In conjunction with the Ullambana Festival (Seventh Lunar Month) Than Hsiang Temple organized a ten-day Filial Piety Dharma Assembly from 17 to 26 August 2012. There were lamp-lighting prayers (blessing for living parents and relatives) and penitent services (remembrance of departed parents and relatives, ancestors, karmic creditors and all sentient beings) during the period.

On Tuesday, 14 August, a joint birthday celebration was held at Great Compassion Hall for 38 children from Than Hsiang Kindergarten. The aim was to educate the children that birthday is a remembrance day of mother’s suffering and father’s worry in the hope that they would have filial affections towards their parents.

The Friday Buddhist School of Than Hsiang Jing Yuan（Sungai Petani）organized a half-day tour around Alor Setar on Friday, 25 May 2012 with an aim mainly to expose its students to different traditions of Buddhism. 40 people including 29 children, 3 Ai Xin parents and 6 teachers led by Reverand Zhi Qiang and Brother Zhi Hui participated in the tour.

On Saturday, 11 August 2012, a ceremony of renunciation was held at 10 p.m.at the Main Shrine. More than 30 people witnessed the ceremony.

Venerable Wei Wu, Chairman of the Council of the International Buddhist College, Professor Charles Willemen, Rector of the International Buddhist College, Honorable members of the Sangha, Deans, Professors and members of both academic and administrative staff, Distinguished guests, Graduates, Students of IBC, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The fifth International Buddhist College( IBC) convocation, since its inception in 2002, was convened on 5th August 2012 at IBC Multipurpose hall. The event was began with an academic procession including representatives of IBC officials and deans, members of the Council, the Venerable Founder, IBC faculties and students at 2.15 p.m..

The convocation attracted both local and foreign dignitaries in the Buddhist and academic fields to witness the event.

The International Buddhist College 5th Convocation Seminar was held at Than Hsiang Temple on Sunday, August 4th. 9 scholars from Belgium, Japan, the United States, Sri Lanka, China and Malaysia presented their papers while about 200 people attended the seminar which had been conducted in Chinese and English at Multi Purpose Halls on the ground floor and the 5th floor respectively. 55% of the participants attended the English section.

BUDDHIST educationists, leaders and members of Sangha and anyone who feels Buddhist at heart are invited to a seminar on August 4 at Than Hsiang Temple in Penang.

Maha Sanghikadana is an important event well known among Buddhists of both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Once, Buddha asked his disciple, Venerable Maudgalyayana, to perform this meritorious deed on Ullambana Day in order to rescue his mother who was suffering in the hungry ghost realm. His mother was saved by his deed. Thus, many Buddhists follow Venerable Maudgalyayana’s example by performing the Maha Sanghikadana to benefit their parents, both living and deceased.

Wan Ching Yuen, Sungai Petani celebrated its 3rd anniversary at Than Hsiang Jing Yuan, Sungai Petani on 30th June 2012. Venerable Zhen Xin and Sister Gaik Ean briefed the volunteers on their respective duties after everybody had enjoyed a delicious and nutritious breakfast prepared by dedicated kitchen helpers early in the morning.