Abiding in Impermanence, Cultivating Joy in the Dharma

On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the second Lay Sangha Gathering was successfully held at the residence of Bro. Chan Cheow Khoon and Sis.Yeap Siew Heng. Fellow practitioners gathered joyfully to learn, practice, and encourage one another through the Dharma.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by the emcee, Sis. Lay Hong. Thereafter, Bro. Lim Kie Woon led the assembly in the recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s name. The resonant chanting filled the hall, planting wholesome seeds of purity and mindfulness in everyone’s hearts.

As Wesak Day approaches, Penang Wan Ching Yuen held a Buddha Bathing Ceremony on May 28, 2026 to celebrate in advance. On that day, the senior citizens gathered early in the shrine hall, listening to Buddhist hymns while quietly awaiting the arrival of the Sangha members.

Wan Ching Yuen Staffs and volunteers had prepared the Buddha Bathing basin and elegant decorations one day before.

On the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month, Buddha Day, Than Hsiang Temple solemnly held some Buddha Day Celebration Activities.

At around 7:30 a.m., the Than Hsiang temple canteen began preparing buns, dumplings,fried noodles, porridge, Putu Piring, etc to offer to the public. At the same time, volunteers also began to prepare packed rice boxes to be provided as lunch for the public.

On May 26, 2026, the tenth day of the fourth lunar month, Than Hsiang Temple held the Buddha Bathing Ceremony for staffs and volunteers at the Great Compassion Hall.

Throughout the year,every staff members and volunteers had dedicated themselves to serving the temple with care and effort. Aside from cultivating good merits, they also listened to the Dharma. Since everyone is busy on Buddha's Day itself,the Buddha Bathing Ceremony was held earlier,giving staff and volunteers the chance to chant sutras, listen to Dharma talks,bathe the Buddha,and receive Sangha blessings.

On May 24, 2026, the eighth day of the fourth lunar month was the Buddha Day. Than Hsiang Temple held the Buddha Day Lamp Lighting Purification Ceremony,the Noon Offering Ceremony, and the Transference of Merits at Yan Sheng Tan Altar and the dedication of merits at the San Sheng Dian.

The eighth day of the fourth lunar month symbolizes the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. This day is not only a commemoration of the Buddha's birth but also symbolizes the opening of the path to enlightenment, guiding sentient beings to release from the cycle of rebirth (Samsāra).

On May 22, 2026, Than Hsiang Kindergarten (Headquarters) and Than Hsiang Kindergarten (Sungai Ara Branch) gathered at the Great Compassion Hall of Than Hsiang Temple to hold the Buddha Bathing Ceremony.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 , Venerable Hui Guan was ordained under the guidance of Most Venerable Wei Wu. The hair-shaving ceremony took place in the previous evening, May 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the nuns’monastery. Amidst the chanting and blessings of the Sangha and family members, Venerable Zhen Ti performed the tonsure for the precept candidate, Venerable Hui Guan. The entire ceremony was dignified and solemn.

On the fifteenth day of the third lunar month (01/05/2026), Than Hsiang Temple held a recitation of the Amitābha Sūtra and a noon offering ceremony in the Main Shrine Hall to commemorate the memorial prayer service for the Late Venerable Bo Yuan.

Coinciding with May 1st, Labor Day, many devotees came to the temple to offer LED lights, pay homage to the Buddha, and participate in chanting and the noon offering ceremony.

Every year, during the Ching Ming Festival, Than Hsiang Temple holds the Ching Ming Dharma Assembly. This year, the Dharma assembly was held on 12 April 2026, at the 5th floor of the temple, and was also livestreamed on YouTube.

On that day, in the early morning, volunteers prepared rice, vegetable dishes, and fruits, arranging them neatly on the Pure Land Altar. At the same time, many devotees came to the fifth-floor Pure Land Altar to worship their ancestors.

The nineteenth day of the second lunar month marks the Guan yin Bodhisattva's birthday. In Buddhism, Guan yin Bodhisattva's birthday is a very important Buddhist Festival. Guan yin symbolizes “great compassion and the spirit of relieving suffering." Therefore, whenever sentient beings are in need and recite Guan yin Bodhisattva's name, the bodhisattva will respond and comes to their aid.