Than Hsiang kindy centers’ year-end school holiday follow the gazetted government school holiday stretching from 16th Nov 2007 to 2nd Jan 2008.

The new year brings with it the annual orientation day to usher in a new phase of life of the new students in the kindergarten. A cleansing ceremony is conducted in each of the centers for the blessing of the students and parents.

Than Hsiang main center and Sungai Ara taska had their cleansing ceremony at TH multipurpose hall at 9am & 10.30am on 29/12, while the branches at Simpan Ampat , Bukit Mertajam and Sungai Petani had theirs on the 31/12 at 9am, 10.30am and 2pm respectively. Lastly, the afternoon session of the TH main kindy held the event at 2pm on 3/1/08.

Ven Zhen Xin led in all the “Cleansing Ceremonies “. In her dharma sharing she briefly explained the chanting and sutras recited during the ceremony: The opening “ cleansing sutra” praises the great compassion of Bodhissatva Avalokitesvara, known in Chinese as “Guan Yin”, in her endeavor to save all sentient beings from “Samsara” . The recitation of the sutra was then accompanied by the sprinkling of water for blessing.

The Great Compassion sutra (Ta Pei chow) followed next. As the name implies, it is a Sutra of compassion efficacious in removing suffering. While assisting students in their studies, we also encourage students to emulate the spirit of compassion of the Bodhisattva.

The next sutra is the Heart Sutra, well known for its brevity and deep meaning. It is known also as the essence of wisdom sutra as it explains the highest level of wisdom in Buddhism. We draw a distinction between intelligence and wisdom. An intelligent man may not necessary be wise but a wise man must be intelligent. Therefore, we hope that all students will be blessed with the wisdom depicted in the sutra. This will greatly help them in their life in the future.

Finally, The Venerable wishes all the students happiness and good health .The simple ceremony has undoubtedly foster a closer relationship between the parents/students and Than Hsiang kindy, in addition to the blessing of the triple Gem.