Celebrating Buddha’s Birthday at Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Center Malaysia

 
Vesak Day was celebrated on May 26th this year. To commemorate the Buddha's birth and pray for an end to the serious pandemic situations in Malaysia and around the world, Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Centre Malaysia conducted "Bathing the Buddha" Ceremony, along with 338 participants who joined the online event.
 
Venerable Chang Ji, the supervisor of the ceremony, explained to the practitioners, "Bathing the Buddha's statue symbolizes cleaning the dust that has accumulated inside us, thereby purifying our body and mind. Had we not learned about Buddhadharma, we would be like a tiny boat, drifting aimlessly in the dark, vast ocean. Buddha's birth gave us the opportunity to learn about the correct views and approaches in life. His teaching provided us with the appropriate methods to face people and problems and helped us eliminate suffering in the mind."
 
Quoting from the Lotus Sutra, Venerable Chang Ji reminded us that every sentient being has a special jewel symbolizing our "Buddha nature". She encouraged everyone to always apply the Buddha's teachings to benefit others and themselves. Venerable Chang Ji then guided the participants to recite Praise the Buddha Verse in celebration of theBuddha's merit, along with the other monastics. Finally, they practiced prostration and took vows while reciting "Homage to the Original Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha."
 
While closing the ceremony, Venerable Chang Ji urged everyone to practice on the Bodhisattva's path and aspire to attain Buddhahood by refraining from all evil, cultivating the good, and delivering all sentient beings. She remarked, "Although we can't meet in person during the Pandemic, we can still support and encourage one another. We can continue to cheer each other on." Finally, she wished everyone good health, both physically and mentally.
 
Happy Vesak Day!