The 8th day of the 4th lunar month is the Buddha Bathing Festival to commemorate the birth of the Buddha.
Three millennia ago, Mahamaya dreamed of a white elephant with six-tusks entering her right flank, and became with child. Ten months later, en route to her maiden home to give birth, she passes a gently fragranced asoka tree in Lubini Garden and lifts her right hand to touch its branch. In that moment, Gautama Buddha emerged from her right flank. He made seven strides in each direction, and great lotus flowers blossomed under each of his steps. He pointed to the heavens with one hand and the ground with the other, and said “in heaven and on earth, I alone and almighty.” (“I” refers to the inherent Buddha-nature of all beings.)
In that moment, the earth shook, heavenly goddesses scattered flowers, and the four heavenly kings showered the golden body of the crown prince with 12 fragrant concoctions and renowned blooms. Water flowed from the mouths of mine dragons, bathing the Buddha in cool and warm water. All in heaven and earth rejoiced. With the arrival of the Honored One, refreshing Dharma was bestowed on all living things in the three realms and a path of release is found for those who are lost. This is the meaning of bathing the Buddha.
Three millennia ago, Mahamaya dreamed of a white elephant with six-tusks entering her right flank, and became with child. Ten months later, en route to her maiden home to give birth, she passes a gently fragranced asoka tree in Lubini Garden and lifts her right hand to touch its branch. In that moment, Gautama Buddha emerged from her right flank. He made seven strides in each direction, and great lotus flowers blossomed under each of his steps. He pointed to the heavens with one hand and the ground with the other, and said “in heaven and on earth, I alone and almighty.” (“I” refers to the inherent Buddha-nature of all beings.)
In that moment, the earth shook, heavenly goddesses scattered flowers, and the four heavenly kings showered the golden body of the crown prince with 12 fragrant concoctions and renowned blooms. Water flowed from the mouths of mine dragons, bathing the Buddha in cool and warm water. All in heaven and earth rejoiced. With the arrival of the Honored One, refreshing Dharma was bestowed on all living things in the three realms and a path of release is found for those who are lost. This is the meaning of bathing the Buddha.