Monks from 19 Countries Gather in Pingtung for Buddha Bathing Ceremony, Showcasing Taiwan's Religious Harmony to the World
Over ten thousand monks and believers from 19 countries gathered in Pingtung, Taiwan, for a joint Buddha bathing ceremony, demonstrating Taiwan's diverse and inclusive religious culture to the world. This event emphasized the spirit of Buddhist compassion and Taiwan's religious harmony.
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- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 17:45
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Huang Yu-ching, Pingtung County, 26th) The Joint Multi-Religious Buddha Bathing Ceremony was held today at Miaoguang Zen Temple in Chaozhou Township, Pingtung. Over ten thousand monks and believers from 19 countries worldwide gathered. The ceremony presented diverse religious rituals and cultural performances, allowing the world to witness Taiwan's religious harmony.
To celebrate the 2570th Buddha's Birthday in the Buddhist calendar, the Taiwan Buddhist Association, the Chinese Bhikkhuni Association, and the Pingtung County Buddhist Association jointly held the "Joint Multi-Religious Buddha Bathing Ceremony" today at Miaoguang Zen Temple. The event was co-hosted by Grand Master Hui Chang, Chairman of the Taiwan Buddhist Association; Grand Master Hong An, Honorary Chairman; Master Shi Chang Lu, Chairman of the Chinese Bhikkhuni Association; and Master Shi Jian Yin, Chairman of the Pingtung County Buddhist Association. Minister of Interior Liu Shih-fang, Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, former Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng, and Kuomintang Chairman Cheng Li-wen all attended the event.
Minister Liu Shih-fang stated in her speech that the spirit of Buddhist compassion and world salvation is deeply rooted in Taiwanese society. In every major disaster, religious groups are always the first to engage in rescue efforts, demonstrating the practical power of living Bodhisattvas. Through the Buddha bathing ceremony, not only is faith united, but prayers and care are also conveyed, allowing the world to see Taiwan's free, diverse, and inclusive religious culture.
Grand Master Hui Chang said that Buddhist dharma is not just a theory but also practical wisdom internalized in body and mind. This event horizontally united religious groups from five continents and vertically connected various religious beliefs, implementing the compassionate spirit of "no distinction between religions or political parties." The meaning of bathing the Buddha lies in cleansing the mind's impurities and returning to purity, and promoting peace through religious power, starting from Taiwan to let the world see the power of sincerity and goodness.
The event attracted over ten thousand monks and believers from 19 countries worldwide, with the ceremony opening with various religious groups and cultural teams welcoming the Buddha. Cross-religious representatives including the indigenous cultural and art group, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Catholic Church, and Presbyterian Church participated, symbolizing respect and tolerance among religions.
Students from Tsz Ming High School waved Buddhist flags in the wind, and dignified appearances of Lady Maya, Prince Siddhartha statues, and six-tusked elephants concluded the solemn event, adding colorful imagery and cultural depth to the Buddha's Birthday celebration. Monk representatives from around the world took out their mobile phones to record the rare scene and expressed admiration for Taiwan's diverse religious harmony. The ceremony concluded with Grand Master Hui Chang leading the ringing of the peace bell for blessings, and through prayers, religious offerings, and grand offerings to the Buddha, expressed wishes for world peace, favorable weather, and national prosperity and security. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150426
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(Central News Agency reporter Huang Yu-ching, Pingtung County, 26th) The Joint Multi-Religious Buddha Bathing Ceremony was held today at Miaoguang Zen Temple in Chaozhou Township, Pingtung. Over ten thousand monks and believers from 19 countries worldwide gathered. The ceremony presented diverse religious rituals and cultural performances, allowing the world to witness Taiwan's religious harmony.
To celebrate the 2570th Buddha's Birthday in the Buddhist calendar, the Taiwan Buddhist Association, the Chinese Bhikkhuni Association, and the Pingtung County Buddhist Association jointly held the "Joint Multi-Religious Buddha Bathing Ceremony" today at Miaoguang Zen Temple. The event was co-hosted by Grand Master Hui Chang, Chairman of the Taiwan Buddhist Association; Grand Master Hong An, Honorary Chairman; Master Shi Chang Lu, Chairman of the Chinese Bhikkhuni Association; and Master Shi Jian Yin, Chairman of the Pingtung County Buddhist Association. Minister of Interior Liu Shih-fang, Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, former Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng, and Kuomintang Chairman Cheng Li-wen all attended the event.
Minister Liu Shih-fang stated in her speech that the spirit of Buddhist compassion and world salvation is deeply rooted in Taiwanese society. In every major disaster, religious groups are always the first to engage in rescue efforts, demonstrating the practical power of living Bodhisattvas. Through the Buddha bathing ceremony, not only is faith united, but prayers and care are also conveyed, allowing the world to see Taiwan's free, diverse, and inclusive religious culture.
Grand Master Hui Chang said that Buddhist dharma is not just a theory but also practical wisdom internalized in body and mind. This event horizontally united religious groups from five continents and vertically connected various religious beliefs, implementing the compassionate spirit of "no distinction between religions or political parties." The meaning of bathing the Buddha lies in cleansing the mind's impurities and returning to purity, and promoting peace through religious power, starting from Taiwan to let the world see the power of sincerity and goodness.
The event attracted over ten thousand monks and believers from 19 countries worldwide, with the ceremony opening with various religious groups and cultural teams welcoming the Buddha. Cross-religious representatives including the indigenous cultural and art group, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Catholic Church, and Presbyterian Church participated, symbolizing respect and tolerance among religions.
Students from Tsz Ming High School waved Buddhist flags in the wind, and dignified appearances of Lady Maya, Prince Siddhartha statues, and six-tusked elephants concluded the solemn event, adding colorful imagery and cultural depth to the Buddha's Birthday celebration. Monk representatives from around the world took out their mobile phones to record the rare scene and expressed admiration for Taiwan's diverse religious harmony. The ceremony concluded with Grand Master Hui Chang leading the ringing of the peace bell for blessings, and through prayers, religious offerings, and grand offerings to the Buddha, expressed wishes for world peace, favorable weather, and national prosperity and security. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150426
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