GEORGE TOWN: They gathered before sunrise, praying for world peace and good health for all.
Among them was technician Quah Chee Chong, who brought his two children aged 12 and 13 along.
“We need to set an example for our children to instil moral and social values in them. They need to be exposed to such events,” he said when met at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society Malaysia here yesterday.
Every year, on the second Sunday of May, Tzu Chi chapters worldwide will hold a solemn Buddha Day ceremony for a three-in-one celebration of Buddha or Wesak Day, Mothers Day and Global Tzu Chi Day to express gratitude to Buddha, parents and all sentient beings.
Yesterday’s event was also to mark the society’s 57th anniversary.
Quah’s family was among some 2,600 devotees who stood patiently in line to bow and dip their fingers in fragrant water in an act to symbolise the touching of Buddha’s feet.
During the hour-long chanting ceremony, each devotee was given a flower.
They showed their reverence to Buddha by bowing and holding their palms together in prayer.
Quah, 45, said his children regularly attended the Ren Wen school (at Tzu Chi) every fortnight to learn about prayers and chantings.
“Parents have to join in, too, to build our bond as well,” he added.
The event also featured a “Zero Burden Bazaar” with new and pre-loved items offered but with no price tags. Buyers would pay as they wish, or take what they needed.
Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia (Penang) commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong said Wesak Day was hosted worldwide by Tzu Chi volunteers on the second Sunday of May, with Mothers Day and Global Tzu Chi Day.
“On this day, while Buddhists pay reverence to Lord Buddha for his teachings and guidance, others give thanks and show their gratitude to their mothers, appreciate the blessing received and cultivate purity and virtue.
“It used to be a grand affair but due to Covid-19, it went online and now we are back to holding it physically,” he said.
He said the event was carried out worldwide simultaneously.
“We even have a live broadcast of the prayers being held in Taiwan,” he said.
Khoo said the bazaar featured donated items.
“It is a way to give new life to things that people do not need by letting others take them.
“This way, there is zero burden to anyone and the value of the items will be up to the visitors. Proceeds will go to charity,” he said.
