KUCHING: A grand charity dinner in conjunction with the fourth anniversary of Fa Yuan Vihara and the first anniversary of its centre was held at Sarawak Club, Jalan Budaya on Monday night.
THE EVENT KICKS OFF: Yong hits the traditional gong, symbolising the official opening of the ceremony.
The celebration was launched by Deputy Minister of Works Dato Yong Khoon Seng.
The event was held to raise funds for the building of premises and charity. Fa Yuan Vihara propagates the virtuous preaching of the teaching of Buddhism of Gautama Buddha.
Fa Yuan Vihara was established on Oct 1, 2006 to spread mainly the teaching of Guan Yim. With the setting up of a premise at fifth mile Hakka Industrial Centre, it hoped to provide opportunities for more faithful to practice and meditate.
Fa Yuan Vihara actively carried out charity initiatives to reach out and help those in need. Besides that, they were also actively promoting the freedom of pets or animals, especially those put in cages.
“Many, especially children like to keep small animals as pets but are not aware that the cages only deprived them of their freedom. Cages may also affect their health and inflict injuries and cause death.
“I hope we heed the appeal of Fa Yuan Vihara and adopt the noble practice of returning the small animals to Mother Nature,” Yong said.
A charity sales (vegetarian food) will also be held on Jan 9, in which the proceeds will be used for charity purposes.