Buddhists, politicians and others yesterday gathered outside the Presidential Office to celebrate the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha and Mother’s Day.
Rain did not seem to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of people gathering on Ketagalan Boulevard, including diplomats, religious leaders and politicians from across the political spectrum.
It marked the second time the annual event was held in front of the Presidential Office. The legislature approved in 1999 a proposal to designate the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha — which falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar — a national holiday and to celebrate the special occasion concurrently with International Mother’s Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
PHOTO: PATRICK LIN, AFP
After President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) gave a speech, he led participants in making the “Three Acts of Goodness” pledge. They pledged to do good things, say good words and think good thoughts in a bid to foster greater social harmony.
Ma said to practice the “three acts of goodness” was not enough. It would bring more “confidence, joy, hope and convenience” to the world if there was concord in all families, respect for each other, order in society and peace in the world.
“If we reach such a state, we will be in Sukhavati, or Pure Land,” he said. “I hope the annual event will help us get closer to the Pure Land one step at a time. I believe you are as confident as I am that we will eventually reach the destination.”
PHOTO: CNA
As it was also Mother’s Day, Ma encouraged children to visit their mother, give her a hug and tell her that they love her and need her.
Marking the Bathing Buddha Festival, Ma also led participants in performing the “bathing Buddha” ritual where he held a wooden ladle and poured water over a small statue of the Buddha.
Bathing a statue of the Buddha symbolizes a fresh start in life and the care given to newborn babies. Many other countries celebrate the Buddha’s birthday on May 2.
Legend has it that when the historical Buddha, Prince Siddhartha, was born, there were auspicious signs heralding his birth. They describe the sky as blue and clear on his birth, with dragons spurting purified water to bathe him. Since then, Buddhists have celebrated his birthday by using fragrant water to bathe the image of Buddha.
At the event yesterday, Buddhist Master Hsing Yun (星雲法師) described Ma as the “king of the people” and Buddha the “king of dharma [Buddhist teachings, or the principles that order the cosmos].” He asked participants a question: what would happen if the “king of the people” came across the “king of dharma.”
“I think we already have an answer,” he said. “The ‘king of the people’ has been very kind and modest to provide the square in front of his office and allow the people to celebrate his [the ‘king of dharma’s’] birthday.”
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