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New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Wesak celebration draws 30,000 devotees to 130-year-old Brickfields temple
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 30,000 devotees and visitors, including tourists, gathered at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields today in a grand Wesak Day celebration that also marked the temple's 130th anniversary. This year's celebration stood out not just for its scale, but also for a renewed focus on charitable initiatives, including an organ donation drive under the Silent Mentor programme, in addition to the annual blood donation campaign. Buddhist Maha Vihara honorary secretary Tilak Leslie said the Silent Mentor programme allowed individuals to donate their bodies after death for medical research and education, in collaboration with universities, teaching hospitals and medical experts. "As of now, we have 30 pledged deceased donors whose bodies are preserved for educational purposes," he said, adding that the registration process was simple and open to all. Founded in 1894 by the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society, the Maha Vihara Temple held its first Wesak Day celebration in 1895, following the arrival of two Sri Lankan monks. Wesak Day, observed on the full moon in May, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, all of which were believed to have occurred on the same lunar date. "This is the most sacred day for Buddhists," Tilak said. "It commemorates the three most significant milestones in the Buddha's life, and we honour it with spiritual observances and acts of compassion." This morning's celebrations began with the raising of the Buddhist flag at 8am by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia M.I. Mohamed Rizvi and chief high priest Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana, followed by prayers, singing of hymns, the lighting of lotus oil lamps and the burning of incense. Devotees then queued to receive blessings, holy water and a sacred yellow string from monks. One of the key highlights of the evening was the Wesak float procession that began at 6.30pm, which would cover a 12km route through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, before returning to the temple around 10.30pm. Between 20 to 25 elaborately decorated floats, depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha, would be taking part in the parade. In a notable show of interfaith unity, the Church of Our Lady of Fatima nearby contributed to the celebration by offering food to the monks and distributing meals to devotees. "We're deeply humbled by their generosity," Tilak said. "They've also planned to provide more food tomorrow during the lunch hour. It's a beautiful example of unity and shared compassion." When asked about the crowd, Tilak described the response as "overwhelming", with at least 30,000 people recorded by midday.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Grand Wesak Day planned at Buddhist Maha Vihara
KUALA LUMPUR: Wesak Day, the most sacred day for Buddhists, will be observed nationwide tomorrow, with the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields expecting over 50,000 devotees and visitors during its two-day celebration. Buddhist Maha Vihara honorary secretary Tilak Leslie described Wesak as the most significant event in the Buddhist calendar. 'It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha, all of which occurred on the full moon day of May.' Among the temple's signature events this year are the lighting of about 7,000 oil lamps and a float procession through the heart of Kuala Lumpur. He said charitable initiatives would take centre stage, including blood and organ donation drives, as well as the Silent Mentor programme, which allows individuals to donate their bodies after death for medical education and research. 'The procession will take place on the evening of Wesak, starting at 6.30pm. It will cover an 11km route through Kuala Lumpur, reaching close to Bukit Bintang before looping back.' This year's float, themed 'Buddha and Nature', draws inspiration from the story of Mukalinda, the serpent king who according to Buddhist scripture, shielded the Buddha from a storm during his post-enlightenment meditation. The float will feature symbols of nature – lions, deer and trees – and a striking depiction of Mukalinda. 'It reflects Buddha's harmony with nature and the enlightenment that Wesak represents.' Tilak said in keeping with Buddhist principles of simplicity and conservation, the temple consciously avoids waste. 'Our Buddhist practices are quite simple and logical. We try not to be wasteful and aim to conserve as much as we can.' He said preparations for the celebration began two months ago, especially for the float design and construction. 'Massive rains almost every other day slowed our progress but because we started early, we were able to manage.' He said vegetarian food would be served at the temple from today until May 13. Tomorrow, the temple will distribute approximately 4,000 free vegetarian meals and drinks to visitors. 'We currently have about 250 volunteers serving in three-hour shifts. Anyone can sign up as a volunteer through our Facebook page or at the temple office.' The temple is open to all segments of society, regardless of background. 'We also welcome non-Buddhists. Wesak is a time for peace, reflection and charity. We appreciate everyone who comes to celebrate it with us. Come and observe, participate or volunteer. Let's hope for a peaceful and happy Wesak.' He added that dana, the practise of charity, is a central element of the celebrations. 'In Buddhism, charity can take many forms – giving food, money, blood, organs, even your body after death. It's part of our Buddhist DNA.' Among those preparing for the celebration is Sharon, 64, a lifelong volunteer at the temple, whose family has served the institution for generations. Her great-grandparents were among its early founders. 'We've been here every season, not just for Wesak,' she said. She recounted the temple's modest beginnings, how the Buddha statue was brought from Burma (Myanmar), the bells from Sri Lanka and how the sandy temple grounds have since transformed into a centre of worship and heritage.
