Than Hsiang's Pu Men Pin Online Gong Xiu’s Dharma Sharing（05/04/2025）

Teaching Assistant in International Buddhist College, Sister Chiew Suan Bee sharing “The early history and popularity of Mahayana Buddhism ”

The topic today is about “ The Early History of Mahāyāna Buddhism”

Before I start, I would like to explain the three traditions today: Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna ( or “ Tibetan Buddhism” if you like ).

The nineteenth day of the second lunar month is Guanyin's birthday. On this day, Than Hsiang Temple resumed the "Pu Men Pin" On-site Cultivation at 8 PM. The On-site Cultivation took place in the “Great Compassion Hall”, with approximately fifty people participating. Venerable Hui Li and members of the Brahma Voice Group led everyone in chanting the "Universal Gateway Sūtra《普门品》." Throughout the chanting, everyone's heart was filled with Dharma joy. During the circumambulation, everyone was devout and focused.

Today is the nineteenth day of the second lunar month, which is also Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s birthday. On this auspicious day, everyone arrived early at the Great Compassion Hall to pay homage to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, offering lamps, flowers, fruits, and longevity buns before the Bodhisattva.

Than Hsiang Temple held a birthday celebration on March 15th at 8 PM.

On the 15th day of the second lunar month, Buddha Parinirvana Day, many people come to the Than Hsiang Temple, either to offer lights and pay homage to the Buddha in the Great Compassion Hall, or to enjoy delicious vegetarian food in the canteen.

It has been the tradition of Than Hsiang Taiji group to collect donations for Than Hsiang Mitra Welfare Centre.

On 29th December 2024, handover of the donation collection was conducted in Than Hsiang Temple Da Bei Dian. Lyn Foong and Kean Peng represented Than Hsiang Taiji group handed over a mock cheque of RM12,620.00 to Sister Tay (representing Mitra Welfare Centre) with the witness of Ven Zhen Nian. Thanks for Taiji members’ generous contributions!

Ven Zhen Nian has been very compassionate to conduct a Dharma sharing session with Taiji members. Sadhu! Sadhu!Sadhu! 感恩！

Today, the eighth day of the second lunar month, is the day commemorating Buddha’s Renunciation. At 10:45 AM, Than Hsiang Temple held a regular offering to the Buddha in the Main Shrine Hall at the sixth floor. Everyone participated in the offering with delight. Following that, the sanghas led everyone to the San Sheng Dian on the ground floor for the dedication of merit. The ceremony concluded successfully.

The first 2025 lay sangha gathering was held at the Dabeidian on February 22, with 6 sanghas and 27 lay sanghas in attendance. At 3:00 p.m., the emcee, Sister Wai Cheng, welcomed and thanked the members who came to attend the gathering. Then there was an interesting activity in which Sisters Lyn Foong, Liang Nee and Sister Gan Lau warmed up the venue with Taiji actions. Sister Lyn Foong told everyone that the correct name should be “Taiji Quan” in mandarin, she demonstrated the basic standing posture of Taiji.

Than Hsiang's Pu Men Pin Online Gong Xiu Dharma Sharing ( 21/02/2025 )

Teaching Assistant of International Buddhist College, Sis Wong Ping Ling shared on "The Parables of The Lotus Sūtra ( Part 2 )".

There are altogether 7 parables in the Lotus Sūtra.

These parables illustrate the core teachings of the Lotus Sūtra.

Sister Suan Bee earlier explained 2 of the parables:-

1. Parable of the Burning House (Chapter 3)
where a father saved his children by tricking them out of the house with the promise of different toy carts.

During the third day of the Lunar New Year, Penang’s Than Hsiang Temple organized a New Year Family Pūjā activity.