![A total of 2,610 participants formed the Chinese character “福” (Blessing) at the centre, and “KL30” (symbolising the 30th Anniversary of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor) and “2023” on the left and right sides respectively. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]](/images/Articles/RW/2023/KL20230514_lrq01_062.jpg "A total of 2,610 participants formed the Chinese character “福” (Blessing) at the centre, and “KL30” (symbolising the 30th Anniversary of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor) and “2023” on the left and right sides respectively. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]")
After a three-year hiatus, KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall reverberated with the resumption of the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. The event saw the convergence of over 10,000 people on May 13 and 14, paying homage to the Buddha and offering blessings to the world.
Behold a world within a flower, and bodhi within a leaf. The front court of KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall was transformed into a sacred Buddha bathing ground. The platforms were resplendent with radiating soft rays of the many translucent statues of the Great Enlightened One of the Universe, while white lotus and orchid flowers amidst the gentle light and mist lent a serene and harmonious ambiance. These settings spoke a silent Dharma that resonated with the hearts of the many who were in attendance.
As the sounds of drums and gongs reverberated around and into the depths of hearts, the large bronze doors of Jing Si Hall entrance gently swung open. Sixty-six Dharma Masters, followed by representatives from the Royal Malaysia Police and other organisations, emerged in a solemn procession. Led by Dharma Masters, the Tzu Chi KL & Selangor’s 3-in-1 celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day on May 14, commenced amidst the recitation of “The Incense Praise”.
In line with the theme, “May we do good with compassion and bring blessings to all. May we conduct ourselves with wisdom and pass on virtue,” the programme team meticulously arranged a formation consisting of over 2,600 participants, forming the Chinese character “福” (Blessing) at the centre, flanked by the sides with “KL30” (representing the 30th Anniversary of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor) and “2023”, symbolising the collective aspiration to sow blessings and pass down virtues as a legacy for future generations.
◎Exemplifying compassion and religious harmony
Venerable Ming Ji, Chairman of the Malaysian Buddhist Association (Selangor/KL Branch), expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have a large-scale event such as this and reunite everyone’s hearts once again after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Coinciding with the 30th Anniversary of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, Venerable Ming Ji expressed that each decade marks a new phase. The 30-year milestone represents “faith, vow, and action”. He encouraged everyone to cherish their affinities, and emphasised the significance of faith and belief as we embark on a new beginning in 2023. He commended the volunteers on their efforts in carrying out the 30th Anniversary celebration successfully, which also embodied the spirit of great aspirations.
Rev. Julian Leow, the Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, shared his impression of the ceremony stating, “Today’s ceremony is very meaningful not only because all of you were praying as one, but I could also feel the peace. Whatever religion we are practising, we can always work for the greater good of others.”
He considered it a blessed opportunity to attend Tzu Chi’s Buddha Bathing Ceremony for the first time. Growing up accompanying his Buddhist grandmother to temples, he witnessed various Buddhist rituals and gained an understanding that religion seeks not only world peace, but also inner peace.
Dr. Joy Yen, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, was invited to attend the Buddha Bathing Ceremony just a week after her arrival in Malaysia. She said, “This is my first time participating in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Jing Si Hall. I see the enthusiasm of Tzu Chi volunteers and the remarkable smoothness in how they have organised the entire ceremony.”
She felt honoured that Tzu Chi originates from Taiwan and how the organisation is a pride of the country. Whenever disasters strike, Tzu Chi is always at the forefront, extending a helping hand and showcasing Taiwan’s benevolence to the world.
◎ Green Carnival rally popular support
Besides “bathing the Buddha” ritual, Tzu Chi also organised activities to show gratitude to parents and partnered with Veg-Hub, an online delivery platform for vegan and vegetarian food, to host a Green Carnival aimed at promoting plant-based meals.
The Green Carnival featured over 40 stalls showcasing a diverse array of plant-based food and products. Among the visitors exploring the stalls was Chong Min Lee, who has enrolled in a yoga class offered by the Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centre. She was pleasantly surprised to discover some vegan baked goods, including cakes with labels indicating low sugar and gluten free options. Without hesitation, she made a purchase and remarked, “This kind of food is very healthy and suitable for me.”
Min Lee has been following a vegan diet for 13 years, after her friend suggested it due to her frequent illnesses in the past. She shared, “After adopting a vegan diet, I have gradually regained my health, and I rarely fall sick now.” She observed that it is now easier to find restaurants offering vegan food compared to earlier times. She highlighted the “Healthier Me 21-day Challenge” launched by Tzu Chi, which provides whole-food plant-based meals, as an excellent example. She introduced this programme to her friends, and they also experienced improved health. She commended Tzu Chi for its efforts in promoting a whole-food plant-based diet, and expressed hope for the continuation of such endeavours.
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Through the 3-in-1 celebration on May 13 and 14, volunteers and the public had the opportunity to not only pay homage to and honour the Buddha, but also to express gratitude to their parents and all sentient beings. May everyone purify their hearts and minds, and let their innate Buddha-nature shine brightly, untainted by impurities, each and every day.
