Followers of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal celebrated the holy month of Saka  Dawa from 29 May to 27 June  2014, which also included the sacred full moon day of 13 June commemorating the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. Devotees committed to traditional religious charity and performed sacred pujas. All merit earned by fulfiling good deeds would be returned many times over to the doer.

Likir, Ladakh, J&K, India, 1 July 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived early at the newly prepared teaching ground below Likir Monastery this morning. Light cloud filled the sky providing shade for the estimated 15,000 people who had come to listen to him. When the recitation of introductory prayers was over, he advised that whenever Buddhist teachings are given it is important for teacher and disciples to cultivate a good motivation. His Holiness then led the assembly in reciting the verse for taking refuge in the Three Jewels and generating the awakening mind of bodhichitta.

Likir Gompa, Ladakh, India, 30 June 2014 - The Summer Seminar on the Perfection of Wisdom opened for the first time at Likir Monastery with the assembly of monks reciting verses of homage to the Buddha and the first chapter of Maitreya’s ‘Ornament of Clear Realization’. Geshe Lobsang Samten, Ngari Rinpoche’s Manager, welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Ganden Tri Rinpoche among other dignitaries and guests. He spoke about the re-establishment of the Tibetan monasteries in India and the opportunity this has provided for Ladakhis to study. He also mentioned the value of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and that it deserves to be preserved for the good of humanity.

Aung San Suu Kyi received a warm welcome at the Dharmakirti Vihara at Naghal, Kathmandu when she visited on June 16, 2014. Students and teachers of the local Prabhat Secondary School stood in a queue to welcome the Nobel Peace laureate and world famous democratic leader of Myanmar, was making a visit to her old home. She had spent nine months at the Vihara forty years ago in 1974.

Yangon, Myanmar -- Five Buddhist monks, including London Sayadaw U Ottara [former Head of Buddhist Mission in UK], who were forcibly defrocked and remanded at Insein Prison were brought to trial at Tamwe Township Court in Yangon yesterday. The trial comes 10 days after their eviction from Maha Thanti Thukha monastery in Tamwe Township in a night raid on June 10.

Twelve million Buddhists in Sri Lanka celebrated the Poson festival on the full moon day of June 12, 2014. Despite the torrential rains, cities and temples were brimming over with an influx of visitors and pilgrims of all ages. Some of the cities had organized Pandols and lamps depicting the story of Poson and the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Pandols tell Buddhist stories by using photo banners, lighting and music. Jataka stories are drawn on large boards mounted on structures that can be as high as 30 feet. Houses sparkled with brightly coloured coconut oil lamps, and decorations that turned neighborhoods into lively places that opened doors to visitors. Numerous white clad pilgrims worshipped at temples, observing the Ten Precepts and helping out in community activities.

A prominent Dalit leader and Vice-President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in India was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha, the Indian Upper House of Parliament, from the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) quota.

Livorno, Tuscany, Italy, 14 June 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama was warmly greeted by the Livorno Mayor Filippo Nogarin on his arrival on stage at the Modigliani Forum to begin his morning session of teachings. In his welcome address Mayor Nogarin said he was deeply honored and privileged to welcome His Holiness to Italy and to Livorno. His Holiness was then presented the Key to the City of Livorno as he had already received Livorno honorary citizenship during an earlier visit.

The mood was lighthearted, jovial, and enthusiastic on the night of Buddha Purnima in Kandy. The aromatic grain had been cooked and was ready to be served to the eager children and their laughing parents. They watched the charity workers lifting up the tubs of multicolored curries, and the guests knew that dinner was served. By seven at night, long lines of visitors had gathered at the dansal to enjoy the fragrant rice and scrumptious curry sauces. “Each season we serve around five thousand visitors and we cook over 350 kilos of rice with additional curries,” comments H. M. Priyawansa of the coordinating committee, with a smile.

It has been a busy period for The Dharma Primary School in Brighton. In May, pupils and teachers celebrated Vesak to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death (Mahaparinibbana) of the Buddha. Staff, pupils and parents organized a special puja (school assembly) and children read aloud the story of the Buddha’s birth. They sang songs of celebration, created a mandala, and took part in a walking meditation session. The school also plans to celebrate a Summer Fayre on June 21 from 11am to 3.30pm (with activities like massage and bushcraft, meditation in the Mindfulness Space, delicious lunches and homemade cakes in the School’s Vegetarian Café, traditional stalls, and children’s activities and games.