For the past three years, Tzu Chi Merit (Singapore) has been unable to hold a large scale Buddha Day Celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Tzu Chi was able to go outdoors once again, having its 57th Anniversary and Buddha Day Celebration at Bukit Gombak Stadium. About 1,500 volunteers gathered on the field to form a concentric circle, two half moons and the Tzu Chi 57 formation. 56 Dharma masters were also present to lead the Buddha bathing ceremony; and more than 60 people, including Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, representatives of six major religions and distinguished guests also participated.
 
President of Prajna Vihara, Venerable Chuan Xian: The pandemic has affected the whole world for three years, the buddha bathing ceremony is to purify our minds and help us to have good thoughts.
 
After an absence of four years, this is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the Buddha Day Celebration organised by Tzu Chi Merit (Singapore) has returned outdoors at the Bukit Gombak Stadium.
 
Bowing to the Buddha's feet and receiving the fragrance of flowers.
 
About 3,500 volunteers and members of public, led by 56 Dharma masters, participated in a solemn Buddha bathing ceremony. Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean was also present at the ceremony.
 
Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean: Singapore's social unity and cohesion has been a key factor in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past 29 years, Tzu Chi Singapore has continuously contributed to the strengthening of social cohesion.
 
On an entrepreneur’s invitation, about 300 migrant workers sacrificed their rest day to participate in the Buddha Day Celebration.
 
Migrant worker, Mani: My religion is Hindu, I come here feeling good. I come here to pray for the world. The world is very important.
 
When paying respects to the Buddha, the mind is cleansed of worries and returns to its pure form.
 
Member of public, Ding Ah Lek: Of course, I understand that these are just rituals, (but) when life gets busy, one may need to remember how to face these challenges. I may keep reminding myself of these teachings by attending this event occasionally and practicing it.
 
On this night, we all prayed with devotion for the purification of hearts, social peace, and a world free of disasters.