The Malaysian Sangha Association held its AGM in conjunction with the annual successfully-organised Mahasanghikadana on 15 June 2008 (Sunday) at Than Hsiang Temple.

Than Hsiang Sunday school successfully convened its 2008 Buddhist youth camp from 29 May to 1 June at the 5th floor Multi-purpose hall. The total 130 participants were seperated into 10 groups, named after the Paramita classifications.

The theme of the camp is “search, discover and grow”. The camp was declared opened by Ven. Zhen Xin, accompanied by the chairman of the organizing committee and the camp superintendent at 7.30pm in the evening of 29 May, followed by offerings to the Buddha and dharma-sharing by the Venerable.

Two major disasters struck in May this year bringing untold sufferings to millions of people. On 2 May 2008 tropical cyclone Nargis hit the coast of Myanmar and devastated a large part of the low Irrawady delta. Homes were flattened, trees uprooted and power-lines downed. Up to 90 % of homes in rural areas wiped off the surface of the earth. Such a calamity the country has never faced before, the scale of needs is clearly massive. Casualty figures continued to rise and estimated to exceed 23000.

About one hundred people attended this year’s Fo San (the three-day Amitabha name-recitation retreat) from the 5th to 8th of June held at Than Hsiang temple.

(Penang-18 May 2008)—Hundreds of devotees, with lighted LED-candle in their hands, thronged the Than Hsiang multi-purpose hall to usher in the 2552 B.E. and at the same time help to raise fund for the relocation of Phor Tay High School.

The open day for BM Kindergarten was held on the morning of the 5th of May 2008. In conjunction with its 1st annual open day since its establishment, a Buddha- bathing ceremony was also arranged ahead of the Buddha day, to be followed up on the same day with a parenting talk by the renowned child educationist and ex-head master, Mr. Tan Kerk Chee .

The 2008 labour day (1st of May) is memorable to Than Hsiang Temple as the day witnessed the official opening of its new canteen, vegetarian restaurant and articles shop as well as the 14th anniversary of Wan Chin Yan , the senior citizens home, by Ven. Wei Wu.

The double celebration attracted about 100 guests who also joined the 50 plus inmates in Ta Pei Tian (the great compassion hall) commemorating the 14th anniversary of its founding.

The students from IBC had been participating in its annual dharma lecture to various part of Malaysia to thank the public for their support in the past, and without exception, the Lecture tour for this year commenced from 10th until 20th of April 2008.

In line with the Chinese tradition of remembering the departed and honouring one’s ancestors, Than Hsiang Temple held its annual Qingming dharma assembly, featuring the three-session recitation o

“ Metta Free clinic will extend its operation to southern Thailand in respond to the local needs and demands,” disclosed Ven. Wei Wu in his speech of thanks during the above anniversary celebration at Than Hsiang’s multi-purpose on 9th March 2008. Apart from the main center at Than Hsiang temple, Metta free clinic also operates its branches and mobile units in Penang Island, Seberang Jaya and Bandar Puteri Jaya in Suingai Petani.