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I. CULTIVATION AND EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
●Cultivation
1.Amitabha Sutra Chanting Session on every Saturday, Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance Ceremony on every 1st and 15th of the lunar month.
2. Monthly Eight Precepts Cultivation (about 100 participants for each retreat)
3. Amitabha Prayer for Deceased every 7 weeks
4. Three-Day Amitabha Recitation Cultivation (111 participants) and Seven-Day Amitabha Recitation Retreat (139 participants)
5. Annual Dharma Assemblies included:
i) Chanting on Chinese New Year Eve, One Day Retreat on Chinese New Year and lamp lighting activities during the Chinese New Year.
ii) A Three-Session Pure Land Cultivation (Sanshi Xinian) was held during Qingming (Cheng Beng) occasion.
iii) Buddha Day (Wesak) activities in 2011 included chanting and Buddha statue bathing, lamp lighting and blessing by Sangha members.
iv) A one day Filial Piety Dharma Assembly with Three-Session Pure Land Cultivation comprising chanting of Amitabha Sutra and Ulambana Sutra was held in the 7th month of the lunar calendar.
6. Dharma Talks / Seminars
The following talks were organized:
i)A discourse on the genuine devotion in providing services by Venerable Jizun
ii) A discourse on cultivation methods of Pure Land by Venerable Jideng.
iii) A discourse on ways towards mind purification by Venerable Boon Kean.
iv) A series of Dharma talk with “Bodhi Heart, Bodhisattva Act” by Venerable Hui Ming.
●Events Highlights
1. A dinner to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Venerable Wei Wu’s Renunciation was organized. On April 29, Than Hsiang Temple held a dinner at the Phor Tay High School Hall at 6 p.m. sharp to celebrate Venerable Wei Wu’s 20th Renunciation Anniversary. More than 1,000 people attended the private dinner. Top highlight at the dinner was an inspiring dialogue “Heart to Heart” between Venerable Wei Wu and Brother Leong Kok Hing.
2. Digital Tablets
Beginning 1st of April, Than Hsiang Temple commenced its inaugural application of digital tablets instead of previous traditional paper tablets. Some devotees at last accepted such meaningful application after a detailed explanation from our staff. Besides, we adopted digital tablets during Wesak Day celebrations in May and Filial Piety Dharma Assembly in July when we discarded any burning. At the end of the Dharma Assembly, all digital tablets had turned into lotus and headed towards Amitabha Buddha’s welcoming hands as a sign of ascension to Amitabha Pureland. In short, Than Hsiang Temple advocates digital tablets vigorously with the aim to promote environmental protection and say no to burning while preserving Buddhist traditional ritual and its solemnity at the same time.
●Others
1.San Sheng Dian
San Sheng Dian was opened officially after a Purification Ceremony held on 9th September 2004. The niches, on donation basis, received overwhelming response from the public. In the first and second stage of construction the first floor of San Sheng Dian, which was divided into open hall and special room niches, was only opened for public on donation basic. In the third stage of construction which involved the ground floor of San Sheng Dian, the niches allocated also divided into open hall and special room. The construction was completed at the end of 2012. In conjunction with Commemoration of Buddha Sakyamuni's Nirvana, a Purification Ceremony was held at the ground floor of San Sheng Dian on March 7th and commenced officially hence.
2. Da Yuan Dian
Ancestral tablets at both sides of early Da Yuan Dian received overwhelming response from the public on donation basis. Due to high demand from the public, Than Hsiang Temple expanded its Da Yuan Dian into another 3 smaller spaces where different statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are enshrined and ancestral tablets are provided to the public on donation basis in the mid of 2012. Commencing on 1st Jan 2013, the public can choose the location of ancestral tablets on different donation basis in accord with sequence number.
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II. EDUCATION
Than Hsiang Kindergarten
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There were about 800 students enrolled in Than Hsiang Kindergarten and other branches including Sungai Ara, Sungai Petani, Bukit Mertajam, Simpang Ampat, Juru, Permatang Pauh, Farlim, Before and After School Care Centre in Jalan Mandalay, Penang and Before and After School Care Centre in Sungai Petani, Kedah.
In order to strive on implementation of Ten Meritorious Principles, the kindergarten continued introducing separate versions of the Ten Meritorious Principles for teachers, parents and children. In view of promoting lively teaching, Than Hsiang Kindergarten organised two workshops, namely 'Learn Thru Play' and 'Creative Activities and Interaction for Children'.
Other annual activities included orientation day, birthday celebrations, camps, Buddha Day activities, Parent Day activities, outings, open day and graduation cum prize-giving ceremony. ' Than Hsiang Kindergarten organised a Drawing and Coloring Contest on Buddha Day while its branch in Simpang Empat organised a 2-day and 1-night family trip in Cameron Highland.
This year Than Hsiang kindergarten held its 21st graduation cum prize-giving ceremony where 210 children completed their pre school education. Besides, the kindergarten held the eleventh Kindergarten Camp with the theme 'Towards self confidence and independence' and seventy 6-year-old children participated.
Sunday Dharma School
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A total of 127 students enrolled in Than Hsiang Sunday Dharma School. To enhance the practice of the Ten Good Deeds, all SDS students participated in the Transference of the Ten Meritorious Principles ceremony. Throughout the year, SDS had organised 3 camps with theme “Appreciation and Gratitude” for primary and secondary pupils during school holidays. There were about 130 participants in each camp.
This is the second year when the students’ parents need to attend class conducted by SDS. The interaction among the parents and students was encouraging as evidenced by the strong support towards activities that included visits to old folks’ homes, alms giving, offering to the Sangha, seminars on parenting, interactive games for parents and children and family days.
In order to enhance religious cultivation and qualities among teachers, SDS conducted a half-day cultivation activity and to upgrade teaching skills for them. Besides, all teachers were encouraged to attend teacher training course conducted by Fu Zhi Teachers’ Fellowship.
Than Hsiang Youth Group
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The Than Hsiang Youth Group has 25 members. The group organizes various kind of events (mostly on Sunday) which comprises of members gathering, interaction with senior citizens, movies sharing, badminton competition, and sharing session with students who are involved in National Service programme.
At the end of 2011, the Youth Group established a unit named as Senior Citizen Welfare Group. The monthly events run by the group covers sharing, cultivation, outing and special celebrations such as Parents Day, Dragon Boat festival and Mid-Autumn festival. Besides, they organize monthly birthday party for senior citizens of Wan Ching Yuen.
Other than that, the Youth Group also participates enthusiastically and supports other units in Than Hsiang Temple including Reunion Dinner, Senior Home Anniversary Celebration, Buddha Day celebration, Wesak Day Float Procession, IBC Convocation, M.B.S.A. International Maha Sanghikadana, Mid-Autumn Festival, Vegetarian Food Festival and Cultivation Event for Junior College Student.
With that, the Youth Group and Sunday Dharma School co-organize yearly Teenager and Children Camp during school holidays, and conduct sharing sessions with National Service Programme students from White Resort in Balik Pulau.
Kalyana Mitra Homes (KM Homes)
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There are two KM Homes set up nearby Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC). At present, there are about 11 varsity students and working class Buddhist fellows staying at both USM and TARC KM Homes.
Both KM Homes hold their respective weekly activities i.e. Tuesday evening chanting session for TARC KM Homes; Thursday evening chanting session and Sunday Dharma class (led by Ven. Zhen Ti) for USM KM Homes. In 2012, Home Members participated in some large events organized by Than Hsiang Temple, for instance, the 20th anniversary Dinner of Venerable Wei Wu's Renunciation, Mid-Autumn Festival, Vesak Day celebration and float parade, International Buddhist College’s convocation, Mahasanghika Dana etc. Besides, members from USM KM Home had also participated or organized other activities such as, 8-Precepts Cultivation for Junior College Student, birthday celebration for senior citizens staying at Than Hsiang Wan Ching Yuen, monthly 8-Precepts Cultivation, reunion of Than Hsiang Youth, one-day-trip to Penang Hill, USM Buddhist Society’s Buddhist hymns sharing, USM KM Home Convocation Night etc.
Both KM Homes had just shifted to new locations at end of 2012. Gratefully, Venerable Wei Wu and other Venerables from Than Hsiang Temple led and performed the cleansing ceremonies at our new Homes. Also, we appreciated the participation and support rendered by all brothers and sisters in the Dharma for these ceremonies.
International Buddhist College (IBC)
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●Courses on Buddhist Study
IBC offers BA, MA and PhD courses in Buddhist Study.
Meanwhile similar courses are also available in its E-Learning program where students can complete their courses in Buddhist Study via the Internet.
Total student enrolment at IBC main campus in Sadao：147 including
BA course in Buddhist study：15
PhD course in Buddhist study：12
E-Learning MA course in Buddhist study：120
Total student enrolment at IBC branch campus in Korat: 71 including
BA course in Buddhist Study: 38
MA course in Buddhist Study: 33
This year IBC held its 5th convocation at the main campus on August 5. There were 19 MA and 7 BA graduates.
● Activities
1. Main Campus in Sadao
There are Pre-nursery, Kindergarten 1, Kindergarten 2 and Kindergarten 3 in Kawaii Kindergarten at IBC main campus in Southern Thailand with 32 pupils.
Other Activities at Main Campus
Regular activities at the Sadao main campus included Buddhist religious activities such as Wesak celebration and Kathina celebration as well as weekend Dharma classes in Chinese and English to instill knowledge of Buddhism to the locals. We also let our teachers and students attend seminars and forums so as to enhance their knowledge and to upgrade their skills. They were encouraged to study Thai and Malaysian cultures and to mingle freely with teachers and students from various countries. Such multi cultural exchange has become a characteristic of IBC. Furthermore, Metta Mobile Free Clinic led by Brother Goh Guo Chiang provided free medical service to the locals every third Saturday of the month.
2. Activities at Branch Campus in Korat
At our branch campus in Korat we had a weekend Dharma study group which included a primary class in English, a secondary class in English, an adult class in English and an adult class in Chinese. The total number of students was more than 100.
Administrative Affairs
Dr. Lozang Jamspal from Columbia University in US joined IBC starting July 9 new semester as a regular professor, mainly teaching within his fields of speciality (Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan and Sanskrit) for both the B.A. and M.A. Program.
On Aug 4, Than Hsiang Temple and IBC jointly organised a Buddhist Conference at the temple. 9 renowned scholars were invited to deliver their Buddhist research and about 200 people attended.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between IBC (represented by Prof. Kapila Abhayawansa, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs) and the PhD in Buddhist Studies Program, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (represented by Assoc. Prof. Wariya Chinwanno, Dean of Faculty) of Mahidol University of Thailand on August 07.
A group of IBC faculty members, administrative staff and students visited the Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), the leading institute of higher learning in North-East Region (Isan) of Thailand on Dec 17 with the purpose of establishing a mutual relationship and cooperation between two institutions.
Other Activities
Branch Campus in Korat organised a Lamp Lighting Ceremony and luncheon during Chinese New Year and celebrated water festival in April. Besides, the campus was vigorously promoting charity work, including free medical service by Metta Mobile Free Clinic and distribution of winter clothing and blanket. In total, more than 1000 local people received the aids.
The Four Phor Tay Schools
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●Buddhist Teaching
1. SMJK Phor Tay
In 2012, Sangha members, the school teachers and volunteers from Than Hsiang Temple put in a joint effort to promote Buddhist education in SMJK Phor Tay.
We adopted multimedia approach and taught Form One and Form Three students in one to one fashion. Apart from the curriculum which included examinations, Buddhist etiquette and transmission of Fu Zhi Shi Shan Fa, the Ten Good Deeds was still the main subject taught in Form One.
The Form Three curriculum focused on the Fourfold Grace, Five Precepts, Six Paramitas and Eightfold Path. In view of familiarizing the students with applications of the Ten Good Deeds in daily life, a series of activities which included visits to old folk home in Than Hsiang Temple was tailored for Form Three students after they had finished their PMR examination.
Furthermore, in order to foster better parent-child relationship and create a warm and pleasant school environment, we held a thanksgiving gathering once in every 4 months. We had also organized Dharma Assembly and Prior Examination Blessings event for the student in order to give confidence and instil their faith in a religion before sitting for examinations.
2. Phor Tay Private High School
In 2012, the school authority had taken more active role in promoting the Ten Good Deeds by arranging the school teachers to teach the Ten Good Deeds to the Form One till Form Three students. Besides, the school authority also transmitted the Ten Good Deeds to the students and the ceremony was witnessed by a Sangha member. We also conducted a Prior Examination Blessings event to the students. Other than that, we had organized continuously thanksgiving gatherings in order to foster better parent-child relationship platform. We had also organized a Children Camp by hoping that the children would put the Dharma into their daily life practice by being filial at home while becoming good students in school . During the Wesak celebration, we had organized a Buddha Bathing Ceremony and dana offering to the Sangha members. We wish that more Chinese people would support our Chinese education as well as to support private school.
3. SJK(C) Phor Tay
The was vigorously promoted at SJK (C) Phor Tay too. The school authority had added it up during its Morale lesson to encourage the students to practice the Ten Good Deeds in their daily lives. We had a cleansing ceremony in the school at the beginning of the year as well. The headmistress had transmitted the Ten Good Deeds to the students and the ceremony was witnessed by a Sangha member. We also conducted Prior Examination Blessings event to the students to give them spiritual support and encouragement before sitting for examinations.
4. Phor Tay Kindergarten
was vigorously promoted at Phor Tay Kindergarten too. The school authority had taught the students to put the Ten Good Deeds especially “be filial to parents”and “honour teachers and elders” in their daily life practice through their class teaching. The kindergarten headmistress had also transmitted the Ten Good Deeds to the students and the ceremony was witnessed by a Sangha member.
●Fu Zhi Teachers’ Fellowship
Fu Zhi Teachers’ Fellowship was founded on 29 June 2011. Its members come from the four Phor Tay Schools, Than Hsiang Kindergarten as well as Than Hsiang Sunday Dharma Class. Its aim and objectives are as follows:
1. Aim:
To cultivate the
2. Objectives
i) to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the Buddha Dharma and the importance of Buddhist education; thus actively promoting the as the culture and mottos of the four Phor Tay Schools.
ii) to provide a platform for interaction among teachers, so as to stimulate the enthusiasm of the teachers of the Dharma Class.
iii) to nurture and guide the students towards the direction of being a good child, a good student and a good youth.
iv) to share the constructive teaching skills and positive teaching experiences; thus achieving the purposes of effective teaching and learning.
In order to enhance the quality of the Dharma Class teachers, we organized a Teachers’ Training Camp on the 18th and 19th of February. We also held a tour
●Other Activities
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Apart from promoting Buddhist teaching based on , Than Hsiang Temple also actively organised various fund raising events for four Phor Tay schools.
1. Charity Sales of “The Atmosphere of Spring Covers the Earth”
The Penang-born Professor Lok Tok, a famous international Chinese painting artist offered the Replica of his master piece “The Atmosphere of Spring Covers the Earth” for charity sales to raise fund for SMJK Phor Tay School Board and RM 360,000 was collected. This 12-feet long original piece of “The Atmosphere of Spring Covers the Earth” which contains 68 horses on the steppe was produced in 1980. Professor Lok has combined Chinese traditional landscape painting, Canada’s pine forest and Western perspective into this painting to produce a unique style and taste, thus making this masterpiece the most representative painting in his prime of life.
2. Bodhi Night
Apart from commemorating the 2556th anniversary of the Buddhist Era, 2556 LED candles were lit to raise fund for SMJK Phor Tay. RM 52,000 was collected for SMJK Phor Tay.
3. Dharma Talk by Ven Hui Ming from Taiwan
The four Phor Tay schools and many Buddhist organizations once again jointly invited Ven Hui Ming from Taiwan to come to Penang to deliver 5-night Dharma talk in Penang. In the talk, Ven Hui Ming explained the essences of Dharma and daily practice in a simple way. Around 500 devotees attended the talk each night. The talk raised RM 30,000 for SMJK Phor Tay School Board.
4. “Striking the Bell”
In Aid of Phor Tay Private High School, this was opened to the public to perform the customary practice of bell striking and vow making for themselves and their loved ones during the first nine days of the Chinese New Year. At the same time, they could donate to Phor Tay Private High School. RM 2,500 was collected from this activity.
III. WELFARE ACTIVITIES
Than Hsiang Mitra Welfare Association
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In 2012 Mitra Line phone counseling hit a record with 1,200 cases while face to face counseling and email/mail counseling had 500 cases and 30 cases respectively. Predominant cases were those regarding mental and health problems as well as parenting issues. We therefore specially provided 15 group counseling sessions where individuals facing similar problems were grouped together so that they could support each other to overcome the difficult situation.
Besides, the Social Education Section offers workshops with various themes and topics for the public. This year we held a 10-month “Cultivate Loving Family and received overwhelming responses. Again, we also co-organized with LPPKN on Smart Start pre- marriage workshop. We joined effort with D'Home I-Life walkathon to create public awareness of preventing suicide among children and teenagers.
The counseling Section continuously organized series of training programs for new counseling volunteers to nurture more talented counselors with excellent qualities. Caring volunteers from Welfare group send their warm blessings and financial aids through regular visits to about 34 cases every month.
In an aim to promote Buddhist wedding, a mass registration and wedding event was organized on Dec 12 and 13 pairs of new couples participated.
Than Hsiang Welfare Wan Ching Yuen and Sungai Ara Wan Ching Yuen
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The 4 homes in Than Hsiang Temple, Sg Ara, Sungai Petani and Petaling Jaya collectively served over 100 senior citizens. This part of the report will report on the 2 homes in Penang.
The homes faced problem of manpower shortage – nurses and carers. At the Than Hsiang Temple home, 90% of the residents were wheelchair bound or bed ridden. We would like to express our gratitude to volunteers who had given their strong backup support. Than Hsiang Youth members and students from SMJK Phor Tay Buddhist Class jointly set up a voluntary group who rendered their service to Wan Ching Yuen residents on every 2nd and 4th Sunday.
Once a month Than Hsiang Youth members organised a birthday party for Than Hsiang Wan Ching Yuen residents whose birthdays fell within that month. Members of Than Hsiang Welfare Group provided haircut service for the residents every month. Fayin choir group and Relau Old Melodies group also visited Wan Ching Yuen on a monthly basis to entertain the residents with songs.
A handicraft group had been set up since March, 2012. Volunteers met every Tuesday at the canteen to make handicrafts for sale in aid of our welfare home. We had also started ground work to build a full facility senior citizens' home in Juru in Seberang Prai. Residents at the 2 Penang homes received spiritual counseling from Venerable Zhenru, Venerable Zhenxin, Venerable Zhenti and Venerable Zhennian.
We would like to express our gratitude to monastic members of Than Hsiang Temple for their compassionate efforts in spiritual guidance. May the senior citizens at Wan Ching Yuen have a fruitful spiritual life.
IV. BRANCH ACTIVITIES
Than Hsiang Welfare Association (K.L. and Selangor) / Tham Wah Wan
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Tham Wah Wan Kindergarten had an enrolment of 40 students in 2012. The Sunday Dharma Class took in 30 students. Cultivation wise we had the following regular activities: chanting of Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance on every 1st Sunday of the month, chanting of Amitabha Sutra on every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, Eight Precept cultivation on every 3rd Sunday of the month, birthday celebration cum chanting of The Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Universal Gate and 88 Buddha Great Repentance respectively on every 1st and 15th day of the lunar month. In addition, we had a Yoga class on every Wednesday and Taiji class on every Thursday.
Than Hsiang Mitra Welfare Association (K.L. and Selangor)
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For year 2012, Mitraline Counseling Hotline received 745 calls in total, averaging 62 calls per month. Face to Face Counselling new clients: 160; Play Therapy new clients (children): 20.
For Welfare Section, besides visiting clients regularly, we also worked on helping them to be independent. Love and care were also delivered to the KL General Hospital Paediatric Ward, sick kids and their family members.
Social Education Section continued the effort in educating National Service Camp trainees, also gave education to the teenagers in schools and community. Monthly Talks, Smart Start, Premarital Workshop and Journey To Intimacy Workshop received good responses and feedbacks from the public.
As for fund raising activity, we organized the
Wan Ching Yuen, Petaling Jaya
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We had 28 residents, aged from 62 - 102.
We are grateful to Venerable Zhen Sher who gave Dharma talks to the residents and led some "AMTF" chanting sessions. Besides, a lady Chinese Medicine doctor volunteered her service every fortnight to the old folks, mainly giving acupuncture to ease the joint aches and discomfort.
A Parents Day Celebration was held in mid June. On Chinese calendar month of August 15th, Venerable Zhen She led some volunteers, the Committee and staffs, to celebrate Moon Cake Festival with the old folks. Activities held were lantern parade, Buddhist Hymns singing and the tasting of Moon cakes.
In the celebration of WCY (PJ)'s 10th Anniversary, a Vegetarian Food Fair was held for the first time in early November to raise fund for the home.
Than Hsiang Kalyanamitra Centre, Pajam
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In 2012, Than Hsiang Pajam is in its ninth year of service. The centre started with numerous welfare services and cultivation activities for Buddhist of all ages, coming from different states. It is through Venerable Zhen Yuan’s great devotion and heart, the centre further developed with branches at Taman Baiduri, Taman Makmur and Taman Galena in the state of Negeri Sembilan and with a branch in Bandar Teknologi, Selangor within a short period of two years.
Each of these centers focus mainly on cultivation and practices of The Buddha Teaching, the education of morality is the key to the teachings. Further to above services each of the centres celebrates the key Chinese festivals such as the Chinese New Year, Vesak Day, Dumpling Festival, Moon Cake Festival in commemoration with the Chinese tradition.
Than Hsiang Jing Yuan, Klang
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KTHJY focuses on Pureland chanting of the “Amitabha Sutra” and cultivation practice. The center started with weekly Dharma Assembly “gong siew hui” every Tuesday night. In year 2012, the Eight Precept Cultivation was held at the center twice. From the month of October 2012, the center initiated the once a month “One Full Day Retreat Cultivation” which will continue in 2013. Education service emphasizes on “The Ten Good Deeds” teaching which extended to the dharma camps for children, Sunday dharma classes and the school holiday daycare services. The dharma camps were actively conducted, organized by University Putra Malaysia and University Malaysia on several occasions in year 2012.
The center services were extended to SMK La Salle secondary school for “Hari Agama” where we were invited to give dharma talks in June and October 2012.
In Year 2013, all the services mentioned above are expected to continue with increased frequency in activities. On top of that we have new recruits from Uniten College Training Center, USCI University and SMK Pandamaran Jaya secondary school.
Than Hsiang Chan Yuan, Bukit Mertajam
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Than Hsiang Chan Yuan (THCY), Bukit Mertajam carried on with its cultivation and education activities in 2012.
The annual cultivation activities include Buddha-Name recitation on every Tuesday, One-day Buddha-Name Recitation Retreat and refuge taking ceremony. In addition, “Heart Sutra Recitation and Writing Contest” and “Mid-autumn Lantern Festival cum Dharma Cultivation Gathering” were also organised for the first time in May and September respectively.
There were about 28 students in the Sunday Dharma School. Besides Dharma courses and group activities, the students also had chances to take part in Chinese New Year Celebration, Dharma Children’s Camp, and the 2012 Quiz on Buddhism. A visit to Pertubuhan Moralis Pulau Pinang in Nibong Tebal was organised. At the end of the year, THCY’s SDS students attended their SDS Graduation and Appreciation Ceremony at Than Hsiang Temple.
The collection point for recycling projects is still maintained to help deepening the awareness of environment protection.
Than Hsiang Jing Yuan, Sungai Petani
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In 2012 Than Hsiang Jing Yuan, Sungai Petani activities which could be divided into 4 categories are as follows:
Cultivation Activities
●Annual Activities
1.Group cultivation and Dharma talk at 8 p.m. on every Friday.
2. Eight precept retreat on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Altogether there were 10 retreats.
3. Buddha Name Recitation on Chinese New Year Eve, Chinese New Year Auspicious Lamp Lighting Ceremony and offering on the 1st day of Chinese New Year.
4. Activities organized in commemoration of Wesak Day (28.04.2012 - 05.05.2012), including lamp lighting, Buddha statue bathing and Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precept Ceremony. These activities were held for kindergarten pupils, parents, students of the Friday Dharma School and the public.
5. The Mid- Autumn Celebration was held on Sept 28. More than 200 people attended.
6. Prior Examination Blessings was held for students from the teachers’ training college and secondary schools to boost their self confidence through prayers to Three Jewels.
7. Filial Piety Dharma Assembly
Filial Piety Dharma Assembly was first held on Sept 30. The Sutra of the Great Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was the main chanting sutra in the assembly. Longevity station and Pure Land station were set up respectively to transmit blessings for devotees as well as pray for the release of the suffering souls. About 100 people attended.
Education Activities
●Than Hsiang Kindergarten, Sungai Petani
The enrolment for Than Hsiang Kindergarten S.P. reached 113 pupils. In order to enhance teaching quality, the teachers had joined the Teacher Training Camp and educational courses held by Than Hsiang Temple and the Education Department respectively. The expenses were borne by the Kindergarten. This year, we organised a 2-day,1-night camp with the theme ‘Happy Self Growing’ for 6-year old children to learn to be independent.
●Friday Dharma School
There were about 40 students in the Friday Dharma School. Besides learning Dharma and the Ten Good Deeds, various educational activities were also held such as Story Telling Competition and Buddhist Hymn Singing Contest.
Outdoor activities included are:
1. Half-day trip to Mahayana temple in Alor Setar on 25/5/2012.
2. A one-day trip to Taman Jubli Perak and a visit to an orphanage in Sungai Petani on 9/11/2012. The aim was to get the students to cultivate giving love and doing dana apart from relaxing during school holidays.
● Dharma Class
Dharma Sharing Class was conducted every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm. Courses included:
1) 21 Reading and Sharing Sessions of
2) 15-week study on
3) 5-week study on
Welfare Activities
●Than Hsiang Wan Ching Yuen ,Sungai Petani
There are 15 senior citizens staying at Than Hsiang Wan Ching Yuen. On Jun 30, Than Hsiang Welfare Wan Ching Yuen, Sungai Petani celebrated the 3rd Anniversary and total fund exceeded RM50,000 was raised for the daily operation expenses.
●Than Hsiang Jing Yuan Welfare Section
The Welfare Section was established in April of 2011. Activities included home visit and community services. This year we organised 2 blood donations cum health screening campaigns. 80 bags of blood were donated. Currently the group consists of 16 members and there are 8 families in need. 3-day Volunteer Training Course was organised for welfare members to enhance their understanding about their jobs as well as improve their skills on handling welfare issue. The training included briefing on volunteers’ responsibilities and attitude, details of interview, listening and report skill, observation skill and etc in the hope that these members would be more determined in the volunteering path.
Recycling Activity
Than Hsiang Jing Yuan, Sungai Petani organised recycling activities on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. We welcome more volunteers to participate in the recycling activity.
