DDM Malaysia Contributes Greatly to Buddhist Culture and Arts Festival
For the purpose of celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain, 50 Buddhist organizations in Malaysia joined together for the first time to host the Buddhist Culture and Arts Festival, held from 6 to 10 June, 2007. The goals of the festival were to encourage the Malaysian public to further understand Buddhism, and to recognize the positive contributions of Buddhism in Malaysia towards humanity and world peace.
Dharma Drum Mountain Malaysia was warmly invited to take part in the celebrations. Two stalls were set up by DDM Malaysia to exhibit Venerable Master Sheng Yen and DDM's publications, including video and audio materials.
The dedication and hard work of DDM Malaysia gained a fruitful outcome. Many people who were attracted by the inspirational and tranquil Buddhist music, showed great interest in DDM, especially in Venerable Master Sheng Yen's compassionate ideas and publications. A small Chan hall, created within the stall to allow the people to experience Chan meditation, was particularly well received and many people joined DDM Malaysia's members to experience Chan meditation and its spiritual benefits.
On the final day of the festival, DDM Malaysia played the video titled "Odyssey & Renaissance" on the main stage screening the history of the thousand-year-old Akshobya Buddha head. The ancient artifact was returned by Venerable Master Sheng Yen to its place of origin; the Four Gates Pagoda in the Shentong Monastery, Shandong, China, bringing awareness to the Venerable's teachings on the need to protect the spiritual environment.
As one of DDM Malaysia's most extensive engagements since its founding, their participation successfully fulfilled the goals of the festival. They also look forward to seeing more contribution to world peace from the people of Malaysia. Moreover, DDM Malaysia is grateful to DDM Taiwan for the strong support received for this event.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
