Bill Text: CA ACR141 | 2025-2026 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Vesak Day.
Sponsorship: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 53-17)
Status: (Passed) 2026-05-18 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 68, Statutes of 2026. [ACR141 Detail]
Download: California-2025-ACR141-Chaptered.html
Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 141
CHAPTER 68
Relative to Vesak Day.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
May 18, 2026.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 141, Ta.
Vesak Day.
This measure would recognize the significance of Vesak Day to people of Buddhist faith and extend sincere best wishes to the state’s Buddhist community in celebrating Vesak Day.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee: NOBill Text
WHEREAS, Vesak Day, one of the most important and sacred holidays to Buddhists worldwide, commemorates the life, enlightenment, and death of Buddha; and
WHEREAS, Born between 560 and 400 B.C.E., the Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, was the son of an Indian king. After leaving behind his home and his royal title to become an ascetic, he resolved to find an end to human suffering, which led him to identifying the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path toward enlightenment; and
WHEREAS, Some 2,500 years later, followers of Buddhism honor the legacy of the religion’s founder on Vesak Day. Depending on the country where it is celebrated, the holiday occurs on the Day of the Full Moon, which is the first full moon of May or on the full moon of the fourth lunar month; and
WHEREAS, This year Vesak Day will be observed on May 1, according to the lunar calendar; and
WHEREAS, In countries using the Gregorian calendar, Vesak Day is recognized annually on April 8; and
WHEREAS, Many observe the holiday by reaffirming their commitment to the moral precepts of Buddhism, performing good deeds, devoting time to chanting and meditation, and other customs, including lighting lanterns, decorating with flowers, and enjoying traditional Asian dishes; and
WHEREAS, Many Californians have found inspiration and spiritual guidance in the Buddhist faith, and many worship at temples and meditation facilities located in cities across the state; and
WHEREAS, The teachings of Buddha have inspired millions of people around the globe to strive for inner peace and to demonstrate greater compassion, tolerance, and understanding in their lives, and it is fitting to acknowledge the great importance of Vesak Day to the Buddhists who reside in California and beyond; and
WHEREAS, California has a large number of Buddhists, particularly from Asia; and
WHEREAS, The California State Assembly chaplains are a Buddhist married couple; and
WHEREAS, Buddhists have advocated for and made significant efforts to achieve peace, including the Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC, organized by Buddhist monks, which gained hundreds of thousands of American supporters from all demographics; and
WHEREAS, The recent pilgrimage and example of mindfulness demonstrated by Thích Minh Tuê has drawn international attention to the enduring power of Buddhist practice, humility, and peaceful devotion, inspiring many to reflect more deeply on the core teachings of compassion and simplicity; and
WHEREAS, Buddhists have advocated for, and made significant efforts to achieve, peace; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the significance of Vesak Day to people of Buddhist faith and extends sincere wishes to the state’s Buddhist community in celebrating Vesak Day; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
