A delegation of Sri Lankan and American Buddhist monks and nuns visited the historic site of the first World Parliament of Religions. The Parliament was held in September 1893 at the Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue. The visit coincided with Vesak Day 2569, according to a press release from the Sri Lankan Jambuvipa Buddhist Temple in Sarnath, Varanasi, India.
“The Parliament held from September 11 to 20, 1893 was a groundbreaking interfaith event that introduced Eastern philosophy to the Western world. Notably, the meeting was attended by Anagalika Dharmapala, founder of the Maha Bodhi Society, representing Theravada Buddhism, and Swami Vivekananda, a revered Hindu monk who powerfully introduced Vedanta and Hindu philosophy to a global audience,” the statement said.
The event was held at the Art Institute’s Fullerton Hall, which still houses the original podium where the two leaders delivered their historic speeches. Anagalika Dharmapala’s profound speech, “The World’s Gratitude to the Buddha,” brought Buddhist teachings of peace, compassion and mindfulness to the international stage. Swami Vivekananda’s speech on religious tolerance and universal love is remembered as a defining moment in India’s spiritual contribution to the modern world.
On May 12, 2025, the historic venue welcomed Dr. K. Siri Sumedha Thero, Chief Abbot of the Sri Jambudvipa Buddhist Monastery in Sarnath, Varanasi, India, accompanied by Bhanthe K. Ghanissara and Bhanthe Dhamadassi of the Blue Lotus Temple in Chicago, and Venerable Bhikshuni P. Sudarshana of the Samadhi Meditation Center in Florida.
The delegation chanted prayers and paid tribute to the Buddha and the great 19th century religious pioneers – Anagalika Dharmapala and Swami Vivekananda. The solemn ceremony was held to honor their contributions to global inter-religious dialogue and the spread of Buddhism in the West.
The Art Institute’s Modern Asian Art galleries, dedicated to the cultures of India, China, Japan, and Korea, now feature Buddhist statues and exhibits that echo the spiritual roots of the 1893 Congress. These galleries bridge past and present, preserving a vital chapter in the history of world religions.
The Chicago government continues to maintain and preserve Fullerton Hall, recognizing its enduring significance as a beacon of interfaith understanding and spiritual heritage.
The visit concluded with prayers for world peace, the well-being of all mankind, and a reaffirmation of the timeless message of compassion, tolerance, and unity conveyed at the first Congress more than 130 years ago.
