More than a thousand people gathered in the New York City borough of Brooklyn on 16 May for the second annual New York Buddhist Cultural Festival, joining a mindful walk across the Brooklyn Bridge focused on mental wellness, compassion, and support for families affected by autism.
Organized by the Western Buddhist Association, the festival was held under the theme “A Mindful Walk for Wellness.” Participants assembled at Cadman Plaza Park before walking the 1.8-kilometer span of the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, concluding at City Hall Park with prayers and a dedication ceremony.
The event opened with live music from a jazz quintet and a group performance of “You Are My Sunshine” by members of Project Ready, an organization supporting individuals with autism and their families. Organizers also distributed more than a thousand “Mindfulness Beads” bracelets before the procession began.
Venerable Zhi Rui and Ven. Chang Kuan, abbot of the Western Buddhist Association, led participants in mindfulness exercises and sound meditation ahead of the walk. Around 10:30 a.m., the group began crossing the bridge while Buddhist chants echoed among the participants.
Festival organizers said the event was aimed at encouraging mental well-being and community connection in response to rising concerns about stress and anxiety in society. For each participant who completed the walk, the association pledged to donate US$1 to Project Ready.
“Many people in today’s society have unease in their hearts, facing crises such as anxiety and stress,” Ven. Chang Kuan said. “I hope everyone will let go of distracting thoughts after participating in this event.” (Brooklyn Reader)
The event also received support from local elected officials and religious leaders from several Buddhist traditions, including Chinese, Tibetan, and Theravada communities, as well as representatives of other faiths.
Susan Zhuang, representative for Brooklyn’s 43rd District, said the gathering highlighted the importance of mindfulness and collective support in urban life, noting: “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.” (Brooklyn Reader)
New York Assembly member Lester Chang connected the festival’s message to broader public discussions about mental health and daily stress: “Everyday we experienced stresses in life. Buddhism can help balance mental and health wellness.” (Brooklyn Reader)
Assembly member William Colton also praised the festival for combining religious practice with public service and community outreach, saying in a statement, “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.’” (Brooklyn Reader)
Buddhism has a long history in New York City, where immigrant communities from across Asia have established temples and cultural organizations over several decades. In recent years, public Buddhist events focused on mindfulness, wellness, and social engagement have become increasingly visible in the city’s parks and public spaces.
The New York Buddhist Cultural Festival reflects a broader trend among Buddhist organizations in the United States to connect contemplative practices with mental health advocacy, interfaith cooperation, and charitable outreach. The inclusion of autism support fundraising this year also underscored efforts to link Buddhist-inspired mindfulness initiatives with practical community assistance. Organizers described the walk as both a spiritual and civic activity intended to foster calm, compassion, and solidarity among participants from diverse backgrounds.
See more
More Than 1,000 Join Mindful Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge for NYC Buddhist Festival (Brooklyn Reader)
Buddhist Mindfulness Walk and cultural festival kick off from Cadman Plaza Park on Saturday (Brooklyn Eagle)
NY Buddhist Cultural Festival (Instagram)
Western Buddhist Association
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