The Legend of Bathing the Buddha
Bathing the Buddha with Fragrant Water
More than 2600 years ago, Prince Siddhartha was born in Kapilavastu, an ancient city in India. Legend held that upon his birth there were beams of bright light descending from the sky, wonderful music sounding in the clouds, flowers in full blossom, and birds singing in the forests. Afterwards, nine heavenly dragons appeared and emitted warm streams of water, and the Four Heavenly Kings (Caturmahārājakayikas) came along with fragrant water and fresh flowers, to bathe the little prince together.
Seven Lotus Flowers
Seven Lotus Flowers Arising from the Earth
It is said that Prince Siddhartha was born from his mother’s side. Upon his birth, he immediately stood and walked seven steps, with a lotus flower emerging from the earth at each step made.
Then, at the seventh stride, he stopped, with one hand pointing to the sky and the other pointing to the ground, and announced with a noble voice, “In heavens and on the earth, only I am singularly supreme.” After that, he returned to the state as an adorable and lovely infant baby, who later became the historical Buddha – Shakyamuni.
Translation: Elenda Huang
Editor: Chang Chiacheng (張家誠)
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