The birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha falls on May 15th this year (the eighth day of the fourth lunar month). In celebration of the Buddha’s birthday, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou held the Bathing the Buddha Ceremony early in the morning to dedicate merits towards the prosperity of the nation, the enduring presence of the Dharma, and the liberation of all sentient beings from the afflictions and impurities of samsara for a swift attainment of the pure Dharma body.
At 4:45 am, the Lingyin Sangha, dressed in ceremonial attire and holding ritual implements, stood in orderly rows. Upon hearing the sound of the bell, they reverently bowed three times, reciting in unison the sacred mantra "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha". Then, in procession, they proceeded to the Guest Hall to respectfully invite the sacred image of Prince Siddhartha. The Abbot of Lingyin Temple, Venerable Master Guangquan, led the assembly in escorting the image of the Prince to the Mahavira Hall, where it was placed within a golden basin filled with fragrant water.
Inside the Mahavira Hall, the chanting of sutras and the recitation of the Buddha's name resonated melodiously as Buddhist disciples gathered in unity to reflect on the compassionate descent of their teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, into this world. With sincere hearts, they chanted "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha" as Venerable Master Guangquan ladled three spoonfuls of scented water over the golden image of the Prince. Subsequently, the assembly took turns bathing the Buddha, praying collectively for the prosperity of the nation, the endurance of the Dharma, world peace, and the well-being of all people.
According to Buddhist scriptures, at the time of the Buddha's birth in ancient India, there was a great radiance illuminating the earth and sky, a shower of flowers, fragrant breezes, and dragons spraying water, symbolizing the purification of his birth; celestial beings also played music in joyous celebration.
In gratitude for the profound kindness and virtues of the Buddha, and to commemorate the auspicious occasion of his birth, Buddhist disciples in later generations observe the bathing ritual on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month each year, commemorating the serene scene of the Buddha's initial appearance in this world.
