February 13, 2024
Embracing Tradition and Camaraderie: Tzu Chi welcomes Chinese New Year 2024
By Ben Baquilod
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines celebrated the Chinese New Year 2024 with prayers and fellowship on February 9 and 10 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, volunteers and visitors gathered at the Jing Si Abode to light candles and offer prayers of gratitude. The solemn atmosphere persisted into the following day, as volunteers and guests participated in the traditional 3 steps and 1 bow ceremony. This ritual involves taking three small steps forward before performing a full prostration with palms facing up, said to help foster humility and perseverance.
“I’m very thankful that I am still healthy enough to kneel and join in this event,” said senior volunteer Levy Yao, who has been involved with Tzu Chi for 20 years. Yao expressed how the ritual always moves her, witnessing the sincerity of her fellow volunteers as they pay homage to the Buddha and Mother Earth. “It also prompts us to reflect on our actions as volunteers, assessing whether we have effectively fulfilled the mission of helping those in need without expecting anything in return.”
The ceremony also served as a moment of prayer and a reminder to be grateful for life’s blessings. “Every morning, I have three prayers: that we’ll be free from disasters, that my family will be safe, and that we develop more wisdom so we can live in harmony and happiness every day,” Yao shared.
Reflecting on her journey as a volunteer over the years, Yao remarked, “As humans, we harbor numerous desires, engage in constant comparisons, and face myriad inner struggles. However, upon encountering Tzu Chi and embracing the teachings of our founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, I realized that life can indeed be simple and joyful.”
For Salvacion ‘Siony’ De Guzman, a survivor of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 and a Tzu Chi volunteer for over a decade, the ritual reignited her passion to assist more people in need and inspire others to walk the Bodhisattva path. “I’m not getting any younger, and I pray that I can encourage the next generation of volunteers to carry out Tzu Chi’s mission of compassion and relief.”
Following the ritual, volunteers and guests contributed their donations to a large coin bank, while gongs and drums reverberated in celebration of the auspicious Year of the Dragon.
Subsequently, attendees enjoyed misua, spring tea, and vegetarian snacks at the BTCC plaza, bonding over conversations and camaraderie. Prizes such as lucky charms, children’s books, and food were distributed to those who successfully solved riddles posted on tents. Flowers arranged by Tzu Chi Youth were sold for fundraising.
A mobile photo booth captured the day’s cherished moments and fellowship, providing guests with photo souvenirs of the memorable event.
The Jing Si Abode opens its doors for guests on Chinese New Year’s Eve. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The Jing Si Abode opens its doors for guests on Chinese New Year’s Eve. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The Jing Si Abode opens its doors for guests on Chinese New Year’s Eve. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The Jing Si Abode opens its doors for guests on Chinese New Year’s Eve. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteers start the Chinese New Year 2024 celebration with the 3 steps and 1 bow pilgrimage to the Jing Si Abode. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi volunteers start the Chinese New Year 2024 celebration with the 3 steps and 1 bow pilgrimage to the Jing Si Abode. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi volunteers start the Chinese New Year 2024 celebration with the 3 steps and 1 bow pilgrimage to the Jing Si Abode. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
The 3 steps and 1 bow ritual involves taking three small steps forward before performing a full prostration. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The 3 steps and 1 bow ritual involves taking three small steps forward before performing a full prostration. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Participants of all ages can join the 3 steps and 1 bow ritual. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“I’m very thankful that I am still healthy enough to kneel and join in this event,” says senior volunteer Levy Yao, who has been involved with Tzu Chi for 20 years. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Levy Yao lights a candle and kneels in prayer inside the Jing Si Abode. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
“As humans, we harbor numerous desires, engage in constant comparisons, and face myriad inner struggles. However, upon encountering Tzu Chi and embracing the teachings of our founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, I realized that life can indeed be simple and joyful,” says Levy Yao. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
“I’m not getting any younger, and I pray that I can encourage the next generation of volunteers to carry out Tzu Chi’s mission of compassion and relief,” says senior volunteer Salvacion ‘Siony’ de Guzman. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Volunteers pour in their donations into the big Tzu Chi coin bank. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Volunteers pour in their donations into the big Tzu Chi coin bank. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Volunteers pour in their donations into the big Tzu Chi coin bank. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Volunteers strike the gong to welcome the Year of the Dragon. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Volunteers strike the gong to welcome the Year of the Dragon. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guests purchase flowers arranged by Tzu Chi Youth for fundraising. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Guests purchase flowers arranged by Tzu Chi Youth for fundraising. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Guests purchase flowers arranged by Tzu Chi Youth for fundraising. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guests purchase flowers arranged by Tzu Chi Youth for fundraising. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Healthy vegetarian breakfast was served to the attendees. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Healthy vegetarian breakfast was served to the attendees. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Healthy vegetarian breakfast was served to the attendees. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The Chinese New Year 2024 celebration also serves as a bonding activity for families.
The Chinese New Year 2024 celebration also serves as a bonding activity for families.
The Jing Si Abode opens its doors for guests on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
Children’s books and lucky charms are among the prizes awarded to those who successfully solved riddles posted on tents. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
A mobile photo booth provides guests with printed photo souvenirs of the occasion. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A mobile photo booth provides guests with printed photo souvenirs of the occasion. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A mobile photo booth provides guests with printed photo souvenirs of the occasion. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Volunteers pose for a group photo after the successful celebration. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】