More than 1,000 people gathered in Brooklyn on Saturday for the 2nd Annual New York Buddhist Cultural Festival, where participants crossed the Brooklyn Bridge in a mindful walk promoting mental wellness, community connection and support for families affected by autism.
Hosted by the Western Buddhist Association, this year’s festival carried the theme “A Mindful Walk for Wellness.” The event began at Cadman Plaza Park with live mindfulness music from a jazz quintet and a group performance of “You Are My Sunshine” by members of Project Ready.
Organizers also handed out more than 1,000 “Mindfulness Beads” bracelets to attendees before the walk began.
Venerable Zhi Rui and Venerable Chang Kuan, abbot of the Western Buddhist Association, led participants through mindfulness exercises and sound meditation before the procession stepped onto the bridge around 10:30 a.m. as Buddhist chants echoed through the crowd.
The group walked the roughly 1.1-mile span from Brooklyn into Manhattan before ending at City Hall Park with a prayer and dedication ceremony.
Organizers said the festival also carried a charitable mission. For every participant who completed the walk, the association pledged to donate $1 to Project Ready to support individuals with autism and their families.
Venerable Chang Kuan said the event was created to help people slow down in a stressful world.
“Many people in today’s society have unease in their hearts, facing crises such as anxiety and stress,” Chang Kuan said. “I hope everyone will let go of distracting thoughts after participating in this event.”
Susan Zhuang, who represents Brooklyn’s 43rd District, called the gathering an important reminder of the need for wellness and unity in the city.
“In today’s fast-paced world, it is more important than ever that we create spaces where people can come together, reflect, and support one another through mindfulness and compassion,” Zhuang said.
Lester Chang said the event highlighted the growing conversation around mental health and everyday stress.
“Everyday we experienced stresses in life,” Chang said. “Buddhism can help balance mental and health wellness.”
William Colton praised the event for combining faith, public wellness and community outreach.
“This event provides them with an opportunity to practice their faith in a way that reflects one of its main tenets — ‘benefiting the self and others,’” Colton said in a statement.
The festival also drew support from Buddhist leaders representing Chinese, Tibetan and Theravada traditions, along with religious leaders from other faith communities who joined in offering blessings throughout the day.
