A two day commemoration of the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha is being held this weekend, organized by the local Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple, under the sponsorship of the Buddha's Light International Association, San Diego Chapter. Various luminaries were in attendance yesterday, including Chung-Chen Kung, Deputy Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in LA, and San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy. Distinguished monastic guests included Venerable Hui Chuang, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple in LA, who delivered a thought-provoking Dharma talk, and members of the Tibetan Gaden Jangtse Monastery, who offered a mesmerizing prayer and dance. The service began with a rousing lion dance duo, snaking through the crowd and on to the stage. This was followed by offerings of incense, gems, flowers, and fruit by scores of devotees, including lovely ladies in a variety of Asian traditional costumes and barefoot children showering flower petals. The ceremony culminated in the ritual of Bathing the Buddha statue by the Venerable Masters. Members of the audience were then invited to participate as well. Following the rituals delicious vegetarian food and colorful cultural arts were available for all to enjoy.