2023 Bathing Buddha Festival Dharma Assembly

On the morning of May 27, 2023, North America's Amitabha Village hosted the highly anticipated inaugural Bathing Buddha Festival. Organized by the monastery's external institute, this grand event dedicated to honoring Shakyamuni Buddha represents our commitment to the preservation and inheritance of Buddhist culture, as well as our respect and gratitude towards the teachings.

To create a solemn bathing platform, the monastery's monks and volunteers spared no effort in extensive preparations. Despite not being professionals, everyone used the monastery's Buddhist altar and the image of the Prince Siddhartha to craft a unique and ingenious design – forming a solemn three-dimensional swastika with fresh flowers.

    The volunteers spent a considerable amount of time the day before the Bathing Buddha Festival, approaching the task with a respectful heart. Petal by petal, leaf by leaf, they successfully constructed a bathing platform that received widespread praise from the attendees.

    At 8:30 in the morning, the Bathing Buddha ceremony was beginning. Drums and bells resonated together as dozens of fellow practitioners stood solemnly in the main hall, seemingly expanding the space beyond the usual weekend gatherings. The presiding master led the fellow monks and eight lay devotees in praying before the Prince Siddhartha statue. Subsequently, the presiding master gave a profound teaching on the profound meaning of Bathing Buddha.

    To the melodious Bathing Buddha verses, the eight resident monastic teachers of the Mi Tuo Village walked slowly from the west side, proceeding to the Buddha-shaped flower altar adorned with red, yellow, pink, and white roses, as well as pink lilies.

    Amidst the resounding Bathing Buddha verses, the monastic teachers, holding golden ladles in their right hands, gently poured fragrant water from the bathing basin onto the three-dimensional likeness of Prince Siddhartha. Following the procedures outlined in the 'Merits of Bathing the Buddha Sutra,' they scooped water with two fingers, poured it from above the head, known as Auspicious Water, onto the pure ground. Carefully, they prevented the feet from touching, wiped the image with soft cloths, burnt various fragrant incenses, spreading the fragrance all around, and reverently placed them in their respective positions, symbolizing utmost devotion, reverence, and gratitude.

    The entire process prompted the congregation to contemplate the extraordinary scene from over 2,500 years ago. On the eighth day of the fourth month, when the Buddha was born, a myriad of flowers bloomed in the garden, and nine dragons appeared in the sky. These dragons spouted fragrant water from their mouths, bathing the infant prince in a miraculous spectacle.

    The Buddhist disciples aspire to purify themselves through the ritual and actions of Bathing Buddha, cleansing away afflictions and delusions, breaking through stubborn attachments, purging the dust in our hearts, allowing our true nature to manifest, and attaining purity, tranquility, and coolness in body and mind. Under the guidance of the monastic community, the participants bathed the Buddha one by one. The atmosphere on-site was solemn and dignified, with each participant radiating joy in the Dharma.

    Participating in the Bathing Buddha ceremony were not only the dedicated practitioners and volunteers who regularly engage in study and practice at the Amitabha Village but also devout believers from various ethnic groups and ordinary visitors. Director Meng from the Asian Student Center led a group of students to join the grand event. This Bathing Buddha Festival served not only as a continuation and promotion of Buddhist culture but also as a grand cultural exchange gathering.

    Bathing Buddha, as a significant activity in traditional Buddhist festivals, symbolizes a practice of cleansing the mind, purifying karmic obstacles, and seeking inner peace and wisdom. Venerable Master Zhengrong emphasized in his teachings that Bathing Buddha is not just a ritual. Through focused and devout participation in the bathing ritual, one washes away the greed, anger, and ignorance within, purifies the cluttered thoughts, and returns to the true nature of Suchness. The Master's teachings deeply touched the participants, and the entire Bathing Buddha ritual was filled with joy and solemnity.

   The atmosphere at the event was filled with tranquility and peace, as people immersed themselves in contemplation and inner reflection during the bathing process, seeking purification and serenity within. Accompanied by the moving Bathing Buddha verses, participants from diverse backgrounds solemnly approached the Buddha statue, gently pouring clear water over the image of Prince Siddhartha. Many couldn't help but shed tears of emotion during this process, moved by the solemnity and devotion present.

    The inaugural Bathing Buddha Festival at Amitofo Village attracted the participation of numerous volunteers and devotees. Many participants expressed that this event was a memorable experience, including those who visited the temple for the first time. Through the activity, they felt the unique charm of Buddhist culture and gained insights into its depth and wisdom. Ms. Meng, the director of the Asian Student Center, mentioned that such events enhance students' understanding of Buddhist culture, fostering respect and inclusivity toward other cultures and promoting cross-cultural exchange and friendship.

At noon, the Amitofo Village also organized an exciting guided tour of the temple grounds. Participants explored the beautiful environment of North American Amitofo Village, deepening their understanding of the village and experiencing its natural and tranquil harmony. During the tour, there was lively exchange and laughter, creating a sense of affection and responsibility towards Amitofo Village. The hope is for more like-minded individuals to join the Amitofo Village family!