The world of Tzu Chi May 2021 (Vol.134)

touching the water with their fingertips (as if to touch Buddha’s feet). During Buddha’s time, disciples would prostrate before Buddha as a show of respect. Back then, in ancient India, the noblest part of the human body was the forehead, whereas the humblest part was the sole. Thus, disciples would also lightly touch Buddha’s feet with their hands and forehead to express utmost sincerity and reverence. This gesture symbolizes the purification of one’s heart and mind. It subdues one’s ego and humbles oneself, and helps one to let go of afflictions and desires. Master Cheng Yen believes that if one could understand the implicit meaning of this action, then one would be pious, vigilant and mindful of one’s actions in daily life, and not break the precepts. This way, the mind is always pure and clear. Speaking of the spiritual significance of the 3-in-1 celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day and Global Tzu Chi Day, Master Cheng Yen once mentioned that our mother gave birth to us, Buddha’s teachings enlighten us on life’s principles, while Tzu Chi let us to find our purpose in life and act on the principles we learnt by doing meaningful work that benefit the world. The Master also urged everyone to be grateful to Buddha for nurturing our wisdom- life, which lasts lifetimes; to be grateful to our parents for raising us, nurturing us and giving us a happy life; and to be grateful to all sentient beings, for Tzu Chi is formed by everyone. Thus, this allows Tzu Chi volunteers to share their love with people in different countries. As we live in a defiled world, the Master hopes that we can maintain a pure heart and mind, just like the lotus flowers blooming pure and bright amidst the muddy ponds. Through the solemn Buddha Day Ceremony, everyone returns to one’s pure and untainted nature, and is inspired to exercise kindness by going among the masses and alleviate sufferings and bring forth joy. Every year, on the second Sunday of May, Tzu Chi chapters worldwide will hold a solemn Buddha Day Ceremony for a 3-in-1 celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day and Global Tzu Chi Day, to express gratitude to Buddha, parents and all sentient beings. At the ceremony, participants will reverently bow and lightly touch the water with both hands to pay utmost respect to Buddha; take a flower bud, with the fragrance symbolizing the redolence of Buddha’s virtue having remained with us; and holding the palms together wishing the world be filled with blessings. Tzu Chi’s Buddha Day Ceremony Note 3: Since KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall was completed in 2014, Tzu Chi’s 3-in-1 celebration, which was previously held at a sports complex, field or other venues, has been held at the Jing Si Hall. 2021 • 05 32 over Story