The Joy of Zen is the theme for a series of fund raising activities organised by Than Hsiang Temple which includes two arts exhibition entitled Pure Lotus Scent From Afar and Love Of The Children and a series of musical concert entitled Fei Thien Chinese Music Kitty.

Pure Lotus Scent From Afar, a solo oil painting by Becky Choong was held at the exhibition hall of Equator Academy Art Centre opposite the City Bayview Hotel in Penang from 1st to 4th May. Using strong and vibrant colours Becky captured the beauty of the lotus in oil. As a Buddhist, painting the lotus is very meaningful to her. The lotus teaches us that although we live in the world, we should not be polluted by our surroundings. It is used to symbolize the ability of sentient beings to transcend the ten realms and become Buddhas.

The artist is a graduate of the Taiwan Teachers Training University. Under the tutelage of two arts masters Wu Men Xue and Han Biao from Taiwan and Malaysia respectively, she explored her talents in Chinese ink painting. She was also a student of Chooi Yiaw Seng and she learnt oil painting and sculpture from Wang Yao Ling in the recent years. She has also participated in both local and international arts exhibitions such as “Tour Of Vancouver”, “Arts Of New Asia”, “Voice Of Ancient Buddhism” and others.

Love Of The Children is an exhibition by the young students of Becky from the Impression Art Centre and the students of Kristal BM Kindergarten held in Than Hsiang Temple on 4th to 7th May. This exhibition is held to instil kindness and compassion in the children and to nurture feelings of filial piety and respect for elders through art. This exhibition was officially declared open by Dr. Toh Kin Woon, the Penang Education Committee Chairman, at 11.00 a.m. on 4th May.

Than Temple wishes to register a word of thanks to Becky Choong and the main sponsor for these activities Action Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. as well as the other co-sponsors Practical Printers Sdn. Bhd., Equator Academy Art Centre, Kwong Hwa Yit Poh Press Sdn. Bhd. and Nanyang Siang Pau for their support and help in making these exhibitions a success.