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FEATURES | EASTERN HORIZON 47

He would also like to share the Dharma with friends in
China and Western countries; if necessary to continue in
future lives.

Than Hsiang started with about 20 members in the
1980s. Today, it has 20,000 members and some 200,000
who support the organization directly or indirectly in
and outside Malaysia.

They have set up facilities such as a Metta Free Clinic, 10
kindergartens, two Mitra counseling centers and four
senior citizens’ homes.

In Malaysia, there are branches in Penang, Kedah,
Selangor, Wilayah, Negri Sembilan and Perak.

In Thailand, they have a Foundation and the
International Buddhist College (IBC) which will be
celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

IBC is an accredited institution offering BA, MA and PHD
degrees in English and Chinese mediums.
Dharma transmission from Senior Venerable Bo Yuan in
the Zhaodong Chan Dharma lineage,” he added.
They have produced graduates from more than 30
countries. The students were recruited from top schools
Than Hsiang Temple was initially a place mainly for
and universities such as Yale, Columbia, HKU, MU and
spiritual practice.
NUS.

Later, it extended to play a social role in promoting
IBC graduates have been accepted into top universities
education, welfare and cultural activities.
of the world.
According to Ven Wei Wu, although Than Hsiang is a
Currently, Than Hsiang is supporting the four Phor Tay
spiritual organisation, it is also active in education,
schools financially as well as providing teachers with
social and cultural work.
Buddhist classes.

“I believe that Than Hsiang will become better when I
The good work of Ven Wei Wu is the visible outcome of
retire as abbot but I will still play a different (advisory)
Than Hsiang’s noble mission: “For the young to learn,
role.
the strong and healthy to serve, the aged and sick to be
cared for, and the departed to find spiritual destination.”
“My successor Ven Zhen Dian was among the first batch

of monks and nuns to be ordained at Than Hsiang
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/
Temple after me, so he is no stranger to the older
metro-news/2019/03/14/engineering-change-for-
devotees,” he said.
greater-good/#CQAyYozRUMexKyvi.99

On his future plans, Ven Wei Wu said he would want Source: STAR, Thursday, 14 Mar 2019 EH
to attain spiritual liberation, ultimately Buddhahood.