Humanistic Buddhism was promoted by a Chinese Buddhist Great Master of recent era, Venerable Tai Xu. Venerable Tai Xu did not create the principle of Humanistic Buddhism, instead Venerable studied in depth Tripitaka, researched and experienced teachings of the Buddha, had a thorough knowledge of this world, trend of the current society, trend of cultural thinking, thereby discovered that Buddhism should actually be in human life, and that Buddhism should help human beings progress and improve the world environment. Therefore, Venerable promoted the humanistic Buddhism, corrected the thought that the aims of learning the teachings of Buddhism were to gain merits and to have good fortune after death, as well as bias towards personal liberation. Instead, he emphasised on the improvement in the present human life and society. Buddhism should therefore be actively involved in human life and society.
In 1976, a number of youths who were inspired by the teachings of the Buddha and enlightened by Venerable Tai Xu’s concept, knowing that humanistic Buddhism is compatible with modern society and should be researched and developed, they organised the Centre of Humanistic Buddhism Malacca to contribute towards Buddhism, society and human life.
With encouragement and guidance from Ven. Sek Kim Min and Chairman of the Penang Humanistic Buddhism Center, Teacher Wang Yin Voon, and support and assistance from Buddhist friends, Centre of Humanistic Buddhism Malacca was finally set up. The Inaugural Setup Assembly was held in Malacca Confucius Association premise on October 18, 1976 where the constitution was adopted and the first committee elected.
Wang YK was unanimously elected as Chairman, Vice Chairman was Chen Soo Chew, Secretary was Kim Leng Hui, Assistant Secretary Lee Shui Wang, Treasurer Chen Chin Tong; Dharma Unit Lead Chui AL, Welfare Unit Lead Yang ZH, Entertainment Unit Lead Yee CC, Sports Unit Lead Lim KC, and committee members Yang AK, Chang KL, Liang KY and Chen SL; while auditor was Lee SC.
The aim of Centre of Humanistic Buddhism Malacca is to continue teachings of Buddha’s supreme enlightenment, and is closely associated with Venerable Tai Xu humanistic Buddhist principle. The Centre focuses on research, implementation and progressive evolution which appeal to the masses and its approach is scientific. It promotes the path of Bodhisattvas which leads to Buddhahood..
The Establishment celebration and oath-taking ceremony of the first committee were held in the main hall of Malacca Pay Fong Secondary School. More than 500 people witnessed the ceremonies. Guests of honour were Ven. Sek Kim Beng, Ven. Sek Kim Sing, Teacher Liew KC, and Teacher Wang Yin Voon who made a special trip from Penang. Entertaining performances were hymn, dance, drama etc. presented by members of the Centre.
After setting up, Centre of Humanistic Buddhism Malacca actively carried out activities, number of members also progressively increased. It moved to the premise in Jalan Yilek, Malacca on July 1 the following year. Medicine Buddha Assembly was also held on that day to pray for a safe society and a peaceful year. Over a span of 38 years, it shifted 3 times. Finally they bought a 3-storey building in Jalan Tong Jenah in 1992.
Activities of Centre of Humanistic Buddhism Malacca
The center’s activities are based on the direction of Venerable Tai Xu, focus on 3 areas, namely, Education, Charity and Culture.
(1) Dharma Education
I, Initiate “Buddhism Research class” to allow members and those interested to explore Buddhism systematically together.
II, Initiate “Children Sunday class”, where children will be taught basic Buddhism and basic human principles, thus inspire correct ideas, develop their intelligence and let them to have a chance to involve in healthy group activities to inculcate team work spirit.
III, Organise Dharma Assemblies, invite monks to deliver Dharma talks.
IV, Send Dharma speakers to give Dharma talks in associated organisations, to exchange experiences in learning Buddhism and exchange ideas.
V, Publish and distribute Buddhist publications.
VI, Organise chanting and training classes, enhance the spiritual quality.
(2) Charitable Welfare Activities
I, Organise donations to the poor and old, and aid the poor and ill people to obtain health care.
II, Promote blood and organ donation campaigns.
III, Set up academic award for members’ children to encourage them to study hard.
IV, Pay visit to Orphanage, Handicapped Home, and Old Folks Home so that they can experience the human warmth.
(3) Cultural and Recreation Activities
I, Set up Hymn singing choir, dance troupe and drama unit.
II, Set up Buddhist Library to encourage members to read Dharma books.
III, Organise festival celebration parties, outdoor travel and picnics.
IV, Organise tours to visit outstation organisations, in order to improve understanding among Buddhist organisations and strengthen the unity spirit
Contact：
Address：167, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia, Malacca City, Malaysia
Phone：06-284 1948
Email：melakacenter@gmail.com
Website：http://melakacenter.blogspot.com/
Official FB Page：Centre of Humanistic Buddhism Malacca
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