In the midst of the Philippine election frenzy with a lot of people going home to their respective provinces to vote, more than 600 Zamboangueños joined as one as Tzu Chi Zamboanga joined the rest of the Tzu Chi World in the celebration of Buddha’s birthday, Tzu Chi Day’s , Mother’s Day and the 10th Anniversary of Tzu Chi Zamboanga last May 9, 2010 at the Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center lobby. United in thoughts and prayers, they put their palms together in prayer for a world free of sufferings and for their own intentions. The ceremony started promptly at 8:30AM and ended at 12 noon.

Gathering Muslims, Christians, and people of different races worldwide, Tzu Chi Zamboanga together with millions of members and supporters around the globe simultaneously prayed to create a disaster free world and harmony in the society. Young and old, the ceremony was participated by medical volunteers, supporters, members and beneficiaries of the foundation.

Taking a break from tradition, Tzu Chi Zamboanga volunteers gifted mothers present with a single rose symbolizing their love and appreciations for their great love. The happiness felt by the surprised mothers can be seen from their happy smile! One mother said: “It feels good to be appreciated for something we take for granted!” Indeed, a mother;s love is as vast s the ocean.”

The bathing of the Buddha is an old Chinese tradition, where in a figure representation of the Buddha is poured with water. However, Tzu Chi founder Dharma master Cheng Yen believed that the Buddha is an enlightened one that does not need to be cleansed. From there, she based the Buddha bathing ceremony that is done in the Tzu Chi celebration, which is open to people of all living faiths and discriminates no one.

It was touching and very enlightening when people of different faith bow to respect the Buddha and pray earnestly for cleansing. Some were in tears as they feel the solemnity of the occasion.