Once again, Than Hsiang temple held its annual mass wedding jointly with the co-organisers, Than Hsiang Mitra line, Kwang Wah Daily and Photo Me studio on 7th September 2008( 8th day of 8th lunar month). Two couples participated in the ceremony fashioned in Buddhist tradition which began at 10.00am in the 5th floor multipurpose hall, witnessed by hundred of friends and relatives. The newly weds underwent the ritual of blessings of the triple jewel for a blissful and happy married life. The simple and joyous ceremony saw the couples made their offerings of incense, flowers, fruits and candles in front of the Buddha statue.

Ven. Wei Wu, the abbot of Than Hsiang Temple officiated the blessing ceremony, followed by the vow taking of the brides and bridegrooms and vegetarian dishes were served thereafter.

During the ceremony, Shifu explained the Buddhist law of karma (cause and effect) and dependence origination (the law of causation) which inevitably determine the future relationship of every couple. He also likened the incense offered as the perfuming of the dharma realm, the candle light symbolizes the dispelling of the darkness (ignorance) , the flower as the cause and the fruit being the results thereof. Therefore, we must cultivate good deeds (causes) in order to bring about good results (effects).

“A happy and successful marriage depends on mutual support and love for each other. Husband and wife must bear in mind their responsibilities towards their own families and parents. Develop and practise the virtue of compassion, expounded by Buddha, starting from the family members and gradually towards all sentient beings. Being Buddhists, the couples should always seek guidance in the triple gem in all their future undertakings ,” Shifu reiterated.

Before the ceremony ended, the couples received presents from Shifu and have their group photos taken together with Shifu, relatives and friends in front of the Majestic Buddha statue. The ceremony came to a happy conclusion at about 11.30am.

Mr. Tan, the organizing chairman, informed that participants would be eligible to attend the pre-marriage workshop organized by Than Hsiang temple and The Penang Family Development Board on 27th and 28th September (sat & sun) from 9am to 5pm at B-suite Hotel. The workshop would help the newly weds to better prepared themselves in facing the challenges of married lives.
The following information may be useful for those who are planning to hold their weddings in accordance with Buddhist tradition in Than Hsiang Temple.

Two packages of mass wedding are available for your choice. Package “A” valued at RM 352.00 comprises preparation of the Buddhist ceremony, gifts ,photography ,video recording of the event, pre-wedding counseling and food for offering ritual.

Package “B” consists of all the items in Package “A” plus one complimentary table of vegetarian dishes and a wedding cake. The vegetarian feast for a table of ten persons costs RM 280.00.

Meanwhile, Than Hsiang temple is offering the service of civil marriage registration as part of its community service projects. Registration hours are at 7.30pm every Friday and 2.30pm on every first Saturday of the month. Registration fee is RM 26.00 per couple. The temple also conduct pre-marriage workshop annually to guide the would-be husband and wife to lead a happy and healthy married life.

We also provide vegetarian feast for dinner or lunch. Please contact Than Hsiang Temple, tel: 04-6414822.