Behind every successful event are countless hearts that quietly give, serve and contribute.
On 8 August 2026, the Inauguration Ceremony of Maha Karuna Vihara was successfully concluded, bringing together more than 2,000 guests, devotees and members of the public from near and far to witness an important milestone for Maha Karuna Vihara.
After the ceremony, the two words closest to my heart are simply — thank you.
My deepest gratitude goes to all the Venerable Sangha, Buddhist elders, government representatives, distinguished guests, Buddhist organisations, devotees and well-wishers who came to celebrate with us and offered their blessings and support.
And above all, my heartfelt appreciation goes to every single volunteer who gave their time, energy, patience and understanding throughout the preparation. 
Everyone came from different places, with different responsibilities, yet we gathered because of one shared aspiration — to contribute something meaningful to the Buddha Dhamma, to the Vihara, to our loved ones, and to society.
To be able to meet one another in this lifetime because of the Dhamma, and to work together for a place dedicated to the Dhamma, is itself a beautiful blessing and a source of great joy.
An event will always receive both praise and constructive feedback. There will be things we did well, and there will certainly be things we could have done better.
Our organising committee members are all volunteers. We have our own work and family commitments, and we could only do our best to make time amidst our busy lives to prepare for this important occasion.
Due to our limited manpower, we were unable to personally invite every Buddhist friend and well-wisher. We are grateful to the media and everyone who helped share the public invitation.
We also seek your kind understanding towards our volunteers. Some may be young or less experienced and may not remember every detail or be able to answer every question. Yet, they came with a sincere heart to serve.
We cherish the opportunity for the temple to be a place where they can learn, grow, and experience the joy of serving the community. With patience and encouragement, we hope to nurture more compassionate hearts to serve society and the Buddhist community in the future.
If anyone felt that they were not sufficiently attended to, or if there were shortcomings in the arrangements or hospitality, we sincerely apologise. Thank you for your patience, understanding and generosity.
We are still learning, and we will continue to improve.
As Venerable Sri Saranankara often reminds us, look more at the strengths of others rather than their shortcomings; do whatever we can, and wherever possible, bring more kindness into society.
This time, there is one group I especially wish to express my deepest gratitude to — our Kitchen Team and Environment Cleaning Team.
You have truly done so much.
After midnight on the eve of the inauguration, when I went downstairs, I saw volunteers still working in the kitchen, preparing ingredients and cooking.
At around 4.00am, I heard the kitchen coming alive again.
I was deeply moved.
While most people were still asleep, our Kitchen Team had already begun another long day.
What everyone else experienced was a warm and delicious meal.
But behind every meal were countless pots of food, endless ingredients, mountains of dishes, food waste, greasy kitchen floors, cleaning and organising — work that seemed never-ending.
Many of the ingredients were also sourced through the volunteers’ own networks, donations and sponsorships, helping to reduce the financial burden on the Vihara.
The kitchen is one of the most physically demanding places to serve.
There is no air-conditioning. It can be hot, humid and exhausting. During the busiest moments, there may not even be time to sit down and drink a glass of water.
Yet no one complained.
When tired, they rested for a moment. Then they encouraged one another and continued.
I have often heard senior say that many people begin their journey of service in the kitchen.
In the hottest, hardest and least visible places, we learn to serve, to take responsibility, to be patient and, most importantly, to let go of ourselves.
Previously, those words were perhaps just an idea to me.
This time, I truly witnessed what they meant.
After midnight, when I walked into the Dana Hall again, I saw some volunteers who were simply too exhausted and had fallen asleep on the floor.
At that moment, although I was already physically and mentally exhausted myself, my heart was deeply touched.
After speaking with a few of them, I walked away and could not hold back my tears.
Because this was no longer simply about “volunteering”.
It was something deeper:
“The Vihara needs me, so I will stay.”
“The work is not finished, so I will continue.”
“No one asked me to do it, but I am willing to contribute.”
No applause.
No stage.
And perhaps no one even knew.
No one knew what time you went to sleep, or what time you woke up again to continue working.
Yet you continued to serve quietly.
That is what touched me most deeply.
Even after the inauguration ceremony ended, many volunteers did not immediately go home. Some remained at the Vihara until after 9.00pm, continuing to prepare food to offer to devotees who came for the chanting and blessing session that day.
Our Environment Team was no different.
While everyone was busy attending the ceremony, eating, meeting friends and enjoying the occasion, you quietly cleaned the surroundings, arranged the tables and chairs, handled the waste and kept the Vihara clean and presentable.
These may not be the tasks people notice, but they are essential to any of the event.
So, to every member of our Kitchen Team, & Environment Cleaning Team, and every volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes:
Thank you.
Thank you for giving your time, strength, sweat and even your precious hours of sleep to the Vihara.
When an event is over, people see only the words “successfully completed.”
But I know that behind those words are countless sleepless nights, tired bodies, sweat, and hands that continued working even when they were exhausted.
A successful event is never created by one person.
It is created by many hearts working together.
At this meaningful milestone, we must also remember everyone who has contributed to Maha Karuna Buddhist Society and Maha Karuna Vihara throughout the years.
We are deeply grateful to the founding President of Maha Karuna Buddhist Society, Brother Jacob Chan, all past office bearers and committee members, and every senior who contributed to the establishment, development and continued growth of the Society.
Because of the aspiration, perseverance and sacrifices of those who came before us, we are able to continue walking this path today.
Maha Karuna Vihara was not built in a day.
From a piece of land to the beautiful Dhamma centre we see today, this journey has involved the dedication and hard work of countless people.
We are especially grateful to the architectural consultants, professional consultants, contractors, engineers, construction teams and every worker who contributed to the building of Maha Karuna Vihara.
For almost five years, many of you met with us week after week — discussing, coordinating, supervising, solving problems and working through one challenge after another.
Five years is a long journey.
Today, when we stand inside Maha Karuna Vihara and see the Buddha shrine, the various spaces and the many people able to enter this sacred place peacefully, we know that behind every part of it are countless contributions that may never be seen by the public.
We will not forget them.
During the preparation for the inauguration, many kind-hearted people also came forward voluntarily.
Some brought flowers and plants to beautify the Vihara.
Some brought food, fruits and supplies.
Some simply asked, “Is there anything else we can help with?”
Some contributed financially.
Some contributed their time and labour.
Some offered resources.
Some introduced friends who could help.
Some even chose not to leave their names, asking only to contribute something meaningful to Maha Karuna Vihara.
Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.
We may not be able to name everyone here, but please know this:
Every contribution you have made to Maha Karuna Buddhist Society, Maha Karuna Vihara and this Inauguration Ceremony is appreciated, cherished and remembered， that is for the future generations.
Because what we have created together is more than a building.
A Vihara is not merely bricks, steel, concrete and architecture.
What we are building together is a place where the Dhamma can continue to flourish — a place where future generations can come closer to the Buddha Dhamma, learn compassion, practise kindness and cultivate wholesome qualities.
Today, we are planting seeds of goodness.
Perhaps many years from now, some of us may no longer be here. But I hope that when future generations walk into Maha Karuna Vihara, they will still be able to feel the compassion, kindness and aspirations that this generation left behind.
This contribution is not only for us today.
It is for future generations, for the continuity of the Buddha Dhamma, and for the wider Buddhist community.
A Vihara is brought into being through the wholesome intentions, blessings and contributions of many people.
What we have created together is not merely a building.
It is a legacy of goodness and compassion that we hope will continue for generations to come.
I feel deeply grateful that in this lifetime, we have had the opportunity to meet one another through the Dhamma and to form such meaningful wholesome connections.
May we continue to be patient with one another, learn from one another, support one another and rejoice in one another’s merits.
Where we have fallen short, may we continue to improve.
Where the work is difficult, may we carry it together.
And where there is joy and Dhamma happiness, may we share it together.
May all Venerable Sangha Nayaka and Sangha members, Dhamma teachers, Buddhist organisations, past office bearers and committee members, devotees, consultants, construction teams, sponsors, volunteers and every kind-hearted individual who has contributed to Maha Karuna Buddhist Society and Maha Karuna Vihara be blessed with good health, peace, happiness, wisdom and abundant merits.
May the merits accumulated through the construction of Maha Karuna Vihara, its Inauguration Ceremony, and all wholesome deeds performed by everyone be dedicated to the welfare and happiness of all sentient beings.
May the Buddha Dhamma continue to flourish.
May the Dhamma remain long and strong.
May our nation enjoy peace, prosperity and harmony.
May there be peace in the world.
May all beings be safe, happy and free from suffering.
With deepest gratitude to everyone.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Maha Karuna Vihara Inauguration Ceremony Organising Committee
Chairperson, Yee Shin
13.08.2026
Below are the captured moments. Click here for more photos.
