter. Refreshments gave everyone time to relax, talk, and spend time with friends. These simple moments made the evening special. People from different countries came together not only as students, teachers, and guests, but as one community. The celebration concluded with the Transference of Merits, led by Venerable Dipananda, bringing the evening back to its spiritual foundation. The 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival at IBC was therefore more than a cultural celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to experience Dharma, culture, friendship, and unity together. Under one full moon, many cultures gathered, many voices were heard, and many friendships were strengthened. As the evening came to an end, one message remained clear: although we may come from different places, we can still come together in harmony.

As the closing message expressed, “May the full moon bring us together, wherever we may be.” Beneath that moon, IBC celebrated not only the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also the light of friendship, the beauty of diversity, and the joy of being together. The celebration showed that cultural differences do not have to separate people. Instead, they can become a source of learning, respect, and friendship. Through Dharma, music, lanterns, traditional performances, and shared moments of happiness, the IBC community created a memorable evening that reflected the true spirit of togetherness.