Former U.S. President Barack Obama and His Holiness the Dalai Lama discussed compassion and altruism in a meeting on Friday.
Looking Back on Barack Obama’s Friendly Relationship with Buddhism
As Barack Obama’s presidency comes to a close, we’re looking back on his friendly relationship with Buddhists around the world.
The Meaning of Barack Obama
Even before he was president, Obama was a 21st global citizen, helping us to transcend parochialism, tribalism, and that most pernicious of fictions — race.
Myanmar-America relations enter new era after Obama-Suu Kyi meeting

For the first time in her capacity as leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi met with President Obama yesterday in Washington.
Obama, in Laos, highlights the strength of Buddhist faith
In an address to the people of Laos, yesterday, President Obama stressed the strengths of of Buddhist faith.
The Buddha in Obama’s pocket

A small Buddha statuette, given to him by a monk, is often found on Barack Obama’s person.
Dalai Lama, Obama meet at White House
Barack Obama met with Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the White House today. His Holiness posted a photo of the meeting to Facebook: China, of course, has stated its displeasure about the US receiving or honoring the Dalai Lama; as The Tibet Post reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a news briefing […]
Obama quotes Thich Nhat Hanh in Vietnam address
U.S. President Barack Obama, in Hanoi, Vietnam today, addressed that nation’s people with remarks that included a reference to the Zen master, Engaged Buddhism advocate, and lifelong anti-war activist, Thich Nhat Hanh. And as Vietnam has transformed, so has the relationship between our two nations. We learned a lesson taught by the venerable Thich Nhat […]
Update: Obamas, White House issue second salute to Vesak, or “Buddha Day”; Governor Jerry Brown also notes holiday and community

“I send greetings to all those observing Vesak,” writes President Obama, in his second 2016 statement about the Buddhist holiday of Vesak, or “Buddha Day.”
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau acknowledges Vesak, or “Buddha Day” with statement

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a statement on the occasion of Vesak, the Buddhist festival also known as “Buddha Day.”