Politicians gathered yesterday outside the Presidential Office to celebrate the 2,552nd anniversary of the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha.
The sunny weather attracted thousands of people including diplomats, religious leaders and politicians across party lines to the gathering on Ketagalan Boulevard.
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said yesterday the birthday was an important day for the Buddha and all mothers. If it were not for Buddha’s mother, Queen Maya, who gave birth to Prince Siddartha, the Buddha’s teachings would not have enlightened the world and benefited mankind, he said.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, AP
Ma said he was “touched” by how Taiwanese Buddhist groups had endeavored to promote Buddhism to families at home and abroad over the past 60 years, giving “Taiwanese culture” a new definition.
“It is touching to see once again the Taiwanese demonstrate their longstanding tradition of tolerance and respect,” he said.
Ma said he was happy to see religious groups from all around the world come together on this day. It symbolized that “the Republic of China is a country with religious freedom and is a nation that is open and diverse.”
“Over China’s long history, there was never a war caused by religious conflict,” he said. “It is a remarkable contribution to world culture.”
As it was also the Bathing Buddha Festival, Ma said he hoped the public would cultivate kindness, benevolence, respect and righteousness.
Before his speech, Ma performed the “bathing Buddha” ritual. He was followed by politicians, including Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Wu Po-hsiung (吳伯雄), who also serves as honorary president of the Buddha’s Light International Association, the event organizer.
Holding a wooden ladle, Ma poured water over a small statue of the Buddha three times while reciting: “May I eliminate all evil thoughts” on the first wash, “May I cultivate good deeds” on the second and “May I help save all living beings” on the third.
Bathing a statue of Buddha symbolizes a fresh start in life and the care given to newborn babies. Many other countries celebrate Buddha’s birthday on May 2.
Legend has it that when Prince Siddhartha was born, there were auspicious signs heralding his birth.
They describe the sky as blue and clear on his birth, with dragons spurting purified water to bathe him. Since then, Buddhists have celebrated his birthday by using fragrant water to bathe the image of Buddha.
With the Democratic Progressive Party set to stage a march and sit-in protest on Ketagalan Boulevard next Sunday, Wu said yesterday the venue had been the origin of many demonstrations.
The KMT chairman said yesterday’s gathering showed public support for the Ma administration’s efforts to improve the economy, which he said showed signs of recovery.
“What we need right now is unity, not hullabaloo,” he said. “Both the ruling and opposition parties should make a joint effort to improve the economy and make this land a better place.”
Foreign travelers entering Taiwan on a short layover via Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport are receiving NT$600 gift vouchers from yesterday, the Tourism Administration said, adding that it hopes the incentive would boost tourism consumption at the airport. The program, which allows travelers holding non-Taiwan passports who enter the country during a layover of up to 24 hours to claim a voucher, aims to promote attractions at the airport, the agency said in a statement on Friday. To participate, travelers must sign up on the campaign Web site, the agency said. They can then present their passport and boarding pass for their connecting international
Three Taiwanese airlines have prohibited passengers from packing Bluetooth earbuds and their charger cases in checked luggage. EVA Air and Uni Air said that Bluetooth earbuds and charger cases are categorized as portable electronic devices, which should be switched off if they are placed in checked luggage based on international aviation safety regulations. They must not be in standby or sleep mode. However, as charging would continue when earbuds are placed in the charger cases, which would contravene international aviation regulations, their cases must be carried as hand luggage, they said. Tigerair Taiwan said that earbud charger cases are equipped
Temperatures in northern Taiwan are forecast to reach as high as 30°C today, as an ongoing northeasterly seasonal wind system weakens, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. CWA forecaster Tseng Chao-cheng (曾昭誠) said yesterday that with the seasonal wind system weakening, warmer easterly winds would boost the temperature today. Daytime temperatures in northern Taiwan and Yilan County are expected to range from 28°C to 30°C today, up about 3°C from yesterday, Tseng said. According to the CWA, temperature highs in central and southern Taiwan could stay stable. However, the weather is expected to turn cooler starting tonight as the northeasterly wind system strengthens again
COOLING OFF: Temperatures are expected to fall to lows of about 20°C on Sunday and possibly 18°C to 19°C next week, following a wave of northeasterly winds on Friday The Central Weather Administration (CWA) on Sunday forecast more rain and cooler temperatures for northern Taiwan this week, with the mercury dropping to lows of 18°C, as another wave of northeasterly winds sweeps across the country. The current northeasterly winds would continue to affect Taiwan through today, with precipitation peaking today, bringing increased rainfall to windward areas, CWA forecaster Liu Pei-teng (劉沛滕) said. The weather system would weaken slightly tomorrow before another, stronger wave arrives on Friday, lasting into next week, Liu said. From yesterday to today, northern Taiwan can expect cool, wet weather, with lows of 22°C to 23°C in most areas,
RSS