Tzu Chi volunteers and members of the public pay homage to the Buddha while offering blessings for the world. — Photos FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Thousands of people gathered at the Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall to commemorate Buddha Day, Mothers Day and Tzu Chi Day.
The attendees included Buddhist Dharma Masters, diplomats, representatives from various countries, Tzu Chi volunteers and the public.
Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur and Selangor deputy chief executive officer Tong Siew Bee said as an annual tradition, “This ceremony offers us a moment to express gratitude for the blessings of the Buddha, to honour our parents and extend appreciation to all sentient beings.
“As the Dharma Masters suggested, combining all three occasions into one celebration is good to save time and energy, and allows us to honour Buddha and appreciate all beings at once.”
Participants and volunteers pray for the purification of the mind, social harmony and a world free of disasters.
The three-in-one celebration hosted by the Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Centre aims to promote the Buddhist spirit of compassion and benevolence and to collectively pray for the purificationof mind, social harmony and a world free from disasters.
“Led by the Dharma Masters, participants performed the Buddha bathing ritual with utmost reverence, expressing gratitude for the grace of the Buddha, their parents and all beings,” added Tong.
“From a bird’s-eye view, the formation involved more than 3,300 people, resembling a blooming lotus flower.
“The lotus stamen spelled out ‘Spread Dharma, Benefit All’ while the leaves formed ‘50 Cents Can Save Lives’, symbolising the impact of small contributions.”
The Buddha Bathing ceremony was led by over 70 Dharma Masters from various Buddhist denominations.
In a world increasingly plagued by natural and man-made disasters, she said that, “It is imperative that we embody the spirit of the Buddha with sincerity and vigilance”.
Tzu Chi also collaborated with Veg-Hub to host a green carnival.
With 40 stalls set up, there were a variety of plant-based dishes for visitors.
Tzu Chi Day volunteer Riyani Agustina Widjaja said, “I have participated for more than 10 years in this celebration.
“We are celebrating not only Buddha Day, but we come here to also cleanse our body and mind,” she said.
Riyani added that when the younger generation joined this kind of activity, it could evoke their empathy, compassion and kindness towards others.
Tzu Chi volunteers and members of the public pay homage to the Buddha while offering blessings for the world. — Photos FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
More than 3,300 people stood in a formation resembling a blooming lotus flower.
The Buddha Bathing ceremony was led by over 70 Dharma Masters from various Buddhist denominations.
Participants and volunteers pray for the purification of the mind, social harmony and a world free of disasters.
Participants ät the three-in-one celebration at Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall.
