Miami Fo Guang Shan and the International Buddha’s Light Association (BLIA) Miami Association held the 2024 Buddha’s Birthday Bathing Ceremony on May 26. Under the guidance of Venerable Master Ruyuan and Venerable Master Jueyan, BLIA members worked together to promote Humanistic Buddhism through various creative means. A Bodhi tree was placed on the wall of the temple, and attendees took photos to commemorate the event, helping the local community understand the meaning of “I am a Buddha,” as taught by Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Mayor Michelle Gomez of Tamarac City, Vice Mayor Morey Wright, Beth Talabisco, Director of External Community Affairs for Broward County, Secretary Huang Shicong from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami, President Peter Mason of the Tamarac Chamber of Commerce, former Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioner Xu Caihui, Principal Tara Zdanowiz of Challenger Elementary School, General Manager Kwan Wing Fat of the U.S. An Liang Business Association, President Wu Guolian of the Miami An Liang Business Association, and President Pan Zengyan of the Florida Chinese Federation. More than 300 local residents, BLIA members, and friends of Fo Guang Shan joyfully participated in the event.
Mayor Michelle Gomez issued a proclamation designating May 26 as “Shakyamuni Buddha Appreciation Day.” The mayor, who has maintained a strong relationship with the temple, attended with her mother to share in the joy of Buddha’s Birthday and took photos with attendees. Beth Talabisco, representing County Commissioner Nan Rich, issued a proclamation declaring May as “Shakyamuni Buddha Commemoration Month.” Having served as mayor twice and taken refuge under Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Talabisco maintains a close connection with the temple and encouraged everyone to use Buddhist teachings to overcome life’s challenges. Secretary Huang Shicong, representing Director Zhou Qiyu, presented an award recognizing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s establishment of Fo Guang Shan, which has built over 300 temples worldwide and made significant contributions to local communities.
To celebrate the Buddha’s birth, the event began with musical offerings by Miami BLIA members, including “Morning Prayer” from the Humanistic Buddhism music collection, dance performances, and guqin (Chinese zither) performances. This was followed by Bodhi family members, the Vajra group, the youth group, and Miami’s little BLIA members presenting offerings of incense, flowers, tea, and treasures to the Buddha as acts of sincere devotion.
Venerable Master Ruyuan led the congregation in chanting the “Three Jewels Song” in English, reciting the Heart Sutra, and reading Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Buddha’s Birthday. Attendees participated in the sacred Buddha bathing ritual, chanting the Buddha Bathing Verse as they respectfully poured water over the statue of Prince Siddhartha, immersing themselves in an atmosphere of serenity and reverence.
Using the Bodhi tree on the temple wall with the words “I am a Buddha,” Venerable Master Ruyuan explained Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching that everyone is a Buddha, and everywhere can be a Pure Land. By practicing the truths of Buddhism, making vows to do good deeds, speak kind words, and maintain a pure heart, we can cleanse our body, speech, and mind. Only Buddhist teachings can bring peace to our hearts and minds, so practicing Buddhism begins in daily life. By participating in the Buddha bathing ceremony, we apply Buddhist teachings in life and truly fulfill the “Five Harmonies” promoted by Venerable Master Hsing Yun: inner peace, respect between people, family harmony, social harmony, and world peace. Venerable Master Ruyuan concluded by wishing everyone a joyful Buddha’s Birthday and happiness for their families.
To promote the Vegetarian Plan A initiative and encourage people to experience vegetarianism and environmental sustainability, an outdoor vegetarian fair was held. Various BLIA subchapters, including those from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and the youth group, along with members from as far as Orlando and Tampa, set up booths selling vegetarian food. The delicious offerings attracted a large crowd eager to enjoy the festivities.
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