Objectives:
1) To propagate the Buddha Dharma
2) To promote the development of Buddhist cultural education
3) To advocate genuine Buddhism and oppose superstition
In the 18th century, numerous workers and businessmen migrated from China to Peninsular Malaysia and brought along their folk beliefs and practices. With the improved education level of the descendants and the active propagation of genuine Buddhism, Kuching Buddhist Society was established. With the supports from a group of lay Buddhists, the Borneo Island began its chapter of Buddhism.
The Kuching Buddhist Society was officially founded in 1971 with supports from numerous lay Buddhists. It emerged as the second Buddhist organisation in Sarawak and appeared to be one of the largest and oldest Buddhist organisations in Malaysia. From around 10 members in its infant stage to 17 associated member organisations and thousands of members, Kuching Buddhist Society perseveres in contributing to the various sectors of society.
Kuching Buddhist Society operates daily from 6am to 10pm. In line with the needs of the society, many activities such as Dharma talks, education, culture and arts, medicine, welfare, charity, publication, funeral and cremation services are held. These have fulfilled its aspiration to serve Buddhism, Dharma and the society.
During its inception, KBS was based at 2nd floor of Hokkien Association of Kuching. Through continuous effort and determination of the members, the first building was established in 1981. In 1987, KBS expanded further to build a lecture hall. In 1990, the building was further extended with main shrine hall, lecture hall, library, 12 new classrooms and 32-room hostel.
KBS occupies an area of 65,406 square feet with built-in area of 120,000 square feet. Buddhist Cultural Village occupies an area of 50 acres and is currently under development stage. It has set up Chinese and English Dharma propagation section, Tantric section, youth section, women section, teenager section, scout, free medical, welfare and charity section as well as Buddha Education Foundation. With a collection of 40,000 Dharma books in its library and 1000 students in its kindergarten, KBS has provided opportunities for people from all walks of life to learn and practice the Dharma.
The achievement of KBS today has proven the passion of the lay Buddhists to contribute to Buddhism. This is also the outcome of the good cooperation between the monks and lay Buddhists in developing Buddhism.
Buddhist Cultural Village
Buddhist Cultural Village is the creation of a new Buddhist community area under the purview of Kuching Buddhist Society. The whole concept is to realise the idea of a pure land on earth. Under the leadership of the President and management committee members of KBS, a Mi-Tuo-Yen (Amithaba Courtyard) was set up in Buddhist Cultural Village. The courtyard includes Triple Gems Hall, Tee-Chan Relics Hall, cremation and mortuary hall and vegetarian restaurant.
In the next 10 years, other facilities such as a clock tower, a Senior Citizen Centre (suitable for retirees), hospice care, kindergarten, multi-purpose centre, staff’s hostel, condominium, 500-Arahats tower, standing Sakyamuni Buddha Statue, meditation hall, garden track, live-release pool covering over 50 acres of land will be built gradually. The village integrates educational, welfare, medical, meditation, recreation, and cultural amenities with the spirit of Buddha to build City of Buddhists. This city will eventually become a typical model of Malaysian Buddhism.
Contact：
Address：Lot 1912 Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho,93200, P.O.Box 1775,93736 Kuching, Sarawak
Tel：082-428689/082-411906
Fax：082-243628
Website：http://www.kbs.org.my/2012/
Official FB Page：Kuching Buddhist Society (KBS)
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Outlook of Kuching Buddhist Society (KBS)
