The Significance of Bathing the Buddha Festival
Every year on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, we celebrate the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha. The birth of the Buddha brought the light of wisdom and liberation to the world. By learning and applying the wisdom of Buddha’s teachings, sentient beings can overcome the afflictions and obstacles of life and achieve an auspicious and beautiful life. Legend has it that when the Buddha was born, there were nine dragons in the sky, emitting pure water and bathing the Buddha. For this reason, on the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha, there is the “Bathing the Buddha” ceremony and also the “Bathing the Buddha Festival”.
Bathing the Buddha Festival Blessing Activity
“Bathing the Buddha Festival” is one of the large-scale celebrations that Bodhi Meditation organises every year. Singapore Bodhi Meditation Centre and Singapore Longevity Centre held the “Bathing the Buddha Festival Blessing Activity” on 7 and 8 May 2022. This is the first large-scale event after the COVID pandemic restrictions were eased. In the days leading up to the event, the volunteers set up the venue with excitement and anticipation. Everyone worked together to decorate the hall beautifully, and it was full of auspicious energy.
From 9am to 5pm on both days, many visitors came with their families to celebrate. Everyone truly cherished this rare opportunity to get together and experience the joy of bathing and paying respects to the Buddha!
“The Life of Sakyamuni Buddha” Thangka
The activity started with prostrating to the “The Life of Sakyamuni Buddha” Thangka. This Thangka depicts the 12 major deeds of Sakyamuni Buddha’s life. This Thangka was personally blessed by Grandmaster JinBodhi; it is special and extraordinary, containing great illumination and compassionate energy. To prostrate with respect and sincerity, will allow one to receive the blessings and protection of the Buddha and Grandmaster, illuminate one’s body and mind, avert disasters, and fulfil all wishes.
Bathing the Buddha
Grandmaster JinBodhi said, “When we bathe the Buddha, we are actually bathing ourselves.” Bathing the Buddha’s body can help us eliminate disasters and gain longevity, health, happiness, wealth and peace. In addition, it can also allow us to have a good appearance, good interpersonal relationships, and a happy marriage and family. After understanding the significance of bathing the Buddha, the guests waited for the special moment of bathing the Buddha with joy.
Jadeite Statue of Song Zi Guanyin Bodhisattva
Gratitude to Grandmaster JinBodhi for gifting “Jadeite Statue of Song Zi Guanyin Bodhisattva” to Bodhi Meditation Singapore. Just before the Bathing the Buddha Festival, we had happily and respectfully received “Jadeite Statue of Song Zi Guanyin Bodhisattva” at Bodhi Mediation Singapore. May “Jadeite Statue of Song Zi Guanyin Bodhisattva” bless us – families to be safe and prosperous, children to be wise, those at work to have good career accomplishments, and everyone to be able to fulfil their aspirations!
Purified Water Blessings
After bathing the Buddha, guests received purified water blessings to purify the body and mind, and to remove all obstacles. May the pure nectar bring illumination, auspiciousness, happiness and good health to all!
Hand Washing in the Golden Basin
The Bathing the Buddha Festival is the best time to wash our hands in the golden basin in front of the Buddha and break bad habits. Bodhi Meditation Singapore had also prepared this activity, to let everyone write down their bad habits, to make a sincere vow before the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, receive their blessings, improve themselves and leave their crooked path.
Lotus Lamps and Gift Packs
Prior to the Festival, many guests had already lit lotus lamps and presented the Bathing the Buddha Festival gift packs prepared by Bodhi Meditation Singapore. Lighting a lamp in front of the Buddha illuminates a bright future, and the gift pack brings blessings and auspiciousness!
Blessed Merchandise
Bodhi Meditation Singapore also welcomed guests to purchase and receive blessed merchandise. May all who have received the items be able to turn calamities into blessings, always meet kind and helpful people, and have good luck!
Diligent Practice Ushers in Health and Serenity Activity (Level Up) – Photo Booth
Last year when we celebrated Grandmaster JinBodhi’s 30th Anniversary of Dharma Teaching, Bodhi Meditation Singapore organised the “Diligent Practice Ushers in Health and Serenity” activity, where participants diligently practised meditation for 3 months for better health and happiness. Due to overwhelming response, we brought this activity back again this year, and welcome everyone to make themselves healthier and happier through meditation. At the same time, we wish Grandmaster JinBodhi good health! During this Bathing the Buddha Festival, we welcomed participants to take pictures together in an interesting and fun way, and encouraged them to join us and practise diligently together!
How to participate: https://bit.ly/QXQLParticipate
Gratitude to Buddha and Grandmaster JinBodhi
Over the two days of the event, we received nearly 2,000 guests in total. Each guest has gained health and happiness from the meditation methods and teachings of the Buddha and Grandmaster JinBodhi. As Grandmaster JinBodhi has sung in the song “A Hymn to the Buddha”, we are grateful to the great compassion of the Buddha for coming into the world, bringing ease and auspiciousness to all sentient beings!
Grandmaster JinBodhi’s “Peace, Wisdom and Longevity” Online Chanting Class
The day following this event was the commencement of Grandmaster JinBodhi’s “Peace, Wisdom and Longevity” Online Chanting Class. Not only could participants follow the class at home, they could also attend the class together at our centre.