I think Kuching is somewhere in Borneo but it seems that they're having a Buddhist Conference there
200 international devotees to attend Buddhism World Congress in Kuching
Posted on March 21, 2013, Thursday
PROMOTING PEACE: Chung (from right) with Lama Pema, Lama Palden and Ling at a photocall after the news conference.
KUCHING: Over 200 devotees from Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Singapore, Australia and Europe will take part in the Buddhism World Congress here scheduled for May 16 to 23.
Themed ‘Many Paths, One Journey in the Land of Hornbills 2013,’ organiser Kuching Bodhi Path Society (KBPS) has invited His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje – the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism to grace the event.
The 17th Karmapa is expected to propagate Kubera Empowerment and Guru Rinpoche Empowerment. It is believed to be the first time His Holiness will perform the empowerments.
The week-long congress will take place at Pullman Hotel Kuching and KBPS’ premises in BDC here.
At a news conference here yesterday, treasurer to the organising committee Irene Chung said the 17th Karmapa’s arrival in the city in May will be his third visit.
“The last time (his second visit) he came to Kuching was in December 2006. Karmapa was on a world tour last year to promote world peace and harmony, having visited Kuala Lumpur and Singapore but not Kuching.
“This time around, we are honoured to have Karmapa at the congress held in conjunction with Wesak Day. We hope local devotees will grab the opportunity to join us for spiritual growth.”
The congress will be deliberated in English while translation to Mandarin has been arranged. To reach out to needy outpatients, Chung said a charitable side event ‘Donate a wheelchair’ was currently held in conjunction with the forthcoming congress to raise as much funds as possible.
She called on every outpatient, who is in a dire need of a wheelchair, to register with the society. KBPS will then verify applicants before handing out the wheelchair.
“We plan to give out 100 wheelchairs. However, if we are able to collect more donations, more wheelchairs – with each costing about RM300 – will be purchased for eligible individuals who have registered with us.”
A gala dinner comprising 50 tables will be held at Pullman Hotel Kuching on March 17. To date, 22 tables have been taken up by foreign devotees.
Chung said the organiser might consider increasing the number of tables, if more requests for the tickets. “Most of the ceremonies, empowerment, teachings and question-and-answer sessions will take place at Pullman Hotel where the function hall is capable of accommodating up to 1,500 people.”
She, however, urged devotees and intending participants to register with the society prior to the congress.
Meanwhile, founder of KBPS Lama Palden said Bodhi Path teachers provide instruction in meditation, philosophy and guidance to learn and practise Buddhism under the spiritual authority of the Karmapa and Shamar Rinpoche.
“Shakyamuni Buddha taught the path of wisdom and compassion for all beings. This path leads to the understanding and realisation of ultimate reality or enlightenment.”
KBPS was approved by the Registrar of Societies in 2009 and became active in the following year. It now has some 100 members. Among those present at the press conference were Lama Pema, assistant to Lama Palden and KBPS treasurer Ling Teck King.
For dinner tickets, registrations, donations or more information, visit No.2, 7th Avenue, Lorong C, BDC or call 082-453679, 012-8899328, 019-8864851 or 013-8117060.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/03/21/200-international-devotees-to-attend-buddhism-world-congress-in-kuching/#ixzz2O9xk2RN2
