May 8, 2024
A Historic Moment: Tzu Chi commences 58th anniversary celebration at India’s Vulture Peak
By Ben Baquilod
In a historic feat, Tzu Chi Foundation commemorated its 58th anniversary on May 2 at the sacred site of Vulture Peak in Rajgir, Bihar, India.
Serving as a dual celebration, the event honored the birthday of Tzu Chi’s founder and featured a Dharma talk by Master Cheng Yen, the Buddha bathing ceremony, chanting of scriptures, and circumambulation—ceremonial act of moving around a sacred object or place, an integral practice in Buddhist and other spiritual traditions.
More than 130 volunteers from India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan partook in the event. The delegation from Taiwan was led by Tzu Chi Taiwan Deputy CEO Lin Pi-Yui. Local villagers from twenty nearby villages also participated in the auspicious gathering.
Participants embarked on their pilgrimage to the mountain as early as two o’clock in the morning, carrying crystal Buddha statues for the ceremony. As a gesture of gratitude, Tzu Chi gifted one crystal Buddha statue, delighting the pilgrimage site’s caretakers.
Volunteers from around the world had the privilege of witnessing the event via livestream. Following an inspirational talk from Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi India’s Deputy CEO, Lin Jing Xian, conveyed a message of sincere commitment and gratitude: “We vow to follow Master Cheng Yen’s teachings forever, and to walk in her footsteps life after life.”
Vulture Peak, also known as Griddhrakūta, holds profound significance as one of Buddhism’s holiest sites and a revered pilgrimage destination. It was the setting for many of the Buddha’s discourses, including the Lotus Sutra.
The Lotus Sutra, a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhist tradition, served as the guiding light for Master Cheng Yen’s journey in establishing Tzu Chi’s missions. These missions, collectively known as the Eight Footprints, encompass charity, medicine, education, humanistic culture, international relief, bone marrow donation, environmental protection, and community volunteerism.
Central to the Lotus Sutra is the belief in the innate potential of all beings to attain Buddhahood or enlightenment—to awaken to the true wisdom and compassion within.
This momentous occasion serves as a poignant reminder for Tzu Chi volunteers worldwide to extend love and compassion to all, and a prayer for peace and harmony across the globe.
In a momentous achievement, the Tzu Chi Foundation marked its 58th anniversary on May 2 at the revered pilgrimage site of Vulture Peak in Rajgir, Bihar, India.【Photo by 攝影者 許俊吉 Hsu Chun-Chi】
In a momentous achievement, the Tzu Chi Foundation marked its 58th anniversary on May 2 at the revered pilgrimage site of Vulture Peak in Rajgir, Bihar, India.【Photo by 攝影者 許俊吉 Hsu Chun-Chi】
Over 130 volunteers from India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan participated in the momentous occasion.【Photo by 攝影者 許俊吉 Hsu Chun-Chi】
The event featured a Dharma talk by Master Cheng Yen, the Buddha bathing ceremony, chanting of scriptures, and circumambulation.【Photo by 攝影者 許俊吉 Hsu Chun-Chi】
Participants on the site, as well as volunteers worldwide received an inspirational message from Dharma Master Cheng Yen via livestream.【Photo by 攝影者 許俊吉 Hsu Chun-Chi】
Volunteers took time to pray for peace and harmony in the world, as well as for the Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen.【Photo by 攝影者 許俊吉 Hsu Chun-Chi】
The Vulture Peak is revered as one of Buddhism's holiest pilgrimage sites, as it was the scene for many of the Buddha’s discourses over 2,500 years ago.【Photo by 攝影者 許俊吉 Hsu Chun-Chi】