Tzu Chi's tri-celebration attracts leading Taiwan politicians

慈濟慶祝三節合一吸引台灣政要

President Tsai and other political dignitaries attend Buddhist ceremony


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation’s annual tri-celebration (Buddha's Birthday, Global Tzu Chi Day, and Mother’s Day) took place at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall on Sunday evening (May 12), attracting tens of thousands including Taiwan’s leading politicians, per UDN.

The event organized by Tzu Chi, founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Master Cheng Yen (證嚴), invites the audience to recite prayers for peace and a world free from disaster. President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), and New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) also attended.

It also attracted a large delegation of Buddhist monks, who led the audience in the “incense chant” at the start of the event at 6 p.m. Later, the song "Praise to the Buddha" was sung by the audience, including Tsai.

A highlight of the event was the opportunity for the audience to offer flower-scented water at Buddha bathing altars set up at the venue. By paying homage to the Buddha's feet, attendees were asked to make sincere vows and receive the dharma incense.

Aside from the tri-celebration in Taipei, Tzu Chi is planning 506 Buddha bathing ceremonies across the nation, which are expected to attract 126,000 participants. Tzu Chi is also planning 119 events in 42 countries, attracting a potential audience of 35,000.