![The Buddha Day Ceremony unfolded in calm reverence, after an early morning rain. Though light showers drifted in and out, the atmosphere remained serene, with hearts united in a shared moment of gratitude, reflection, and prayer. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]](/images/Articles/RW/2025/KL20250511_lrq01_028.jpg "The Buddha Day Ceremony unfolded in calm reverence, after an early morning rain. Though light showers drifted in and out, the atmosphere remained serene, with hearts united in a shared moment of gratitude, reflection, and prayer. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]")
On May 11, 2025, more than 3,100 people gathered at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall for a solemn celebration marking three meaningful occasions—Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day.
An early morning rain gently nourished the earth before the first rays of sunlight broke through the clouds. At the Tzu Chi KL & Selangor’s Buddha Day Ceremony, participants came together to form the characters “TC59”, “覺” (Awakening), and “2025” in a striking visual tribute to commemorate the occasion. Two large LED screens connected the assembly with the live Buddha Day Ceremony at the Jing Si Hall in Hualien, Taiwan, uniting hearts across borders.
Led by Dharma Masters from the Jing Si Abode in Taiwan, and local monastics, the congregation solemnly chanted the “Incense Praise”, inviting the presence of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from all directions. This was followed by a melodic recitation and sign language rendition of the Chapter of Virtues from the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, setting a reverent tone for the ceremony.
◎ From learning to awakening
As Tzu Chi marks its 59th anniversary, Master Cheng Yen’s founding aspiration—for Buddha’s teachings and for sentient beings—remains as steadfast as ever. From its humble beginnings to a global humanitarian mission, Master reminds us: “The work we do isn’t merely worldly affairs; we’re serving with the enlightened love of Bodhisattvas. We’re learning the Buddha’s Way, transforming from childlike ignorance through learning and diligent practice, gradually seeing the path, understanding life’s truths, and ultimately attaining awakening.”
The Buddha is the Great Awakened One of the Universe, and every one of us inherently possesses the same compassion and wisdom. However, ordinary beings are often afflicted by attachments to fame, desire, and gain. The first step on the spiritual path, therefore, is to remove these afflictions. The tangible act of bathing the Buddha symbolises the cleansing of the mind, washing away ignorance and returning to one’s pure, intrinsic nature. The ultimate goal is to embody the Dharma in daily life, managing one’s thoughts so it is not swayed by external conditions.
◎ Taking refuge, nurturing purity
In the face of increasingly erratic climate patterns and frequent disasters, Venerable Ming Ji, Chairman of the Malaysian Buddhist Association (KL/Selangor branch), urged all to reflect deeply on the Sutra on the Eight Realisations of Great Beings, particularly the teaching that “the world is impermanent, and the land is fragile”. He cautioned that a corrupted heart can lead to calamities in our surroundings.
Venerable Ming Ji elaborated on the meaning of taking refuge in the Three Treasures: choosing awakening over delusion, uprightness over deviation, and purity over defilement. He also called for a shift in diet, encouraging people to adopt a more compassionate diet by abstaining from killing, and to embrace vegetarianism more frequently, even if not entirely.
◎ From Hualien to the world
James Buu, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, shared that participating in this year’s Buddha Day Ceremony concurrently with Master Cheng Yen and participants in Hualien via live stream, was a deeply meaningful experience for him.
Citing the commemorative stamp set issued by the United Nations Postal Administration in honour of Tzu Chi’s 45th anniversary, he praised the organisation’s credibility on the global stage. Looking ahead to Tzu Chi’s 60th year, he expressed hope that the organisation would continue to bring compassion and relief to those suffering across the world. “This,” he said, “will be a testament to Taiwan’s persuasive power in the international community; what a remarkable achievement!”
◎ Health is wealth, wisdom is peace
Yap Wen Shan, a member of the Dharma Protector Association of Dharma Drum Mountain Malaysia, shared how an injury once left her in great pain, through which she realised that true wealth lies in both physical and mental well-being, and life’s value lies in selfless giving.
Her encounter with Buddhism brought clarity and direction to her life. Over time, she learned to approach situations with greater tact and harmony. “Wisdom,” she reflected, “is keeping ourselves free from afflictions, and compassion is not disturbing the hearts of others.”
◎ A prayer beyond self
Volunteer Chwn Poh Lee shared that in past years, her prayers centred on her family. This time, her thoughts turned to those affected by disasters around the world. She believes that only by awakening the goodness in every heart can true harmony be achieved.
As rain began to fall before the ceremony, she thought the formation would disperse. Instead, she was moved to see everyone remained calm and unwavering.
The ceremony brought her a sense of inner peace, reminding her to pause amid life’s demands, realign with her purpose, and move forward with mindfulness.
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As the ceremony drew to a close, the Master appeared onscreen with a gentle reminder: “Every religion teaches us to nurture love in our hearts and walk the path of goodness. When people come together in kindness, speak kind words, and do good deeds, aren’t they creating blessings for the world? Isn’t this a reflection of inner purity? This is wisdom. When people are guided by wisdom, create blessings for the world, continually nurture kindness, and express love, the world becomes a pure land.”
