Duration | 1:59
Praying for Peace and Blessings at Tzu Chi 53rd Anniversary cum Buddha Day Celebration
Tzu Chi Merit Organization (Singapore) held a Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Bukit Gombak Stadium on 12th May 2019, with groups of volunteers forming the images of two Dharma wheels and “TC53”, which signified the 53rd anniversary of Tzu Chi’s headquarters in Taiwan. 39 Dharma masters took the lead in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, which was also graced by 40 VIPs, including the Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, representatives of seven religious faiths, and two mayors.
At 6.30pm, around 2,000 volunteers have formed the images of two Dharma wheels and “TC53” at Bukit Gombak Stadium. 39 Dharma masters lead the congregation in paying respect to all Buddhas amid the sounds of the opening prayer.
Ven. Dr. K. Gunaratna from Sri Lanka: So you can see the Sri Lankan venerables, venerables from Thailand, venerables from Myanmar, and the venerable monks and nuns from Singapore. And almost all the religious leaders are here. Actually, this is not much visible in Sri Lanka.
Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean: For many years, Tzu Chi has played a vital role in promoting respect and interfaith understanding among different communities in Singapore.
The ceremony is also graced by around 40 VIPs, including the Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, representatives of various religions, and two mayors.
This is the first Buddha Bathing Ceremony which Phay Thai has attended with her family of four. It is a very different “Mother’s Day” for the family.
Group Formation volunteer, Phay Thai: I feel that it is a good experience. Actually, when we are well and happy every day, we’re celebrating Mother’s Day. There is no need to specially celebrate it today. But it is our honour to be able to celebrate the occasion with so many people here today.
Ng Yuen Oi and her wheelchair-bound mother used to participate in the mini Buddha Bathing Ceremony held at the Tzu Chi Free Clinic. This year, as the event is held near their home, they insist on coming despite the mother being physically challenged.
Daughter of Tzu Chi’s Home Care Services patient, Ng Yuen Oi: It is better to attend the big-scale Buddha Bathing Ceremony. There are a lot of things to see. I feel very happy to see the Buddhist monks from different races.
The illuminated lucite Buddha statues shine even more brightly as the night falls. As everyone lights up their lotus lamps, which form a sea of lights, they sincerely pray for peace and safety for all in the world.
