The Buddha Day Ceremony with over twenty thousand people at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. | Image: Live broadcast from Da Ai TV | Taipei, Taiwan | 2024/05/12

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.

As the Dharma masters arrived at the Memorial Hall, their solemn and dignified presence commanded reverence. | Photo provided by Tzu Chi Foundation | Taipei, Taiwan | 2024/05/12

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.

In Paraguay, South America, Tzu Chi volunteers held a Buddha Bathing ceremony in the community, marking the revival of solemn rituals since the onset of the pandemic in 2019. Despite the modest venue at the liaison office, everyone felt the joy of the Dharma. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation
At the Tzu Chi Kedah Branch in Malaysia, over a thousand volunteers and attendees gathered to celebrate Buddha Day, Mother's Day, and Tzu Chi Day, fostering auspicious connections. The event also promoted environmental protection, emphasizing water conservation and resonating with benevolent intentions, praying for peace and a world free of disasters. ｜Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation
Tzu Chi Philippines celebrates Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day on May 12 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Philippines
Volunteers in Zimbabwe synchronized with Hualien's Buddha Day Ceremony, surpassing all obstacles as more than six hundred individuals gathered at midnight, their hearts filled with sincere devotion for the occasion. This marks Zimbabwe's fourth consecutive year of participation. | Image courtesy of Da Ai TV
At the Tzu Chi Japan office, attendees synchronized with Hualien's Buddha Day Ceremony, devoutly praying for world peace. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation
In Myanmar, monasteries (Left) and Tzu Chi office connected with Hualien Jing Si Hall to participate in the Buddha Day Ceremony, fostering a sense of global unity and spiritual connection. | Image courtesy of Da Ai TV
LEFT: Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital continued its tradition by setting up a mobile Buddha-bathing altar to bring the ceremony to the patients. Led by Jing Si Abode masters, Supt. Lin, nursing department supervisors, and hospital volunteers all joined in. RIGHT: Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital held a Buddha Day ceremony, with nearly a thousand participants including medical staff, patients, and Tzu Chi volunteers from the community, praying for the cessation of earthquakes and the absence of disasters worldwide. | Photos provided by Tzu Chi Foundation | Hualien, Taiwan | 2024/05/12
Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital synchronized with Hualien Jing Si Hall to host a Buddha Day Ceremony via live connection, uniting hearts in devotion and compassion across distances. | Image courtesy of Da Ai TV
Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital and Hualien Jing Si Hall synchronized to hold a Buddha Day ceremony. ｜Images courtesy of Da Ai TV.