May 15 local time or the 15th day of the fourth lunar month marks the Buddha’ s Birthday. The assembly was presided over by Jingtong, Guangde and Yanxiu. There were more than 400 people attended the event including local believers, Chinese and overseas Chinese, students of the centre and others. The activities lasted from 10am to 4pm.

At the Buddha’ s Birthday, master who presided over the assembly invited the prince statue and bathed Buddha in turns after chanting devoutly.

During the event, Yanxiu, head of the centre, sent abbot Shi Yongxin’ s greet to people. It was hoped that all believers could continue protecting Shaolin culture and make the unique Shaolin lifestyle serve more local citizens.

The centre also hosted rich and colourful activities including Shaolin Kungfu performance, traditional Chinese culture exhibition and others that afternoon. 

Buddha’ s Birthday is a lucky day of the full moon, symbolizing perfect moral wisdom and blessings. The light of truth shines the world while six realms of existence can feel the enlightenment of Buddha’ s truth, eliminate worries and darkness, to realize the bright and peaceful state of Buddhist nature. (Edited by Zou Xiang and pictures from the UK Shaolin Xiu Centre)