Devotees offering alms during the historic grand assembly of forest monks at Padang Polo in Penang. – LIM BENG TATT/The Star
SOME 1,000 Buddhist devotees carrying bags of vegetarian food offered alms to about 60 monks and nuns, a practice known as pindapata, at the first ever grand assembly of forest monks in Penang.
Despite the rain, the event held at Padang Polo saw devotees with raincoats and umbrellas gathering as early as 7am to station themselves along the Pindapata route.
They made their offerings to the monks and nuns from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Dressed in dark brown robes, the monks led by Venerable Phra Ajahn KaiZhao Yuttadhammo began their pindapata route at the Penang Harmony Centre (Harmonico) in Scotland Road before heading to Padang Polo, where they received food offerings such as rice and cereals placed in their alms bowls.
Teacher Ch’ng Pooh Khem, 59, arrived at the field as early as 7am to take part in the pindapata.
“Most Sundays I go to the temple near Penang Hill, where Buddhist monks and nuns converge to receive alms from devotees.
“When I heard some 60 monks were coming to Padang Polo, I decided to come here to donate dry food,” she said.
Another devotee, Neoh Sim Yong said he took part to bring about good vibes in his family life.
“I seldom do this but when I have the chance, I contribute and do my part,” he said.
Neoh, 43, said he felt proud that people of different ethnicities enjoyed the freedom of religion in Malaysia.
After the pindapata, the event moved back to Harmonico where a chanting session to bless Penang and its people was carried out by the monks.
There were also offerings of requisites from the public to the monastic community, followed by chantings of blessings.
During the event, Buddhist devotees took the opportunity to perform ritual ablution by washing the feet of monks before the prayer session started, as a sign of respect.
The prayers were then led by the head of monks in Malaysia and Singapore, Venerable Phra Ajaan Keng Khemako.
There was also a half-day retreat programme themed “Blessings for the Heart” held at Harmonico, where the participants were guided on the art of achieving inner calm and peace led by Phra Ajahn KhaiZhao.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor John Ooh Sih Hwa said the historical ceremony was organised to recognise various Buddhist organisations’ contributions to society during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is indeed a historical ceremony to be held in Penang, not to mention it is also a great honour and recognition to the Buddhist community of Penang.
“This ceremony is in line with the ‘Love Penang’ initiative by the state government, in an effort to build a caring society and harmonious environment for the people,” he said.
Also present during the event at Harmonico were Bukit Gelugor assemblyman Ramkarpal Singh, Thai consul-general in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Ayer Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng , Kek Lok Si Temple trustee Datuk Seri Steven Ooi, Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia state chairman Datuk Seri Tan Gim Soon, Penang Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong, Harmonico directors Datuk Seri Anwar Fazal and Dr Kuah Li Feng, and representatives from the Bahai faith.
The event was organised by the United Buddhist Order of Malaysia, Harmonico, MBPP and the Royal Thai Consulate in Penang.
