There were simultaneous Bathing the Buddha’s Dharma Functions from 21-23 May 2010 at different China Malls in Johannesburg and at Nan Hua Main Temple . Here, the ceremony began in the early morning of 21 May 2010 and carried on for three days over the weekend. It gave ample opportunity for visitors and devotees to offer incense before the statue of the baby Buddha, submit silent prayers and extend good wishes, all under the supervision and explanation from the officiating monastics.
Also at this time, BLIA Johannesburg and Pretoria together with the assistance from different China Malls collectively celebrated Buddha’s birthday. The three China malls were the Africa China Mall, Eastern Mall and China Town. The services were presided over by the Abbot Venerable Hui Fang, the Temple Manager Venerable Hui Xing and Ven. Yi Chuen respectively. More than 1200 people bathed the Buddha.
Also at this time, BLIA Johannesburg and Pretoria together with the assistance from different China Malls collectively celebrated Buddha’s birthday. The three China malls were the Africa China Mall, Eastern Mall and China Town. The services were presided over by the Abbot Venerable Hui Fang, the Temple Manager Venerable Hui Xing and Ven. Yi Chuen respectively. More than 1200 people bathed the Buddha.
In their address, the venerables pointed out that all sentient beings have wisdom, merit and an appearance like that of the Buddha. Provided one is willing to practice self cultivation by relying on the Dharma, one can attain Buddhahood. The aim of bathing the Buddha is to purify the three karmas of action, speech and thoughts. This means that one has always to remind oneself to say good words, do good things and keep a good mind. The next step is to enjoy respect between oneself and others, to encourage one’s family to be in harmony, to foster harmony in the community and peace in the world. Everyone applauded and agreed that the three good exercises should become an inspirational slogan of the world. Sister Ye Zhu Li of China Town said, “ I wish that every year the Dharma service of bathing the Buddha should be held at the China Malls, not only for us to receive the illumination of Buddha’s light but also so that our business’ may prosper.”
At Bujue Temple in Johannesburg, joint celebrations and Dharma Functions of Buddha’s birthday, Mothers Day and BLIA Day were held, which were attended by sixty people. Everyone one was filled with Dharma joy. Nan Hua Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Fang led the chanting service. Among the VIPs were the new Ambassador, Liu Qing Lei of the Taiwan Liaison Office, Deputy Ambassador Xu Huai Cong, BLIA Johannesburg Chapter President, Ping De Man and other Chinese people from overseas. After the service, the Abbot, Venerable Hui Fang led the VIPs and the crowd to bath the Buddha. Afterwards, sisters of BLIA were alongside giving devotees traditional Buddha’s Birthday pastries.
Lastly, Venerable Hui Bo and Venerable Hui Xiang led BLIA members to different shops in the area to distribute the Buddha’s Birthday pastries wishing people health, peace and prosperity.
This is a tradition, whereby after every Dharma Function, people will get what the host has prepared which is a Buddha’s Birthday pastry. Inside the pastry there is a small packet which has been stamped with the three good exercises, to remind people that they are expected to keep a good mind, speak good words, do good things, purify their minds and live together harmoniously in society.
At Bujue Temple in Johannesburg, joint celebrations and Dharma Functions of Buddha’s birthday, Mothers Day and BLIA Day were held, which were attended by sixty people. Everyone one was filled with Dharma joy. Nan Hua Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Fang led the chanting service. Among the VIPs were the new Ambassador, Liu Qing Lei of the Taiwan Liaison Office, Deputy Ambassador Xu Huai Cong, BLIA Johannesburg Chapter President, Ping De Man and other Chinese people from overseas. After the service, the Abbot, Venerable Hui Fang led the VIPs and the crowd to bath the Buddha. Afterwards, sisters of BLIA were alongside giving devotees traditional Buddha’s Birthday pastries.
Lastly, Venerable Hui Bo and Venerable Hui Xiang led BLIA members to different shops in the area to distribute the Buddha’s Birthday pastries wishing people health, peace and prosperity.
This is a tradition, whereby after every Dharma Function, people will get what the host has prepared which is a Buddha’s Birthday pastry. Inside the pastry there is a small packet which has been stamped with the three good exercises, to remind people that they are expected to keep a good mind, speak good words, do good things, purify their minds and live together harmoniously in society.
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