Over 22,000 Gather at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei for Buddha Day
Tzu Chi's grand Buddha Day Ceremony in Taipei merges Buddha Day, Mother's Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day, uniting over 22,000 attendees in prayer for peace and enlightenment.
On the evening of May 12th, Tzu Chi held the 2024 Buddha Day Ceremony at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. This annual event not only commemorates Buddha's Birthday but also celebrates Mother's Day and Global Tzu Chi Day, merging the significance of these three festivals into one. Through the solemn religious ritual of bathing the Buddha, over 500 Dharma masters from various monasteries led the congregation in devout prayer for global peace and harmony.
With utmost respect, disciples of the Buddha around the world have gathered to celebrate the birth of the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. As the Dharma masters arrived at the Memorial Hall, their solemn and dignified presence commanded reverence. Their entrance into the ceremony captivated the mindful attention of every attendee, setting a profound tone for the gathering.
The grand ceremony began with the resonant chanting of "Incense Praise" Buddhist hymns. This year, a special addition to the Buddha Day Ceremony was the recitation of the Chapter on Virtues from the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, infusing the ritual with profound significance. In Buddhism, chanting is a way of spreading the Dharma. Its calming sounds can help gather one's mind, maintain inner tranquility, and bring joy. This is how the resonating sounds of chanting can stabilize and purify our minds.
The Buddha Bathing Ceremony at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall unfolded in two sessions, drawing over 22,000 attendees. Alongside the Buddha-bathing ritual, an array of engaging activities awaited, from an exhibition showcasing Buddha's footprints to enlightening Dharma talks by esteemed masters. These offerings aimed to immerse participants in teachings and uplift their spiritual journey.
Following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions in Taiwan, Tzu Chi has organized more than 500 Buddha Day ceremonies throughout the island, with of over 126,000 people expected to participate. Globally, 42 countries and regions are set to host 119 sessions, with nearly 35,000 participants from overseas joining in the auspicious gatherings.