Candidates Meet at Buddha Bathing Ceremony; Lee Chuan Discusses Spiritual Reconstruction, Su Chiao-hui Proposes Urban Vision

The World Buddhism Zheng Xin Association held a Buddha Bathing Ceremony and charity performance at the plaza in front of Banqiao Station today. Both New Taipei City mayoral candidates, Lee Chuan of the KMT and Su Chiao-hui of the DPP, along with local legislators and city councilors, attended the event to pray and participate in the ceremony alongside Li Mei-chen, Director of the Social Affairs Bureau. In his speech, Lee Chuan mentioned that seeing the calligraphy scroll 'Let Go' at the venue reminded him that 'there is nothing that cannot be let go, only hearts that cannot move past things.' He described the Buddha bathing ritual as a way to cleanse the heart and expressed his highest respect for the association's long-term dedication to public welfare and spreading kindness. Lee cited his 40 years of engineering experience, noting that while he can rebuild bridges, roads, and buildings after a disaster, he cannot repair the hearts of victims, which requires the power of religion. Su Chiao-hui, who is also running for the next mayor, stated in her speech that attending the ceremony was to pray for a better world and a better Taiwan. She added that the process of bathing the Buddha allows for spiritual purification while reflecting on how to use positive energy to improve society. She expressed a desire to use warm, next-generation innovative technologies to solve old social problems and continue moving forward. In a subsequent interview, Su expressed her hope to serve the citizens of New Taipei City, noting that she was the first to propose policies and has visited all 29 districts of the city. She emphasized that the future mayor must lead the city toward greater internationalization, and that candidates should compete on creativity, ability, integration, and innovation. She argued that the city needs a new type of mayor capable of upgrading the city to compete with major international metropolises. The World Buddhism Zheng Xin Association is dedicated to promoting the teachings of Dorje Chang Buddha III and Shakyamuni Buddha. Director Li Mei-chen expressed gratitude in her speech for the association's long-term donations of materials and funds to public welfare, which contribute positive energy to society.