A robe offering ceremony at the Ti-Ratana Sukha Dhamma School in Cheras. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
STUDENTS, parents and religious leaders gathered at the Ti-Ratana Sukha Dhamma School in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
The event began with a puja, a customary offering of objects such as flowers, food, fruit, water or drinks.
This was followed by an opening address by Ti-Ratana Sukha Dhamma School spiritual adviser H. Hemaloke Thera.
Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA) monk Indarathana Thero then gave an explanation of the Dhammacakkapavatana Sutta, which represents Buddha’s first discourse to the world, introducing the core concepts of Buddhist beliefs.
Following this, attendees participated in a robe offering ceremony, symbolising the giving of a part of one’s self for the sake of others.
In this practice, participants offered robes to their religious leaders.
The pindapata or rice offering ceremony during the 10th anniversary celebration.
The event continued with the pindapata, in which attendees placed a spoonful of rice in each monk’s bowl, paying homage to the tradition of giving alms to monks who live without permanent homes.
The event ended with closing remarks by Malaysia’s Buddhist chief high priest and Ti-Ratana Sukha Dhamma School founder Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana.
He encouraged attendants to make use of opportunities to do good and to continue practising goodwill in all their interactions.
Ti-Ratana Sukha Dhamma School principal Vineeta Serisena said that the school started 10 years ago with about eight volunteers, but that they had always hoped to have a positive impact on the Cheras community.
“We started small, creating a syllabus to instil good values in children and then incorporated more activities so that the students can learn through action as well.
“We make sure to not just have religious but cultural activities as well, and celebrate Chinese New Year, Wesak and parents’ day.
“We even have school trips for the children once in a while,” she said.
Vineeta added that she hopes that more parents will take the initiative to send their children to the school and get more involved in the process.
“It’s not a lot, just three hours on a Sunday and it can impact children and their development for the better.
“If parents want to volunteer, all they need to do is call us and we can work something out,” she said.
Ti-Ratana Sukha Dhamma School volunteer Greg Hoh, who sends his children to the school, agrees that it has positively impacted his kids.
“Half of the children who attend are from the Ti-Ratana orphanage and the other half comprise residents around Cheras.
“I think it’s good that our kids get to interact with those of different backgrounds as it allows them to cultivate understanding and compassion for others who are less privileged.
“They use their faith as a guide while also learning from their peers.
“I think these important instructions are essential for their lives,” said Hoh. A robe offering ceremony at the Ti-Ratana Sukha Dhamma School in Cheras.
