Buddhism As Education

THE Asian Kadampa Dharma celebrations, which started in Malacca in 2002, is making its way back to Malaysia next month and the venue is a hotel in Penang. The celebrations have so far been held in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore. The blessing empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni and teachings on the practice of refuge in Buddhism would dominate the three-day event starting April 16 at Parkroyal Hotel Penang. The host Vajrapani Buddhist Meditation Centre, Penang, is expecting up to 300 followers from all over the world to attend. Interested Malaysian participants can call the centre at 04-2290852 or fax 04-2261657 or email info@meditateinpenang.org. You can also visit the website http://www.meditateinpenang.org/ . “A refuge is a means of entering the liberating path in Buddhism,” said the centre resident teacher Gen Kelsang Yangdak. “The annual Asian Dharma Celebration is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a spiritual holiday with your friends from all over Asia. Everyone, whether new

We wish to thank Venerable Hai Tao, the Hai Tao Life Foundation and Palme Gon Buddhist Society Butterworth for organising this prayer and merit making ceremony for the benefit of our Buddhist community here.

The devotees offering their prayers and following the recitation. Venerable Hai Tao leading the mantra recitation and puja ceremony. The devotees doing their part to create more merits. The pagoda for devotees to make their prayer rounds. The mini Kuan Yin hut at the Palme Gon's liberation garden.

10th March, 7.00 pm - The evening service commenced with mantra recitation, puja and followed by dhamma talk by Venerable Hai Tao. The singing of Buddhist songs followed after that.

Venerable Hai Tao conducts the blessing at the riverside after the liberation ceremony. Look at the fish and crab who came up to thank us for our deeds.

The largest turtle shown here was released in the liberation ceremony on 10th March at the Prai riverside in Bagan Lallang. Let us all pray and bless this cute turtle who had finally gained its freedom.

10th March, 3.00pm - Venerable Hai Tao later led the devotees and members to the liberation of fishes, crabs, tortoise, birds, crickets, monkeys, insects and turtles at the Prai riverside situated at Bagan Lallang, Butterworth.

10th March, 1.00pm - Venerable Hai Tao graced the fire offering and mantra recitation ceremony organised by the Palme Gon Buddhist Society in Bagan Lallang, Butterworth. The purpose of the fire offering is to assist the wandering spirits and the suffering to gain a proper rebirth in their next life and to bless them with our merits.

Young Buddhist Association Malaysia cordially invites you to participate in the Contemporary Buddhism Seminar Series on the theme of “Understanding the New Political Scenario in Malaysia: Adaptation and Engagement for the Buddhist Community”. The details are as follows: Date: 25 April 2009 (Saturday) Time: 8.30am – 5.00pm Venue: Dewan Mutiara (3½ Mile, Jalan Ipoh) Medium: English Registration Fee:- Free admission for Sangha member RM60 for Adult Participant RM45 for Student (Secondary School, College and University) Registration Closing Date: 11 April 2009 Speakers:- Venerable Dhammavuddho Maha Thera is abbot of Vihara Buddha Gotama, a 15-acre forest monastery in Temoh, Perak. He received his ordination in the Mahayana tradition in 1983 and his Theravada ordination in 1996. He was an electrical engineer for 12 years before becoming a monk. Datuk Dr Victor Wee Eng Lye is the President of the Buddhist Gem Fellowship. He retired recently as Secretary General of the Tourism Ministry and is