TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The annual Pure Land Meditation and Prayer Ceremony organized by Fo Guang Shan was held at Taipei Arena on Sunday, drawing 15,000 attendees, with hundreds of thousands more watching online.

Now in its 32nd year, the ceremony has been held annually since 1993 as a platform for followers to reaffirm their vows and pray for global peace and prosperity, according to UDN. Fo Guang Shan Abbot Hsin Bau (心保) presided over the event.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) attended the ceremony, offering well-wishes for attendees’ health and happiness. He thanked Fo Guang Shan for its contributions to Taiwan and its global philanthropic efforts.

Chiang also paid tribute to the late Venerable Master Hsing Yun (星雲), the founder of Fo Guang Shan, who passed away in 2023. He praised Hsing Yun’s philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism, expressing hope that his teachings will continue to guide society toward peace and goodwill, per UDN.

The mayor revealed that Fo Guang Shan has requested to host its 2026 Dharma Assembly at Taipei Dome, marking a shift from its usual venue, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung. Chiang said the Taipei City Government will review the request and expressed hope for the event’s success.