Buddha Day (officially known as Wesak or Vesak) falls on full moon in May. Informally known as Birthday of the Buddha, it is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Shakyamuni Buddha who lived 26 centuries ago. Than Hsiang Temple organized a series of activities from 13th May to 21st May to mark this auspicious occasion.

At 9am on 13th May the little ones from Than Hsiang Kindergarten, led by their teachers took part in ‘Buddha bathing’ at the main shrine on Level 6. Many of them were thrilled because they had been doing it for the first time in their lives.

From 14th May onwards the ‘Buddha bathing’ activity was open to the public from 9am to 6pm daily. Other activities on that day included noon offering, cleansing ceremony for Buddha Day lamp lighting at 7.30pm and Pure Land Repentance at 8pm.

15th May was a beautiful Sunday. Helpful volunteers turned up at the temple early in the morning to get ready for the day’s events. At 9.30am devotees flocked to the main shrine at Level 6 to participate in ‘Buddha bathing’, listening to Dharma talks and receiving blessings from Sangha members. They continued with the noon offering at 10.30am after which they were led by Sangha members to perform sharing of merits at Dayuandian on the ground floor.

The final day of this series of activities fell on Saturday, 21st May which is Wesak (Buddha Day). Employees and volunteers were exceptionally busy at various stations because of the big crowd pouring in. Canteen and kitchen staff at the ground floor assisted by dedicated volunteers, managed to pack 4,000 boxes of free set meals before noon so that they could be distributed to devotees during lunch hours. There were volunteers outside Dabeidian packing fragrant floral water, selling flowers and souvenirs while others were ushering in devotees to ‘Buddha bathing’ and lamp offering inside the shrine. Administrative staff and volunteers at fund collecting counters explained to well wishers the details about tax exemption for donations directed to Than Hsiang Foundation.

Meanwhile at the Multipurpose Hall on Level 5, beside ‘Buddha bathing’ and Sangha blessing there were exhibitions by Than Hsiang’s education and welfare sections. They included Mitraline Counseling Service, Than Hsiang Sunday Dharma School, Than Hsiang Youth Circle, International Buddhist College (IBC) E-Learning Program and handy craft making by Than Hsiang Kindergarten teachers.

The highlight at the main shrine (Level 6) was the noon offering ceremony conducted by Venerable Zhenru which had the hall packed with devotees. Venerable Zhenru also officiated a Refuge and Precepts taking ceremony at the same venue after the lunch break. ‘Buddha bathng’ and Sangha blessing as well as exhibitions at the 5th floor continued till 2.30pm. Staff members and volunteers proceeded with clearing and cleaning works to wrap up the day’s event.

At 4.30pm devotees and members of various units of Than Hsiang left in three buses and proceeded to the Malaysian Buddhist Association where they would participate in the Wesak float procession organized by the Penang Wesak Celebration Committee. With this the Than Hsiang 2016 Buddha Day Activities were successfully completed. Thanks to everyone who had been involved or connected in one way or another. The activities would not have been carried out satisfactorily without your valued participation and assistance.

Amituofo!