Madam Yew, who is visually impaired, fervently took part in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Home under the guidance of volunteers.
"She has been asking what time it is since yesterday and got up at six this morning to wait!"
Madam Yew's aunt, who lives with her, expressed Madam Yew's anticipation for the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Home.
On May 25, at 8.30am, a group of volunteers arrived at Madam Yew’s home with a Buddha statue, flowers and decorations. After exchanging greetings, the volunteers began setting up, while Madam Yew sat on the sofa with a smile, quietly taking it all in.
Madam Yew is a dialysis patient and is blind, relying on sounds to discern her surroundings. She lives with her mother, aunt, younger brother, and younger sister. Her elderly mother is also blind due to diabetes. Unfortunately, Madam Yew's sister was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
With three out of five family members suffering from illnesses, the already financially strained household is under even greater pressure. Madam Yew's sister, who was the primary breadwinner, can no longer work after her cancer diagnosis and is currently undergoing treatment.
The volunteers worked together to set up the Buddha Bathing altar, which was simple yet dignified.
Commencing the Buddha Bathing Ceremony: Purifying the Body and Mind
The solemn lucite Buddha statue was brought in, and after a simple arrangement, the home radiated a peaceful atmosphere. As the setup neared completion, Madam Yew's mother and sister, who were resting in their rooms, were assisted by her aunt and volunteers to the living room. Although Madam Yew's sister was physically weak from chemotherapy, she tried to stay energised upon seeing everyone arrive.
After the preparations were complete, the family rose from the sofa and took turns bathing the Buddha. Guided by their family and volunteers, Madam Yew and her mother, both blind, walked step by step towards the Buddha Bathing altar. When they heard the volunteer say, "You are getting closer to the Buddha," they joyfully clasped their hands together, immersing themselves in the moment. Following the volunteer's chanting, they earnestly completed each gesture with devotion during the Buddha Bathing Ceremony.
Through "Our Earnest Prayer", Madam Yew and her family earnestly expressed their wishes, hoping that each prayer would reach the ears of all Buddhas.
Madam Yew mentioned that when she could still see, she used to go to the temple every year for the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. However, after becoming completely blind two years ago, she stopped doing so. She shared that thinking about the situation at home and the illnesses of her family members often made her feel troubled. However, during the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, she felt a sense of inner peace and Buddha’s compassion, which moved her to tears without her realising it.
When asked about her wishes, Madam Yew replied, "I hope the Buddha blesses my family with health and safety, and I also hope that my eyes can see just a little, even if it is just a faint light..."
Madam Yew's sister (middle) is currently undergoing cancer treatment. The Buddha Bathing Ceremony deeply moved her and provided solace for her soul.
"Ever since all of you arrived at my home, I have been crying non-stop until now," Madam Yew's sister tearfully said. "I really wish the Buddha could come to our home and see us. Today, I truly feel the presence of the Buddha!"
She mentioned that the family missed the Buddha Bathing Ceremony last year, so they were especially looking forward to it this year. Recognising life's uncertainties, Madam Yew's sister is currently bravely fighting cancer and hopes for a speedy recovery to care for her family again. She also expressed gratitude towards Tzu Chi, which has brought long-term companionship and care into their home, providing spiritual support and comfort.
Volunteer Nancy Chew, who has been accompanying Madam Yew's family for over two years, shared that when she first started visiting, she could clearly sense Madam Yew's sadness and worries. Whenever Madam Yew talked about her younger sister, she would start crying because she felt indebted to her family for being unable to care for them, despite being the older sister.
During each home visit, volunteers would listen attentively to their hardships and offer timely care and Buddhist teachings. Nancy Chew finds comfort in seeing that despite life's challenges, the family has gradually transformed from feeling dejected to becoming more cheerful.
Material resources can alleviate difficulties in life, while intangible care comforts the soul. Everyone should express gratitude for Buddha’s compassion and provide solace and refuge for the troubled souls.
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