2024-05-12   | Department of Literature and History, Tzu Chi Foundation

“Let us be grateful to the Buddha, to our parents and to all living beings; as well as to the earth, wind, water, and soil.”
— Master Cheng Yen on Buddha Day at the Hualien Jing Si Hall, Taiwan.

To commemorate Buddha Day, Mother's Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day, over 2,500 people gathered at the Hualien Jing Si Hall on the morning of May 12th. The ceremony began at 7:00 am, virtually connecting volunteers from 37 locations across 14 countries. A gentle breeze and the rising sun cast a warm glow over the plaza as the melody of "Power of the Earth" filled the air. Led by Dharma Master Cheng Yen and Jing Si Abode masters, the directors of Tzu Chi missions, volunteers, and the public joined together for this special annual event.

Gratitude is the Greatest Good

Master Cheng Yen shared with everyone that gratitude is the greatest good; it is the most beautiful and most harmonious sentiment. Nothing is more beautiful than when every person’s heart is filled with gratitude.

She further encouraged everyone to be grateful at every moment of every day; grateful to our parents for giving us life and raising us, and grateful to people all over the world who are giving with kindness and love.

Watch Master Cheng Yen's teaching for the Buddha Day Ceremony.

Purify the heart, fill it with Joy & Tranquility

This year, the Buddha Day Ceremony incorporated the chanting of the Chapter on Virtues from the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, adding an extraordinary significance to the ritual. "His wisdom is tranquil, His sentiments are peaceful, and His thinking is focused and still. His thoughts and consciousness have ceased, and His mind is silent." Attending the Buddha Day Ceremony symbolizes the purification of afflictions and ignorance, while praying for the convergence of wholesome thoughts among all, the spreading of the Dharma for the benefit of living beings, and the promotion of harmony in society. May the practice of a plant-based diet protect Mother Earth.

Ben-shen Chen, an 83-year-old Tzu Chi volunteer from Keelung, had come to Hualian to volunteer at the Jing Si Abode before the Hualien earthquake struck on April 3. This year marked his first participation in the Buddha Day ceremony in Hualien. He prayed for the well-being of everyone and for harmony in society. He also made a commitment to take good care of his own health, recognizing that only by maintaining his well-being could he continue to help others.

Estella Mufonhont from Zimbabwe, is a second-year student at Tzu Chi University. This year, she participated in her first Buddha Day ceremony. She was inspired by Master Cheng Yen's teachings on the unity of three occasions, emphasizing gratitude towards the Buddha, our parents, and all living beings. Estella now recognizes the importance of respecting her parents and hopes to cultivate a spirit of generosity towards others in the future.

Synchronized Buddha Day Ceremony

At 4:15 am, 2 hours and 15 minutes behind Taiwan, volunteers in Nepal gathered at the Ashoka Pillar Plaza of the Lumbini-Mayadevi Temple, the birthplace of the Buddha. They set up the Bathing Buddha altar and prepared for the solemn Buddha Day ceremony.

Through live stream, they warmly welcomed Master Cheng Yen, expressing deep reverence and sincerity. The volunteers paid homage to the Buddha, giving thanks for his teachings, their parents' kindness, and the kindness of all beings. With respectful hearts, they circled the Buddha and chanted verses of virtue. Each step was filled with sincerity as they prayed for their wishes to be heard by all Buddhas.

Suddenly, rain fell, reminiscent of a heavenly blessing, but the volunteers persevered until the end. With unity and cooperation, they swiftly packed up and returned to the hotel, despite being soaked by the rain. Their hearts were filled with joy from their participation in the ceremony.

The Buddha Day Ceremony united all hearts as one, with everyone praying with utmost sincerity and expressing their most heartfelt gratitude to the Buddha, their parents, and all living beings.