๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ-๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐น ๐ช๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ธ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ Salam Madani. Salam Kita Selangor. Happy Wesak and warmest greetings to all.
As the sacred glow of Wesak slowly recedes, our hearts remain filled with deep gratitude, joy, and reverence. The Selangor State-Level Wesak Celebration 2025, held at Maha Karuna Vihara, Shah Alam, has been an unforgettable spiritual milestone for us. We are truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to serve as the official venue host for this significant celebration.
Following the launching ceremony on 20 April 2025, the working committees have laboured tirelesslyโthrough rain or shineโwith full devotion to the spirit of dฤna (generosity), sฤซla (morality), and bhฤvanฤ (mental cultivation). Every moment has been a reflection of our collective faith and dedication to the Dhamma.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Selangor State Government for organising this meaningful celebration for the community, especially the Buddhist devotees across Selangor. Special thanks go to YAB Dato Seri Amirudin bin Shari, Chief Minister of Selangor and his office, YB Tuan Ng Sze Han and his esteemed office, Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (UPEN), Shah Alam City Council, Theravฤda Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM), Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC), and the Malaysian Buddhist Association Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Branch (MBA) for their invaluable guidance, support, and close collaboration. Their involvement was instrumental in making this celebration both meaningful and memorable.
Throughout the two-day celebration on 17 and 18 May 2025, the temple grounds were filled with joy and devotion as we welcomed nearly 2,300 visitors on 17 May, and approximately 500 visitors on 18 May. In the morning of 17 May, we were especially honoured to welcome around 130 Sangha members, who graced the occasion with their presence, blessing the event and all attendees.
A particularly inspiring highlight was the live demonstration of ancient Ola leaf manuscript writing by Venerable Sangha members from Sri Lankaโa rare and sacred display of Buddhist textual heritage passed down through generations.
The atmosphere was further enriched by family-friendly and educational activities, including a Parenting Workshopthat promoted mindful parenting and Buddhist family values. Childrenโs laughter echoed through the venue as they engaged in canvas bag colouring, mini canvas painting, and other creative โLittle Artistโ activities, while proud parents watched on. These moments reminded us that the Dhamma lives not only in temples and scriptures, but in the hearts of families.
Sutra copying sessions offered visitors a quiet space for reflection and mindfulness, while the Selangor Wesak Passport Program, which encouraged the public to visit 20 designated temples across the state, brought a spirit of pilgrimage and discovery. Participants who completed stamp collections received free gifts, and many eagerly gathered for the lucky draw finale at Maha Karuna Vihara.
Devotees also participated in the flower offering ritual, a serene gesture of reverence and gratitude to the Buddha. Nearby, charity sales booth operated in support of the establishment of Maha Karuna Vihara, with kind-hearted donors contributing generously toward the templeโs growth.
The day was further uplifted by a beautiful showcase of multicultural performances, reflecting Malaysiaโs harmonious diversity. The audience enjoyed the graceful Tarian Muhibah, an exquisite Sri Lankan welcome dance performed by a highly acclaimed troupe, the elegant Chinese lotus dance, and a soul-stirring performance by a Chinese orchestral ensemble. Each performance was met with enthusiastic applause and a shared appreciation for culture and unity.
In the spirit of Buddhist compassion, free vegetarian meals were lovingly prepared and offered to all visitors throughout both days. This act of generosity was made possible by many co-sponsors and well-wishers. We are especially grateful to Sime Darby Property, who too supported both F&B sponsorship and the Mini Theatre segmentโwhere short films promoting moral values and community harmony were screened to inspire reflection and social kindness.
We were deeply honoured by the presence of many esteemed guests and dignitaries, including The Honourable Mr. Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility and Co-Chairman of the Special Committee on Non-Islamic Affairs (LIMAS); The Honourable Mr. Lau Weng San, Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly; The Honourable Ms. Pua Pei Ling, State Assemblyperson for Bukit Lanjan; and The Honourable Mr. Preakash A/L Sampunathan, State Assemblyperson for Kota Kemuning.
We were also privileged to welcome district officers from various local councils, Mr. Madiyan bin Baweh, Deputy Mayor of Shah Alam City Council, and Mr. Mohd Zaim bin Mohd Shukri, Chief Assistant District Officer of the Petaling District and Land Office.
Among the distinguished Buddhist leaders present were Venerable Shih Ming Ji, Chairman of the Malaysian Buddhist Association (Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Branch); Mr. Tan Leng Huat, President of the Theravฤda Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM); Ms. Lilian Tay, President of the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC); Most Venerable Master Jue Cheng, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan overseeing Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia; Venerable Khenpo Palden; Venerable Dhammapala; and Chief Reverend Venerable Dhammawansa, Abbot of Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Penang. We were also honoured by the presence of Archbishop Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, along with ambassadors, diplomats, senior government officers, interfaith leaders, media members, Buddhist society representatives, and many other distinguished guests who graced the occasion with their presence.
Above all, the true beauty of this Wesak celebration was reflected in the spirit of service. With the support of more than 170 volunteers across both days, the celebration came to life with energy, care, and compassion. We extend our special thanks to the Shah Alam Buddhist Society, Nalanda Buddhist Society, and other supporting Buddhist organisations for their voluntary ushering services on 17 May. Together, they created a welcoming environment for thousands of guests.With harmony and a shared sense of purpose, they set up the venue, distributed food, assisted visitors, and embodied the Buddhaโs teachings in action. Their efforts were not just tasksโthey were selfless offerings of love and kindness.
We are also deeply grateful to the enforcement teams, police officers, and traffic personnel for their presence, cooperation, and unwavering support in ensuring the smooth flow, safety, and security of the entire celebration. Their professional service allowed everyone to participate in the event with peace of mind and confidence. Our sincere thanks to Sime Darby Property for opening the Persiaran Casuarina access road for parkingโgreatly easing logistical challenges and helping accommodate the large turnout. Our appreciation to our neighbour PMJ Trading for allowing the event guests to park within their premises.
This celebration was more than just an eventโit was a living embodiment of unity, harmony, and shared humanity. It reminded us all that when people come together in the name of goodness, guided by compassion and wisdom, we can create a space where everyoneโregardless of background or beliefโfeels welcome, connected, and uplifted.
To the Selangor State Government as the organiser, our organising partners, our dedicated volunteers, our co-sponsors, our well-wishers, and every guest who shared this sacred occasion with usโthank you.
May the light of Wesak continue to illuminate our hearts, guide our actions, and inspire our shared journey toward a more peaceful and compassionate world.
With deepest gratitude,
Maha Karuna Vihara
