Maha Sanghikadana is an important event well known among Buddhists of both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Once, Buddha asked his disciple, Venerable Maudgalyayana, to perform this meritorious deed on Ullambana Day in order to rescue his mother who was suffering in the hungry ghost realm. His mother was saved by his deed. Thus, many Buddhists follow Venerable Maudgalyayana’s example by performing the Maha Sanghikadana to benefit their parents, both living and deceased.

In conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of Malaysia Buddhist Sangha Association (M.B.S.A), a Maha Sanghikadana was held at Than Hsiang Temple on July 15th, Sunday. Around 150 Sangha members from Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh and other countries attended the grand ceremony.

The aim was to make offerings to Sangha members residing in Malaysia and other countries. The M.B.S.A. supports the education of the Sangha members and provides medical assistance to its members. Proceeds from the Maha Sanghikadana is channeled to the Educational and Medical Fund of M.B.S.A.

In accordance with the auspicious Maha Sanghikadana, three talks were held respectively at Than Hsiang Temple on 10th, 12th and 14th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. On 10th of July, Venerable Ji Zun delivered a discourse on the genuine devotion in providing services. On 12th of July, Venerable Ji Deng delivered a discourse on cultivation methods of Pure Land. On 14th of July, Venerable Boon Keng delivered a discourse on ways towards mind purification. Apart from that, a Sangha Training Course conducted in three languages(Chinese, English and Thai) was held at Than Hsiang Temple on 14th of July from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 35 Sangha members participated in the course. Among the teachers were Venerable Boon Keng, Venerable Wei Wu, Venerable Zhen Ru, Venerable Zhen Xin, Venerable Zhen Yuan, Venerable Jinadata and Venerable Dhammadipa.

On July 15th, offering of rice in alms bowl was held at the Great Compassion Shrine from 7.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. Programs included from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. were lamp offering ceremony, Pali chanting, chanting of “Ullambana Sutra”, noon offering, Sanghikadana, Dharma teaching and transference of merits.

This auspicious event was held successfully and a great thank you to all staff and volunteers involved. May you be well and peaceful, Amituofo!