![Marking Tzu Chi’s 60th anniversary, more than 8,000 participants took part in a symbolic formation during the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]](/images/Articles/RW/2026/KL20260510_lrq01_013.jpg "Marking Tzu Chi’s 60th anniversary, more than 8,000 participants took part in a symbolic formation during the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]")
As the morning sun filled the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, the resonant beat of Dharma drums echoed across the venue, marking the opening of the 2026 Tzu Chi Buddha Bathing Ceremony, which drew more than 14,000 participants.
On 10 May 2026, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor Chapter held its annual Buddha Bathing Ceremony at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil. The event marked the triple celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day and Global Tzu Chi Day, while also commemorating Tzu Chi’s 60th anniversary.
This year’s theme, “May we never forget the initial spirit of the bamboo bank. May we always remember the great vow of the Tzu Chi path,” reflected Tzu Chi’s humble beginnings six decades ago, when Dharma Master Cheng Yen encouraged homemakers in Taiwan to save NT50 cents daily in bamboo banks to help those in need. From small acts of kindness grew a global humanitarian mission that today spans 139 countries and regions.
The ceremony also connected live with Jing Si Hall in Hualien, Taiwan, joining Tzu Chi volunteers and participants worldwide in simultaneous prayers for a peaceful world free from disasters.
◎ A formation symbolising unity and compassion
One of the highlights of this year’s ceremony by the KL & Selangor Chapter was the large-scale Buddha bathing formation, created by over 8,000 participants. Designed around the Dharma wheel and lotus motif, the formation symbolised the spreading of Buddhist teachings from monasteries into society and daily life.
The three-tier concentric circles represented the unfolding of a single initial intention, continuously expanding outward, and reflected Tzu Chi’s spirit of inner cultivation and outward practice. The inner circle symbolised the pure source of Dharma, while the outer “Tzu Chi Malaysia” formation reflected the organisation’s role in uniting kind hearts and extending love to all in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Eighty-two Dharma Masters from the Mahayana, Theravada and Tibetan traditions jointly led the ceremony, adding solemnity and spiritual depth to the occasion. Interfaith representatives, government officials and community figures also attended in support.
Participants followed four symbolic ritual steps — bowing to the Buddha, making sincere vows, receiving the “Dharma fragrance” represented by a Bodhi leaf, and offering blessings for peace and harmony. The ritual served as a reminder to purify the mind, cultivate gratitude and awaken compassion within daily life.
During the circumambulation ritual, participants moved in solemn unity, praying for the Dharma to remain in the world and within every heart. Grounded in gratitude and compassion, the ceremony also conveyed aspirations for a harmonious society and a world free from suffering.
◎ Interfaith voices united in prayer
Chairman of the Malaysian Buddhist Association (KL/Selangor Branch), Venerable Ming Ji, described Tzu Chi’s six decades of service as a journey rooted firmly in compassion and original aspiration.
“Sixty years marks a full cycle. We have seen the Dharma move from remote mountain temples into the human world,” he said. “At its core, Buddhism is about serving the community and benefitting all beings.”
He added that Tzu Chi’s presence around the world reflects the Buddhist spirit of compassion – bringing joy to those in need and relieving suffering wherever possible. In today’s increasingly unstable world, marked by war, economic uncertainty and various forms of hardship, he said society needs even greater care and compassion.
Malaysia’s Buddhist Chief High Priest, Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana, commended Tzu Chi’s humanitarian contributions across racial, religious and national boundaries, indirectly helping to foster unity and harmony in the country.
“Tzu Chi is doing wonderful service to mankind. They bring (people) together to build a healthy society,” he said. “We are very proud of her [Master Cheng Yen] – she is able to reach out to most countries, and with a sincere heart, reaching out to needy people.”
Joining the ceremony, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, Most Reverend Julian Leow, said that prayers help purify hearts and minds, and help us become peacemakers. “Prayers, I believe, can move mountains. It can really have the effect, if we are truly selfless in what we ask, asking for others.”
Reverend Dato’ Jonathan Jesudas, who had previously visited Master Cheng Yen at the Jing Si Abode and toured Tzu Chi’s facilities and initiatives in Taiwan, shared that he was moved by the atmosphere of reverence and silent compassion among the participants.
He believes that though Buddhism and Christianity observe different practices, they ultimately teach love, compassion and altruism.
◎ A force of goodness in society
Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook, who attended the ceremony alongside the public, commended Tzu Chi’s long-standing humanitarian efforts in Malaysia.
“In many places where help is needed, Tzu Chi is always among the first to arrive and the last to leave,” he said. “I believe Tzu Chi’s contributions to charitable work in Malaysia are evident for all, and have earned the respect of people of all races.”
He recalled being particularly moved by Tzu Chi volunteers’ support for families during the MH370 tragedy, describing their presence as a source of emotional comfort and stability.
Group Editor-in-Chief of Media Chinese International Limited (Malaysia), Dato’ Kuik Cheng Kang, noted that celebrating Buddha Day on Mother’s Day added deeper meaning to the occasion, reminding people of gratitude, filial piety and appreciation.
As Tzu Chi marks its 60th anniversary, he commended the organisation for helping to cultivate a more positive and compassionate society through its commitment to serving humanity. He also expressed hope that Tzu Chi will continue extending its impact and bringing help to more needy people.
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As the ceremony concluded and participants departed, what lingered was more than the memory of a grand event. May the spirit of compassion and gratitude continue to bring peace and harmony to society.
