A Warm Gathering at the Sydney Chapter: Bathing the Buddha to Cleanse the Mind

On the morning of May 3, the Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter held a Dharma ceremony entitled "Gratitude · Bathing the Buddha · Prayer", attracting more than 60 participants. In a warm and joyful atmosphere, attendees celebrated the Buddha's birthday (the 8th day of the 4th lunar month) and also offered early blessings for Mother's Day.
 
The event opened with a children's performance titled "The Mood Jar of the Jumping Ox," setting a lively tone for the day. In Buddhist teachings, the "ox" is often used as a metaphor for the human mind. Through their vivid performance, the children illustrated how emotions can surge and fluctuate like a restless, jumping ox. This performance also reminded everyone—adults and children alike—of the importance of learning to observe and take care of one's own mind. Amid laughter, participants experienced the value of "settling the mind," thereby preparing a calm and gentle mindset for the Bathing the Buddha ceremony that followed.

Under the guidance of the assistant timekeeper, participants chanted reverently and followed the ritual procedures, taking turns to bathe the Buddha statue with fragrant water. Bathing the Buddha is not only an external ritual, but also an inner purification. As participants ladled the fragrant water over the Buddha, they reflected inwardly and let go of afflictions. Parents accompanied their children in focused participation, while the children naturally developed a sense of reverence through this experience. Elderly participants with limited mobility were also able to fulfill their wish to bathe the Buddha with the help of their families, thus creating a scene that was both warm and moving. With hearts full of gratitude, participants not only cleansed their minds but also felt the compassion and stabilizing power of the Dharma through their interactions.

After the ceremony, a parent-child craft activity—creating "Mood Jars"—was held. Children took on the role of little teachers, guiding adults step by step in completing their projects. In this relaxed and interactive setting, participants shared ways to become aware of and settle their emotions, turning these insights into practical methods for daily life, and allowing a sense of inner stability to continue beyond the event. As Mother's Day approached, a flower-offering segment was also arranged, where children personally expressed their gratitude to their mothers, filling the venue with warmth and heartfelt emotion.

The Sydney Chapter noted that this event was not only a Dharma ceremony but also a practice for the mind. When the mind is at peace, the environment becomes pure. "Spiritual Environmentalism" is not merely a slogan, but a way of life that can be practiced daily. The Chapter hopes that this sense of purity and stability will continue to grow in each person's heart and be carried back into families and everyday life, thereby contributing to a more harmonious world.



◎Original text in Chinese：Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter
◎Photos：Emily Zhang
◎Translation：Patricia Yang 
◎Editing：Keith Brown