Tzu Chi holds 60th anniversary celebration in Taipei

慈濟在台北舉行60週年大會

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation held its annual tri-celebration Sunday at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, drawing more than 10,000 participants and prominent political figures, per UDN.

This year’s event marked the foundation’s 60th anniversary and emphasized its continued commitment to compassion and humanitarian service around the world. The annual celebration commemorates the Buddha’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day.

Officials attending the ceremony included President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜). Also in attendance was Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan.

Tzu Chi said the 60th anniversary celebration also welcomed more than 600 monks, dignitaries, and ambassadors from multiple countries. The organization added that about 750 Buddha bathing ceremonies were held across 42 countries and regions on five continents this year, attracting about 200,000 participants, per CNA.

Through online global prayer events, the ceremonies symbolized six decades of compassion and humanitarian action worldwide. Tzu Chi said this year’s event echoed the vow of founder Master Cheng Yen (證嚴) to spread Buddhism throughout the world.

According to the organization, the Buddha bathing ceremony serves as a means of spiritual reflection and gratitude toward the Buddha, parents, and all sentient beings. It also aims to promote environmental awareness and prayers for a world free from disasters.

Tzu Chi said the annual gathering represents a journey that begins with reflection and ends with a renewed commitment to compassion and service. The foundation added that it would continue promoting the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism globally while carrying forward the spirit of maternal kindness and humanitarian care for future generations.