In commemoration of the 2551 Buddha Day celebrating the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Sakyamuni Buddha, Than Hsiang Temple has scheduled the following series of activities on 30 April and 1 May 2007:

On 30 April 2007, the eve of Buddha Day at 7.30pm, a “Merit and Wisdom Nite” will be held, with a contemporary feel and style, in memory of the great spirit of the Buddha's compassion, wisdom and equanimity. There will be performances in praise of the Buddha by Than Hsiang Kindergarten, Than Hsiang Youth Group, Than Hsiang Choir Group, and famous local singers.

Venerable Wei Wu, the Abbot of Than Hsiang Temple, will give a Dharma talk followed by a chanting cum blessing service and a lamp lighting ceremony. 2551 environmental friendly electronic lamps will be lighted to usher in the Buddha Year 2551. Donation for each lamp is RM50.00 and the donor may affix his/her name or with family on the lamp. A souvenir will be given for participating in this lamp lighting ceremony. All proceeds will go to the Mitra Welfare Fund and the International Buddhist College project. All devotees are cordially invited to attend this ceremony to pray for world peace, prosperity and harmony.

A donation of RM500,000 by the temple to Phor Tay High School for its relocation to Sg Dua will also be made on 30 April 2007.

On Buddha Day, 1 May 2007 at 9.00am, a “Buddha Bathing” ceremony will be conducted concurrently with the Puja and Dharma session. Vegetarian food will be served for lunch. In the afternoon, there will be a Taking the Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony. Later in the evening, Than Hsiang Temple will participate in the Buddha Day procession.

Summary of activities :

Monday, 30/4/2007 (14 th day of the 3 rd Lunar Month)

7.30pm – “Merit & Wisdom Nite”: Buddhist hymns, chanting/blessing service and lamp lighting

Tuesday, 1 May 2007 (15 th day of the 3 rd Lunar Month)

9.00am – “Buddha Bathing” Ceremony, Puja and Dharma session

12.00 noon – Vegetarian Lunch

1.00pm – Taking of Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony

4.30pm – Participation in Buddha Day procession.

For enquiries on Lamp Lighting, Taking of Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony and Buddha Day procession, please call: 04-641 4822 at Than Hsiang Temple, 132 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.