Devotees listening to Wesak Day sermons at Samadhi Vihara.
HUNDREDS of devotees of all ages gathered at the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia Samadhi Vihara and Bodhi Vihara, two adjacent temples in Bukit Raja, Shah Alam, to celebrate Wesak Day.
They lined up for the significant Buddha bathing ritual where each devotee had the opportunity to pour fragrant water onto a statue of Buddha.
Lum helping Daenerys in the Buddha bathing ritual at Samadhi Vihara. — Photos: SS Kanesan/The Star.
Business consultant Ong Yi Xiang, 44, and his wife Lam Wei Cheak, 43, a business development manager, and their three children Tze Hang, 10, Xin Yunn, eight, and Tze Hau, six, came to seek Buddha’s blessings.
“Since moving to Setia Alam, we have made it an annual practice to be at Samadhi Vihara on Wesak Day. We spend about three hours following prayers, participating in the puja and listening to sermons,” said Ong.
“I find this place very peaceful. We prayed for good health and love to prevail in our lives and also took part in the bathing of Buddha,” he added.
Wesak Day is one of the most important dates on the Buddhist calendar, signifying the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha.
Recitals of the sutra (scriptures) by Reverend Bante Mahinda and Reverend Ratmale Vimalakitti filled the halls as devotees joined in.
Musician Alex Tan, 40, who was with his wife Lum Yi Mann, 32, and daughter Daenerys Tan Rox Xyi, three, said his family were regulars at Samadhi Vihara for Wesak Day, and that everyone looked forward to taking part in the bathing of Buddha ritual.
“It is a symbolic gesture to wash away bad karma and start anew,” said Tan.
Samadhi Vihara vice-president Jeffrey Pang Hock Huat, 73, said as at noon, about 300 devotees had participated in the puja and attended the sermons.
Dr Sagunthala (standing) with nurse Siti Nor Syakila as Ooi Teik Woi, 44, donates blood at Bodhi Vihara.
“We are having several events including a blood donation campaign,” he said.
Klang’s Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah held a blood donation drive at Bodhi Vihara.
The team was headed by Dr Sagunthala Perumal who was assisted by a medical lab assistant and four nurses.
