Phoenix celebrates the birth of Buddha and sows the seeds of humanistic Buddhism

[Human Society Shanquan Report from Phoenix, Arizona, USA] On the occasion of Buddha's birthday and Mother's Day, the Phoenix Zen Purification Center of Foguang Mountain in Arizona, USA, and the International Buddha's Light Association...

[Human Society Shanquan Report from Phoenix, Arizona, USA] On the occasion of Buddha’s Birthday and Mother’s Day, the Fo Guang Shan Phoenix Zen Purification Center in Arizona, USA, and the Phoenix Association of the International Buddha’s Light Society jointly organized the 2024 Buddha Bathing Prayer Ceremony, Vegetarian Garden Party and Cloud Water Bathing Buddha Activities from May 12 to May 13. Although the hot summer temperature has exceeded 100°F (38°C), nearly a hundred believers and friends of Buddha's Light are still fearless of the heat and actively participate in the activities to enjoy the Dharma. During the blessing ceremony, Master Yongshan of the Phoenix Zen Purification Center led the public to recite the Heart Sutra and then gave a lecture on the true meaning of bathing the Buddha. He hoped that in addition to bathing the Buddha statue in pure water, the public would also wash away their own inner dirt, purify the body and mind, and pray together with compassion for world peace, coexistence and common prosperity. To celebrate Mother's Day, the Master personally sent carnations to every mother present, wishing all mothers in the world "good health, peace and prosperity." At the garden party, Phoenix Association President Bi Qiufeng, together with officials and members, launched a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes to promote the "Vegetarian Plan A", advocating that vegetarianism can not only lead a healthy body, but also protect the environment and save the earth. In addition, the association also held a number of charity sales and donated the proceeds to hospice centers, children's cancer hospitals, and homeless shelters. For the convenience of the elderly with limited mobility or people with working difficulties, the association has specially set up cloud-water bathing Buddhas in shops and apartments for the elderly, so that people who cannot go to the blessing ceremony can get connected with the Buddha and bask in the blessings of the Buddha together. Katherina, a Westerner, also shared her feelings with joy on her face, "I just finished my exercise and happened to pass by by accident. A cute little girl gave me a bowl of red bean shaved ice with a sweet smile, which helped me quench my thirst in time. She is really a little angel in the world. From her, I can feel the three virtues of the Buddha's Light people, which is to say good things, do good deeds, and have good intentions. The spirit of harmony gives people confidence, joy, hope and convenience. My little sister is a good role model! Her parents should be proud of her!" Bodhisattva Li Cuitang, who participated in the Yunshui Buddha Bathing, said, "I am 90 years old and I am very touched and grateful that everyone still remembers me and allows me to bathe in the Buddha at home. I am so happy to see the cute Prince Siddhartha. He seems to be smiling at me!" After the event, one of the members, Sister Li Huiling, said she was very grateful to Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. It’s because of the Master that the Buddha’s Light Society exists. I am grateful to fellow practitioners and my two sons for participating in the vegetarian charity sale again, seizing the moment, sowing the seeds of humanistic Buddhism, and forming good relationships with the public! Picture 1: Buddha bathing activity to celebrate the birthday of Buddha; Picture 2: Bathing Buddha in cloud water to benefit the elderly and infirm; Picture 3: Celebrating Mother’s Day; Picture 4: Vegetarian charity sale to promote vegetarianism.