For the first time, our Sunday Dharma School (SDS) organized a Blessing Service for 53 students sitting for the PMR, SPM and STPM examinations this year. Among those who turned up for the blessing at the Hall of Great Compassion (Da Bei Dian) on Sunday, 23 September 2007 included students from Sekolah Menengah Sungai Ara.

Venerable Zhen Xin gave a lecture after the morning service for the SDS assembly. Shifu introduced the “nian fo fa men” – invoking the Buddha-name path to the students by explaining the meaning of Amituofo which represents infinite light and life . As light also symbolizes wisdom, it is very appropriate for students to chant Amituofo to calm their minds before studying. Shifu quoted the living examples of some of our SDS students and Than Hsiang Youth members who had excelled in their examinations and scored very outstanding results.

Shifu also reminded the students that they are planting seeds to excel and will reap success eventually if they continue to chant relentlessly and perform skilful actions. She cited the “Liao Fan” story where he managed to change his destiny by doing many good deeds.

Shifu also elucidated the use of the rosary (chanting beads) in reciting the Buddha-name by fingering one bead after each invocation clearly and mindfully. Shifu ended her Dharma lecture by stressing to the students that they only need to spare a little time each day to chant Amituofo regularly.

At the end of the service, the exam students queued up to receive Shifu's blessings and collect a rosary each from Shifu. May the Light of the Triple Gem always shine on these students who are deemed the successors and future of the Buddhist community.