Hualien, Taiwan - Tzu Chi Foundation held its annual Buddha Day Ceremony in Hualien, Taiwan, synchronizing with a ceremony in Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

The first global Buddha bathing ceremony of Tzu Chi was held at the Dharma Master Cheng Yen Square in Hualien. (Location: Jing Shi Hall in Hualien; Photo: courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation)

The event held in Hualien Jing Si Hall began early in the morning with 3,000 people in attendance to pay homage to Buddha, their parents, and all sentient beings. Despite the continuous drizzle throughout the event, participants remained pious and focused, creating a solemn atmosphere. With sincere respect, they prayed for peace and harmony in the world.

Participants pay homage to the Buddha with utmost reverence and devotion. (Location: Jing Shi Hall in Hualien; Photo: courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation)

At the end of the ceremony, Master Cheng Yen gave her blessings, "May a universal Dharma rain moisten and nourish the earth. May the Dharma be clear and refreshing! Let us pray together to dispel ignorance and annoyance, and to bring blessings to humankind."

Buddha Day Ceremony Synchronized with Hualien in Lumbini

In the early morning in Lumbini, with the moon shining in the sky, volunteers gather in front of the Maya Devi Temple, awaiting to start the ceremony. (Location: Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal; Photo: taken by Ong Gaik Chin)

Meanwhile, in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia, along with Nepalese volunteers and guests, held a synchronized Buddha Day Ceremony in front of the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini. The ceremony was broadcast through a live stream from Hualien.

Nepalese local volunteers and guests pay homage to the Buddha with utmost reverence and devotion. (Location: Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal; Photo: taken by Willy Ang)

Overcoming the two hours and fifteen minutes time difference, the volunteers in Nepal prepared and awaited the start of the Buddha Day Ceremony in Hualien under the dim morning light. As the sky gradually brightened, Tzu Chi volunteers followed the flow of the ceremony in Hualien, performing the ritual of "paying respects to the Buddha and receiving the Dharma fragrance." With pure minds and sincere devotion, they paid homage to the Buddhas and expressed gratitude for the wisdom of Buddha's teachings that guide and transform humanity.

Master Cheng Yen has also arrived at Lumbini! (Location: Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal; Photo: taken by Willy Ang)

Tzu Chi's Buddha Day Ceremony held in front of the Maya Devi Temple carries a simple yet significant ritual. Tzu Chi volunteers make vows to uphold the teachings of Buddha, purify their own hearts, and benefit all sentient beings. With this meaningful start, Tzu Chi aims to improve society and life in Nepal.

The annual Buddha Day Ceremony, which is also celebrated as Tzu Chi Day and Mother's Day, aims to promote peace and harmony while honoring the Buddha and his teachings.