May 13, 2025
Tzu Chi holds 3-in-1 celebration at the Jing Si Auditorium
By Joy Rojas
Traditionally held outdoors and capped with the raising of lotus candles that light up the early evening sky, Tzu Chi Philippines’ 3-in-1 celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day was an indoor affair this May 11, attended by over a thousand participants at the Jing Si Auditorium in Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
While the oppressive heat and humidity were reason enough to stage the auspicious occasion in an air-conditioned setting, organizers took the opportunity to make the most of a beloved venue. This year, the Jing Si Auditorium is set to be demolished, making way for the much-awaited Tzu Chi Hospital, a medical facility that will offer quality affordable healthcare to all.
“This is the last year for activities at the Jing Si Auditorium, so we thought we’d give the auditorium a chance to hold an amazing Buddha Bathing Ceremony,” said Tzu Chi volunteer Molita Chua, head of the 3-in-1 event.
Indeed, despite the auditorium’s limited space and fixed posts, the Buddha Bathing Ceremony—a ritual of cleansing and purification—was a moving experience.
Participants—from Buddhist monks and Tzu Chi volunteers to Tzu Chi scholars, staff, special guests, and even little children—took turns standing before a long spread of crystal Buddhas adorn with purple and white orchids. At a first bow, they dipped their fingers in a bowl of water, an act akin to touching Buddha’s feet. At a second bow, they picked a fresh flower from a plate, which symbolized receiving the fragrance of Buddha’s blessing.
Many couldn’t help but whisper prayers of gratitude and hope. Alvino dela Cruz Jr., a Tzu Chi scholar taking his Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, prayed for good grades and a successful thesis, as well as blessings for his family. The 21-year-old and his father have an issue with their eyesight, and the Dela Cruzes live off the modest earnings of toys, wallets, and other accessories sold on the sidewalk.
“I am very thankful that I had the chance to experience this as a scholar, to be able to say my wishes to the Buddha, and reflect on my wrongdoings so I can change my actions going forward,” he said.
Having attended Buddha Bathing ceremonies before, Dharma Master Tuan Yao from the Seng Guan Temple in Manila, describes Tzu Chi’s ceremony as “different” from the traditional Chinese ritual of pouring fragrant-smelling water on a Buddha statue.
“But I think it’s very good,” said the Dharma Master, who just arrived from teaching Chinese language and Buddhism in China. “Water expresses love. And when we raise the flowers, we express love to Buddha too.”
As a message to all who attended the annual event, the Dharma Master reiterates the timeless words of the Tzu Chi founder: “We try our best to do good things and think with a good mind. To help every person around us.”
Despite its limited space and fixed posts, the Jing Si Auditorium served as a fitting indoor venue for Tzu Chi Philippines’ annual celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day.
A centerpiece of Buddhas on stage was prepared for Buddhist monks and special guests.
Preparations for the auspicious event began with the transfer and placement of crystal Buddhas in the Jing Si Auditorium.
Preparations for the auspicious event began with the transfer and placement of crystal Buddhas in the Jing Si Auditorium.
Preparations for the auspicious event began with the transfer and placement of crystal Buddhas in the Jing Si Auditorium.
Tzu Chi volunteers Kinlon Fan (left) and Jessica Mae Qui host this year’s 3-in-1 celebration.
At the start of the program, volunteers combine movement and stillness in an interpretation of the Dharma chant.
Youth volunteers deliver a rousing performance in striking the Great Dharma Drum.
Youth volunteers deliver a rousing performance in striking the Great Dharma Drum.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez leads Buddhist monks and special guests during a walking meditation of the Buddha Bathing ceremony.
Tzu Chi International Medical Association co-founder, Dr. Josefino “Jo” Qua (left), and Tzu Chi Philippines’ first CEO Linda Chua begin their walking meditation during the Buddha Bathing ceremony.
At the Buddha Bathing ceremony, everyone participated in the ritual of cleansing and purification, by dipping their fingers in a bowl of water then picking a flower.
At the Buddha Bathing ceremony, everyone participated in the ritual of cleansing and purification, by dipping their fingers in a bowl of water then picking a flower.
At the Buddha Bathing ceremony, everyone participated in the ritual of cleansing and purification, by dipping their fingers in a bowl of water then picking a flower.
At the Buddha Bathing ceremony, everyone participated in the ritual of cleansing and purification, by dipping their fingers in a bowl of water then picking a flower.
At the Buddha Bathing ceremony, everyone participated in the ritual of cleansing and purification, by dipping their fingers in a bowl of water then picking a flower.
At the Buddha Bathing ceremony, everyone participated in the ritual of cleansing and purification, by dipping their fingers in a bowl of water then picking a flower.
Kids of all ages partook of this meaningful event.
Kids of all ages partook of this meaningful event.
Kids of all ages partook of this meaningful event.
The Buddha Bathing ceremony ends with participants raising their lighted lotus flowers as a sign of love and respect to the Buddha.
The Buddha Bathing ceremony ends with participants raising their lighted lotus flowers as a sign of love and respect to the Buddha.
The Buddha Bathing ceremony ends with participants raising their lighted lotus flowers as a sign of love and respect to the Buddha.
After the ceremony, Tzu Chi volunteers headed by Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez and Tzu Chi Philippines first CEO Linda Chua (standing, first and second from right) host a little gathering for Buddhist monks.
Buddhist monks receive tokens of appreciation from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Tzu Chi volunteer Molita Chua, who headed this year’s 3-in-1 celebration, is grateful to everyone for contributing to the success of the event. “The Jing Si Hall has a very beautiful history, but we have never used it for a Buddha Bathing ceremony. And now we just had a very significant and special ceremony inside,” she said. “Thank you to all the staff and volunteers.”