A SERENE atmosphere was evident during a Mothers Day, Wesak Day and Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation 50th anniversary celebration at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
Reminders such as “Getting angry is actually punishing yourself with the mistakes of others” and “Remain soft-spoken and forgiving even when reason is on your side”, displayed on large banners and spectator stands set the stage for mindful practice.
Some of the over 15,000 participants started arriving as early as 4am to take part in the Buddha bathing ceremony in the middle of the field.
In an act of faith, 8,020 devotees formed concentric circles as they circumambulated more than 300 crystal Buddha images to pray for peace and seek blessings.
A volunteer revealed that all the statues were offered by devotees for the ceremony, after which they would be returned.
In a press conference, volunteer with the foundation Tan Wei Han said 4,000 volunteers took months to plan and rehearse for the event.
Some of them even stayed at private accommodations nearby so they could arrive early.
“Faith was the true force behind the event’s success,” he added.
Another volunteer Lee Peng Sian said mindfulness and calm is a highly valued aspect of Buddhist practice.
Meanwhile, volunteer Lee Boon Jeen, who brought along his daughter, said more such events should be organised.
“The atmosphere is so serene that it can only give you good thoughts. It helps one to centre oneself,” he said.
Organised by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor chapter of the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation Malaysia, guests included Malaysian Buddhist Association, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur branch chairman Venerable Ming Ji, Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Julian Leow, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia deputy representative James Buu.
Dhammaratana said it was important for the younger generation to be taught to respect their parents.
“This is especially important in modern society, where the erosion of family bonds often goes hand in hand with a loss of spirituality,” he said.
Sim commended the foundation for its inclusive humanitarian efforts, being a first responder in numerous disaster relief operations across Malaysia.
“Tzu Chi is known for rapid deployment in many disasters such as during the 2021 floods in Selangor, 2015 floods in Kelantan and the 2025 floods in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
The triple celebration on May 10 was held in two segments – one in the morning and another in the evening.
The morning programme ended at 10am, while the evening programme began at 6pm.
