M.B.S.A. Maha Sanghikadana
July 27, 2003:-

A Maha Sanghikadana in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Buddhist Sangha Association (M.B.S.A.) was recently held in the Multipurpose Hall of Than Hsiang Temple.

About 350 sangha members from various temples in Malaysia and Thailand attended this important event which is well known among Buddhist of both Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Volunteers who came all the way from Klintiendharm, Haadyai also took part in this auspicious event.

During the week which preceded this momentous event, a series of dharma talks were conducted in Than Hsiang Temple by four acclaimed sangha members. On the 19th of July, the abbot of Than Hsiang Temple, Ven. Wei Wu, gave a talk on the origin of the Ullambana Day. This was then followed by a dharma talk by Ven. Ji Deng on the 20th of July, who spoke on the true essence of cultivation when one pays respect to the Buddha. A dharma talk on why one should offer dana to sangha members was given by Ven. Ji Zun on the 25th of July. On the eve of the Maha Sangikadana, Ven. Boon Keng, the abbot of Ang Hok Si Temple, gave a talk on the importance of ‘Letting Go’ of our attachments. These dharma lectures can be viewed online by visiting our Than Hsiang Audio Visual section of our website. Please click here to view them.

On 27th July, the day began with a Pindapatta at 7.00am at the Great Compassion Hall of Than Hsiang Temple. Sangha members were invited to the Main Shrine Hall, located on the 6th floor, for the annual general meeting of the M.B.S.A. During this time, the devotees proceeded to the Multipurpose Hall located at the 5th floor of Wisma Than Hsiang, and waited patiently for the arrival of the sangha members.

At about 10.00am, the Maha Sanghikadana began with the Than Hsiang Choir Group leading the audience in a song ‘Praising the Sangha’ to herald the arrival of the sangha members. Once all the sangha members were seated, Ven. Dr. Chow Kun Phra Raj Siddhikun, who is also the vice president of the M.B.S.A. led the observance of the Panca Sila. This was followed by the welcoming speech by Bro. Saw Kok Oon, chairman of the working committee of the M.B.S.A Maha Sanghikadana.

After the offering of lights, Mr. Cheang Chee Gooi, special assistant to Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, Chief Minister of Penang, gave a speech. He first apologized for the absence of the Chief Minister who was at that moment tied up with an important event in the ministry, and spoke on the importance of having a Maha Sanghikadana. He stressed on the importance of a Buddhist education and how one should not be mislead by fake monks and nuns who ask for money, an issue which was voiced out earlier by Bro. Saw Kok Oon.

Ven. Chek Huang, President of the M.B.S.A and chairman of the Malaysian Buddhist Association, then gave a short dharma talk in Mandarin on the importance of filial piety and the practices of good Buddhists. In a spirit of goodwill, Ven. Wei Wu then translated his talk to English, while Phra Mahaphrasit gave a translation in Thai. Ven. Chow Kun then translated the talk to Hokkien, thus each and every one of the audience had a clear understanding of the talk given by Ven. Chek Huang. The Maha Sanghikadana ended with the transference of merits by sangha members from both the Theravada and Mahayana tradition.

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A sharing from a Devotee on the Maha Sanghikadana event

Dear Ven Zhen Yuan,

Here's my expression on the Maha Sanghikadana event. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation to you for giving me another great opportunity to serve in this great occasion. It's also a new history in which can be written in my diary.

I was worried each time when I received an offer with a task that is a first time experience for me. But I knew that if I don't take the first step, I would never have another chance. I knew you were more worried than us. But with a group of family members (Ai Xin Ba Ba, Ma Ma, Ge Ge and Jie Jie), we will work hand in hand and make sure that everything will go right. Please forgive those who are new (just like me). I'm sure that with your guidance, time will proof that they can do it.

Before this, I don't know what is "Maha Sanghikadana". Perhaps I have heard about it in my younger days but just didn't ask further. Not only this, I'm did not even know there are two traditions called "Theravada" and "Mahayana". In my mind, Buddhist is as simple as just praying to the Buddha. But after this event, not only did I understand the above matter but more importantly, I now know that making offerings to Sangha members is an auspicious activity for the Buddhist. It is not an act of simple offerings but rather coming from our own sincerity. Understand that many in the public who wish to perform in this occasion did not have the opportunity. I think we (the family members in Than Hsiang) are the luckiest one. Thank you Shi Fu.

With my very best blessing to you,

Disciple
Kah Hong