Today, many places in the world are infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Many people feel anxious and restless due to their ignorance concerning the deasease. Till now, the root cause of this disease (SARS) is still largely unknown. Nevertheless, the health ministry has come up with certain basic preventive measures.

Thus, to ensure that the general public and the staff of Than Hsiang staff have a better understanding on SARS, two talks on the deadly disease were conducted in Than Hsiang.

The Joy of Zen is the theme for a series of fund raising activities organised by Than Hsiang Temple which includes two arts exhibition entitled Pure Lotus Scent From Afar and Love Of The Children and a series of musical concert entitled Fei Thien Chinese Music Kitty.

Devotees of the Than Hsiang Temple celebrated Wesak Day not only by offering flowers, fruits, lighted candles or prayers but also by observing a nine-day vegetarian week which commenced on 12th May. On 21st May all merits accrued from this meritorious act will be transferred to SARS sufferers all over the world after the morning prayers. To facilitate the observation of the vegetarian week all food served in the canteen from 12th to 20th May were served on a pay as you like basis.

The Qing Ming Dharma Assembly for the year 2003 was held with much reverence and grandeur as devotees flock to the Than Hsiang Temple to celebrate the event. The event lasted for about 5 hours from 1pm to 6pm in the evening.

(From the e-desk of Ven. Wei Wu May 1, 2003.)

A Kalyana Mitra Cultivation Day aimed at fostering spiritual cultivation among residents, staff members, volunteers and devotees was held on 30th March.