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LEAD ARTICLE | EASTERN HORIZON 5

learnt most from him over the
years?

My teacher taught me to perform
meritorious deeds like doing dāna
to support the laity in the form
of social and welfare projects.
According to the Buddha, any
donation in kind or service that
support the Buddha Sasana is
considered a meritorious deed
which will bring immeasurable and
immense blessings to society.

You also have much contact with
the late Ven. K Sri Dhammananda
Maha Nayaka Thera who was a
leading missionary in Malaysia. In
what ways has he influenced your
missionary activities?

The late Ven. K Sri Dhammananda
Nayaka Maha Thera used to
organize seminars and Dhamma
talks on a very regular basis
with the objective of clearing the
misconceptions Malaysians have
about Buddhism. I have learnt
from him the relevant Buddhist
knowledge and as well as
missionary skills. The late Ven.
Dhammananda was a rare gem but
even though he has passed away,
his many books and writings have
become a legacy that all Malaysian
Buddhists truly treasure.

You are best known for your
wonderful social welfare
activities at the temple, such
as the Amata Clinic, Buddhist
Funeral Service, and Old Folks
Home. What was the inspiration
behind these social projects, and
how did you find the financial
backing for these projects?