CNEWS Reporter Wang Zuo-ming, Huang Hong-yu, Wang Yu-ying & Li Yi-lun / Taipei

In tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of frontline guardians, the third day of the **”2026 International Buddha’s Birthday Cultural Festival”**  May 3rd  in solemn ceremony at the Yuanshan Expo Garden of Hope Hall in Taipei. The day’s program featured the **”National Disaster-Dispelling and Blessing Dharma Assembly for Police, Firefighters, and Correctional Officers”** and the **”Yoga Flaming Mouth Deliverance Dharma Assembly”** (*Yújiā Yànkǒu Chāojiàn Dàfǎhuì*), offering prayers and merit dedication for officers who died in the line of duty and those who have passed on. The atmosphere on-site was solemn and reverent, conveying society’s profound respect and remembrance.

The Dharma assembly was initiated and convened by the event’s presiding chairman, Most Venerable Dahuei, with Most Venerable Xinmao — President of the Chinese Buddhist Association — leading the assembly as the presiding Dharma master. Continuing the compassionate vow of the late Most Venerable Jingyao, who devoted his life to caring for police, firefighters, and correctional personnel, the Buddhist community was rallied to jointly offer blessings and deliverance rites for the nation’s guardians — with the hope that the power of the Dharma may comfort bereaved families and bring peace of mind to all.

Distinguished guests were in attendance, including National Fire Agency Director-General Hsiao Huan-chang, Deputy Director-General of the National Police Agency Liao Xun-cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Agency of Corrections of the Ministry of Justice Liu Ming-chang, and Goodwill Ambassador Lin Ye-ting, all present to offer their highest respect to the police, firefighters, and correctional officers who have long stood guard over public safety.

In his address, Fire Agency Director-General Hsiao Huan-chang noted that this Dharma assembly is more than a religious ceremony — it is a symbol of society’s gratitude and remembrance for frontline personnel. He observed that police, firefighters, and correctional officers serve day after day in high-risk environments, silently protecting the lives of the public, and that they deserve to be seen and remembered.

During the assembly, a memorial tablet was specially established in honor of Officer Zheng Yong-xin, who recently lost her life in a traffic accident while off duty, struck and killed by a female university student. The incident had drawn intense public attention. As sutras were recited, all in attendance offered prayers and dedicated merit on her behalf — a deeply moving scene.

In an interview, Most Venerable Dahuei expressed that this Dharma assembly arose from the shared aspiration of the Buddhist community. He said it is his hope that through the power of religion and faith, fallen officers may be delivered, while those still serving — along with their families — may receive blessings of safety and stability, and that such tragedies may be prevented from recurring. He emphasized that this is not merely a ritual, but a gesture of society’s care and commitment to its guardians.

Goodwill Ambassador Lin Ye-ting shared her personal connection to the occasion. She recounted that when her father passed away last year, police and firefighters assisted in a mountain search effort for eleven consecutive days — giving her a profound understanding of the risks and pressures borne by frontline personnel in the course of their duties. She expressed that her presence today is not simply attendance at an event, but an expression of deep gratitude, and a wish to transmit strength and accompany more people through their grief.

The organizers noted that the **”Yoga Flaming Mouth Deliverance Dharma Assembly”** is one of the principal ritual ceremonies of this year’s Buddha’s Birthday Cultural Festival. Through this traditional Buddhist rite, the departed are delivered and the living are consoled — a profound expression of gratitude for the selfless dedication of society’s guardians.

Amid the drifting sounds of Sanskrit chant and Dharma instruments, attendees offered sincere and devout prayers — wishing that those who have passed may depart from suffering and attain joy, and that those who remain may live in peace and safety. In this way, the spirit of respect for society’s guardians continues to resonate throughout the community.

Photo Credit: CNEWS

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