The birth of Sakyamuni Buddha signifies the harmonious co-existence of living beings of the Earth and those of the boundless Universe.

¡@ ¡@ Sakyamuni Buddha, the ancestral Buddha, was born in India 2544 years ago.  Immediately on reaching the ground, He took seven steps which all gave rise to lotus flowers.  The Crown Prince, with one hand pointing at the sky, the other pointing at the ground, proclaimed:

¡@ ¡@ "Within the whole Universe, only I know the secrets of sunyata."

¡@ ¡@ At that moment, flower rain fell from the sky, the space was filled with wonderful heavenly music.  Two dragons emerged in the sky, one pouring warm dragon milk, the other pouring pure water of nine heavens, to bathe the Crown Prince.  Thereafter, holy birthdays of Buddha have been called Bathing Buddha festival.

¡@ ¡@ Buddha Dharma was introduced to various locations at different time.  Because of the difference in various countries' cultural background and calender system, the dates, timing and rituals in celebrating Bathing Buddha festival in different countries do vary.

¡@ ¡@ Bathing Buddha festival is regarded as one of the most important days for Buddhists.  As for Buddhism in China, it has been set as the eighth day of the fourth month on the lunar calender.