After four years, the Tzu Chi 57th Anniversary Celebration and Buddha Bathing Ceremony is held once again at Bukit Gombak Stadium, with about 3,500 people in attendance. (Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
The weather in Singapore has been unpredictable lately. On the day before the event, it was unbearably hot, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius, the highest in 40 years. And on the event day, while the sun was still shining bright in the morning, it quickly changed in the afternoon, with strong winds followed by a downpour. The lightning warning system was also triggered at the Bukit Gombak Stadium. This meant that the volunteers, who were preparing for the rehearsal of the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, had no choice but to leave the field.
Amidst the rumbling thunder, everyone prayed devoutly for the rain to stop to allow the ceremony to proceed as scheduled. Perhaps the prayers were heard as the lightning warning alert stopped flashing shortly after, enabling the volunteers to re-enter the field and begin their rehearsal.
With the sun gradually setting into the night sky, the ceremony officially started with the sounding of a bell. Everyone began to feel a sense of coolness and stability in their prayers as they experienced the dharma joy and the eradication of worldly concerns.
Interfaith prayer by six religions
Tzu Chi Merit Organization (Singapore) had been deterred from holding a large-scale prayer ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a three-year hiatus, it was finally able to hold a grand Buddha Bathing Ceremony at an outdoor stadium, which kicked off on 14 May 2023 with the eager anticipation of nearly 3,500 people.
(Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
The Buddha Day 2023 symbol formation is presented in concentric circles and two half-moons. The symbol of the concentric circles is "TC" (Tzu Chi) and "57", which represents Tzu Chi’s 57th anniversary and the spirit of Tzu Chi volunteers to cultivate spirituality through serving and interacting with the external world. (drone footage)
1508 volunteers presented this year's symbol formation in concentric circles and two half-moons. The concentric circles in the middle of the formation team symbolised the organisational structure of Tzu Chi and the spirit of Tzu Chi volunteers. This represents unity between volunteers as they work together and embrace each other with harmony and mutual love during charity operations. Everyone has a "bright pearl" in their heart, and it is hoped that everyone can forge harmony by upholding the spirit of the concentric circles.
The "TC57" in the concentric circle represents the upholding of "gratitude, respect, and love" by Tzu Chi volunteers for the past 57 years as they serve the public and extend great love worldwide.
In his speech, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean praised Tzu Chi for its active contribution to the local community through its four missions and environment protection education. He also praised the Foundation’s long-standing efforts to promote and foster the cohesion of a multi-racial and religious society as a member of the Pasir Ris West Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCC). He also drew on the unity and resilience shown by residents of Singapore in the fight against the pandemic to point out that a harmonious society is the key to the country's resilience and survival through a crisis.
Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean emphasised in his speech the importance of national unity as displayed in Singapore’s battle against the pandemic. He also acknowledged Tzu Chi's efforts in promoting multi-racial and religious harmony in local communities. (Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
He said: "Tzu Chi Singapore plays an important role in promoting social harmony and also assists those in need in Singapore, making significant contributions to community, multi-racial, and religious harmony."
Mr Teo has attended many Tzu Chi events, and this was the fourth time he has been invited as the guest of honour for the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. He looked forward to Tzu Chi's continued contribution to building a compassionate and tolerant society to create a brighter future for all Singaporeans.
Other distinguished guests included Member of Parliament (MP) for Marsiling-Yew Tee, Hany Soh, MP for Bukit Panjang, Liang Eng Hwa, and Tung Chen-Yuan of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore.
Returning to Purity and Tranquillity through the Buddha Bathing Ceremony
The crowd respectfully greeted the 56 Dharma masters from different monasteries as they slowly entered the venue. Representatives from six major religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Islam, and Baha'i led the congregation in silent prayer. At a time when the pandemic has not completely subsided, and natural disasters and wars still rampant, everyone, regardless of race and religion, prayed piously for a world free from conflict and disasters.
Similar to how the prayer session was conducted in the past, representatives from six major local religions are invited to attend the event this year to lead the crowd in praying for world peace. (Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
When interviewed, Venerable Master Chuan Hsien, who led the congregation, said that the pandemic in the past three years has had a significant impact on the world, reminding us to recognise the impermanence of the world. He also said that having a Buddha Bathing Ceremony of such a scale carries a significant meaning post-pandemic. Bathing the Buddha symbolises the purification of the mind and that "Dharma water can nourish all beings, nourish our body and mind, and nourish the earth". He believes that bathing the Buddha can calm us and unite the good thoughts in people's minds. By learning Buddha's wisdom, one can remove his fears and bring hope to people.
Ameerali Abdeali, a representative of Islam, said he was honoured to be invited and was glad to see the mutual support between different religious organisations. Ameerali was touched by the final part of the ceremony when the lights were turned off and everyone started singing "Our Earnest Prayer" in unison.
A total of 56 Dharma Masters from different monasteries are seen piously carrying out the Buddha bathing ceremony to thank the Buddha for his deeds and virtues. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)
Tzu Chi volunteers and the congregation respectfully bow to the Buddha's feet with their hands dipped in fragrant water beneath the lucite Buddha statue. (Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
While chanting the song "The Buddha is on the Vulture Peak", all participants went around the Buddha for a walking meditation. Step by step, in a steady manner, everyone mindfully practised self-vigilance to learn the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha.
"The scene where everyone was moving in unison to bathe the Buddha was mesmerizing. I had to hold back my tears for fear of disturbing the solemnity of the scene," 25-year-old volunteer Lai Zheng Hui Carey shared with slightly red eyes.
Standing in the Bodhi leaf symbol formation, he saw people reverently bathing the Buddha, sensing that it was only with good thoughts in their hearts that they are able to come together to participate and make the Buddha Bathing Ceremony a success. He developed a more profound realisation that all sentient beings share the exact Buddha nature.
He added: "Buddha is inherently pure. We are "bathing" the Buddha to purify our minds and wash away the five turbidities."
He is deeply convinced that as long as everyone can practise with equanimity, practically, and consistently, they can be empowered and enlightened by the Buddha's teachings, thus bringing more joy and positivity to themselves and those around them.
Amazed by the sight of reverence of the devotees, Lai Zheng Hui could also sense the kind thoughts in their hearts and realized that all beings have Buddha nature. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Entrepreneur Gan Ah Huat invited fifty employees to serve as team formation volunteers, some of whom were participating in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony for a second or third time. One of them was Mani, an Indian foreign worker who was participating for the third time. Mani revealed that he was pretty confused when he attended the first time. After the event, his employer continued to share about the Buddha Bathing Ceremony and its purpose. It allowed him to have more profound thoughts and feelings when he attended the Buddha Bathing Ceremony for the second year.
Mani was rather disappointed that large-scale events were prohibited during the pandemic. Hence, he was glad that he could participate in the ceremony again. He said: "I like the quiet and solemn atmosphere at the scene and how the prayer was conducted among different religions. I prayed for the world and the people around me. The Buddha Bathing Ceremony makes me feel good."
Linda Low, a Thai nationality who has lived in Singapore for 23 years since being married, invited 14 of her elderly relatives and friends to attend the ceremony. More than ten years ago, her husband received Tzu Chi's assistance for two years due to hospitalization and haemodialysis. She is grateful for Tzu Chi's help to her husband until the last moment. Over the years, she has not only shared about Tzu Chi whenever she meets people, but would also actively invite her friends and relatives to participate in various Tzu Chi events, including the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, Year End Blessing Ceremony, Festive Charity Fair, among many others.
Linda Low admitted that the Tzu Chi Buddha Bathing Ceremony is always celebrated together with Mother's Day, so it is not easy to invite people to come for the occasion, but she always does her best. Although not fluent in Mandarin, Linda tried to express her pure thoughts and said: "I was very moved during the prayer; I can't describe it. I hope people can feel it too. And I also hope the elderly can get to know Buddhism and Tzu Chi."
Coming from afar to practise filial piety in time
Ding Ah Lek learned about the Buddha Day event through the Tzu Chi e-newsletter and brought his 88-year-old mother, Tan Gek Choo, with him. This was their first time participating in Tzu Chi’s Buddha Bathing Ceremony and Ding Ah Lek hoped that his mother could be exposed to Buddha Dharma during her lifetime.
Ding Ah Lek, who has been caring for his mother with dementia for six years, said: "Although my mother may not understand now, I hope she can forge an affinity with Buddha and move further up in her next life."
Sushi (first from right), who brought her wheelchair-bound mother to participate in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, said: "I used to bring my mother for sumptuous meals on Mother's Day. This year’s Mother’s Day is a memorable one as she gets to pray with so many people!" (Photo by Ng Hock Soon)
Sushi, who brought her wheelchair-bound mother and her Buddhist Sri Lankan maid to the event, has participated in Tzu Chi's Buddha Day Celebration for the third time after learning about Tzu Chi through the e-newsletter last year.
"Despite having a language barrier, the power of prayer transcends religion and requires no words,” she said. "I used to bring my mother for sumptuous meals on Mother's Day. This year's Mother's Day is a memorable one as she gets to pray with so many people!"
Amid the darkened sky, everyone held up the lotus lamp and sang "Our Earnest Prayer" in unison as a solemn way to end the annual event. At a time when the pandemic has not entirely dissipated and natural disasters and wars are still rampant, may everyone calm their bodies and minds and follow Buddha's compassion and wisdom by seizing this moment of purity and peace. Take this opportunity to break off from suffering and mental afflictions and return to your pure innate nature.
Amid the darkened sky, everyone held up the lotus lamp and sang “Our Earnest Prayer” in unison. (Photo by Tan Cheng Hwa)
(Written by Holly Foong, Foo Chai Chiwn, Ng Hock Soon, Yaw Huey Xin, Lee Beng Hui, Chua Poh Ling, Yan Su Yan)
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