A formation of nearly 2,000 volunteers formed the themed patterns “TC60” and “saving small change into bamboo bank” in celebration of Tzu Chi 60th Anniversary. (Photo by Goa Yee Boon)
“What can fifty cents do? Today, fifty cents cannot even buy half a cup of coffee. All the more so in this era of profound change we are facing today, marked by geopolitical tensions, wars, and economic uncertainty, one may wonder what one person can possibly do.”
At the Tzu Chi 60th Anniversary and Buddha Day Celebration event, Beh Keng Hua, Managing Director of Tzu Chi Merit (Singapore), raised this reflection on the challenges of our era in his speech.
Yet, it is precisely through such small yet sincere acts of kindness that countless lives have been transformed. Six decades ago, 30 housewives began setting aside 50 cents a day, laying the foundation for Tzu Chi’s journey of charity. 60 years later, Tzu Chi volunteers around the world continue to serve, radiating hope like the gentle glow of fireflies, illuminating dark corners with love and compassion. This boundless love, which transcends borders, has long flowed between people, forming an enduring cycle of kindness.
A span of sixty years can be seen as long, marked by the changing seasons of hardship and growth. Yet it can also be seen as brief, for it is simply the continuity of a single thought of love and kindness that has never wavered.
In his address, Beh Keng Hua, Managing Director of Tzu Chi Merit (Singapore), encouraged everyone to do good because “when it comes to doing good, everyone is indispensable.” By cultivating gratitude, respect, and love in daily life, each of us becomes a stabilising force for society. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Never forget the original aspiration of the Bamboo Bank Era
After the rain, the evening air was fresh and clear. Nearly 2,000 formation volunteers arranged themselves into two solemn formations across the field. On the left, the pattern of a bamboo coin bank and a hand placing coins depicted the origins of the Bamboo Bank Era. On the right, the letters and number “TC60,” intertwined with the infinity symbol, represented a continuous and unending cycle of kindness.
In 2026, Tzu Chi enters its 60th year. On 10 May, coinciding with the 3-in-1 occasion which marks Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day—approximately 4,000 members of the public and volunteers gathered at Yishun Stadium to take part in this solemn and meaningful Buddha Bathing Ceremony.
“As the Chinese say, ‘天生我材必有用 (Everyone has a talent that is destined to be used)’. Everyone has a role and reason to be here, and will be able to contribute.” Guest of Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam noted that over the decades, Tzu Chi has always been about the respect between people from different walks of life, races and religions. The event, he said, was an opportunity to express the philosophy of respect and gratitude.
Front row from the left: Managing Director of Tzu Chi Merit (Singapore), Beh Keng Hua; Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Transport, Mr Murali Pillai; President Tharman Shanmugaratnam; CEO of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), Mr Low Swee Seh; and President of Thai Sangha Samatcha Singapore, Venerable Phrakru Sophon Buddhikun. (Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
Distinguished guests in attendance Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Transport, Mr Murali Pillai; Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang SMC, Mr Liang Eng Hwa; Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, Ms Lee Hui Ying; Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, Ms Valerie Lee; Assistant Director-General of NTUC, Mr Yeo Guat Kwang; as well as community partners. Together, they offered sincere blessings and prayers for world peace.
The tidy rows of lucite Buddha statues appeared especially pure and dignified under the lighting. This year, additional Buddha Bathing altars were set up so participants would not need to wait long, allowing them to bathe the Buddha alongside formation volunteers and immerse themselves together in the Buddha’s boundless compassion.
Lim Ah Lam attended the ceremony with his mother, and he shared, “The atmosphere here is very good. I can feel the sincere devotion, and sitting here brings a sense of inner calm.” He commended the arrangement of chanting session such as the “Incense Praise”, saying they were well arranged and allowed him to be fully immersed in the experience. For him, attending the ceremony not only strengthened his confidence in the Dharma, but also allowed him to reflect on himself through the collective sincerity of the assembly.
Different paths lead to the same destination as all paths are one in essence
This year’s gathering was especially solemn and meritorious, with 93 venerable masters and monastics invited to participate in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony.
The ceremony was led by Venerable Phrakru Sophon Buddhikun, President of Thai Sangha Samatcha Singapore. He shared, “We all belong to the same race—humanity. Religion comes second; what matters first is being a good person.” He also affirmed Tzu Chi’s volunteer efforts, which follow the teachings of the Buddha and are rooted in compassion and love. He prayed that all may attain peace, peace founded on wisdom.
93 venerable monastics were invited to attend the event, adding an even greater sense of solemnity and spiritual dignity to the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Singapore is a multicultural and multi-religious society, where different communities live together in harmony and mutual respect. Representatives from the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) Singapore, comprising nine major religions, were also invited to lead a one-minute silent prayer, uniting hearts in a single sincere aspiration for peace in Singapore and the world.
Mr Ahmad Razif bin Yaacob, the Muslim representative, shared that regardless of Buddhism or Islam, the spirit of giving remains the same. The more different religions engage in dialogue, the deeper the understanding; and the deeper the understanding, the greater the mutual appreciation.
First-time attendee Ramesh Chamandas also reflected that doing good deeds is, in essence, planting blessings for oneself and others, and that such kindness transcends religion and race.
Representatives from the nine major religions led the assembly in sincere prayers for Singapore and for peace and well-being across the world. (Photo by Khor Kim Seng)
Karmic affinities converge as thousands gather
Passing on love and kindness to future generations
The formation, involving 2,000 participants, brought together volunteers and members of the public from various communities, staff from different Tzu Chi establishments, as well as families who have received Tzu Chi’s support. Behind every face lies a story of an encounter with Tzu Chi.
Upon hearing that Dharma Master Cheng Yen is approaching 90 years of age, and with Tzu Chi marking its 60th anniversary this year, Chua Hui Ming was moved to tears. She shared that Master Cheng Yen’s voice is always gentle and soft yet carries an unshakable firmness—helping her understand that gentleness, too, can hold great strength.
Participating in a formation for the first time, Chua Hui Ming deeply felt the meaning of “conditions coming together”. Without even one person, this complete accomplishment would not have been possible. Accompanying her was her husband, David Yeo, who is a Christian, and he softly remarked, “At their core, all religions teach people to do good.”
As lotus heart lamps were lit, participants and formation volunteers joined in prayer together. Their goodwill resonated with one another, filling the venue with a solemn and deeply moving atmosphere. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
Volunteer Max Lee invited his friend Teo Piak Leong to join the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. Not only did he readily agree, but within just two days, he brought along more than 30 people to take part in the group formation. Even after standing for two hours, everyone remained joyful. Teo Piak Leong also made a special effort to adopt a vegetarian diet, and during prayers, wished only for world peace and an end to war.
He shared that during the pandemic, he once received Tzu Chi’s assistance in handling a family bereavement, and thus deeply cherished this opportunity to participate. Those who were once helped are now passing on kindness in return.
The Dharma enters the heart and flows on endlessly through generations
At the other end of the formation, the John Lim family of four, who are also Tzu Chi care recipients, stepped into the formation for the first time. Throughout their journey, volunteers have accompanied them like family, offering warmth and support during their most difficult times. “I feel very emotional and deeply moved,” he said. Although his physical condition made standing for long periods challenging, his heart was filled with joy.
John Lim (first from the right) and Sie Hung Ling (second from left) attending the Buddha Bathing Ceremony with their two sons. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
His wife, Sie Hung Ling, gazed at the illuminated lotus-shaped lamps as she silently prayed for her parents. Their eldest son softly said, “Although it was tiring, seeing this moment (the completed formation) made it all worthwhile.”
Their younger son, 16 years old, originally had to work over the weekend. Yet the mother insisted the whole family attend together, saying, “If even one person is missing, I will keep thinking about it.” Their participation was more than a family gathering, it felt like a bond woven together by love and kindness.
On this Mother’s Day, there were also young “second-generation Tzu Chi volunteers”, such as Brayden Tan, who hoped to enter the formation with a heart of gratitude and sincerity, expressing love for her mother. Veteran volunteer Loh Pooi Kuan firmly believes that being able to enter the Tzu Chi community is a rare and precious affinity. True repayment of parental love is not only about thanking our parents for giving us life, but also about stepping into society to help those in need. The verse from the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, “Hold our vows unwaveringly for countless eons,” has long been deeply rooted in her heart.
-
Volunteer Loh Pui Kuan (right) firmly believes that being able to enter the Tzu Chi community is a rare and precious affinity. True repayment of parental love is not only about thanking our parents for giving us life, but also about stepping into society to help those in need. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong) -
Formation volunteers chanted verses from the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, accompanied by simple and orderly hand gestures. The melodious sound of the sutra chanting echoed through Yishun Stadium and gently entered every heart. (Photo by Khor Kim Seng) -
Members of the public participating in the Buddha bathing ritual devoutly, cleansing their worries and awakening the inherent goodness within. (Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
As the Buddha Bathing Ceremony drew to a close, formation volunteers chanted verses from the Sutra of Infinite Meanings: “With a clear and still mind, our vows are as vast as the universe. We will uphold our vows unwaveringly for countless eons…” The chanting was accompanied by simple, synchronised gestures performed by the volunteers. The solemn recitation echoed gently through Yishun Stadium and softly entered every heart. Each phrase was not merely a chant, but also a reminder—to let the Dharma dwell within and to let kind intentions endure through time.
This year, when formation volunteers received the “fragrance of Dharma,” they no longer took a jasmine flower as in previous years. Instead, they received a Bodhi leaf made from recycled PET bottles. Printed on the leaf were the Buddha Bathing Verse and the 60th anniversary emblem of Tzu Chi—a silent blessing, wishing that within every heart, the thought of love and kindness always remain.
60 years mark the passage of time, but what remains unchanged is the original aspiration. For six decades, Tzu Chi has upheld the belief that love can transcend race, religion, and borders; and that kindness can continuously flow between people. As long as there is love in each heart and kindness in daily action, the world will have less darkness and more warmth. This small yet unwavering intention will continue to grow and flourish endlessly throughout the world.
Note: The representatives of the nine major religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Taoism, Jainism, Sikhism, the Bahá’í Faith, and Zoroastrianism.
(Tzu Chi Media Team: Yaw Huey Xin, Foo Chai Chiwn, Ng Hock Soon, Tew Yu Rui, Yao Mee Chee, Koh Su Jing)
Share 
