Moh Hong Buddhist Shrine is a “society”, or collective. That’s different to a temple or church, because it is a charitable (non-profit) organisation, and it’s not part of a larger network that reports to a central authority. It is managed for and by volunteers, and adapts to meet the needs of members. Master Yasathara established Moh Hong Buddhist Shrine (MHBS) in 1965, and today the society has several hundred members and patients. There is an MHBS temple in Pontian, in Malaysia, but in Singapore the Shrine uses a residential property to meet, study dharma, pay respects to Lord Buddha and conduct karmic healing. Although “karmic healing” might sound a bit like the snake-oil cures and “laying on of hands” of old-time American travelling preachers, that’s not the intention for MHBS. There is a Buddhist belief that some illnesses we experience may be karmic in nature, and that along with modern or traditional medicine we can use mindfulness, meditation and prayer to focus on the illness and assist healing. We have 9 founding philosophical pillars and we follow the Noble 8-Fold Path, often pictured as the Wheel of Dharma, which forms one of the cores of Buddhism throughout the world. Followers do not eat beef and are vegetarian on Fridays. We have a year-round schedule of religious and social activities, which includes:
  • fortnightly (Sunday) healing sessions and Shrine-open days
  • fortnightly youth chanting/dharma sessions
  • a bimonthly dharma and meditation class
  • monthly healing sessions and Shrine-open days at our place of worship in Pontian, Malaysia
  • an annual Dharma and Meditation Camp in Pontian, Malaysia
  • special Shrine-open days in Singapore and Malaysia for Lunar New Year and Deepavali
  • special Shrine-open days in Malaysia for Vesak
  • a range of social events for Members and their friends and families
Vesak is the main event on the Shrine’s calendar, and is celebrated on a grand scale. It is marked by 5 days of spiritual prayer encompassing daily dharma and meditation sessions, oil lamp processions, spiritual healing, musical performances and mass chanting, culminating in a vegetarian dinner for over 600 invited guests. With the help of volunteers, we convert a rented open field into an inspiring and spiritual space for the Shrine’s Members, their families and friends, and the local community.

ABOUT MOH HONG BUDDHIST SHRINE BUILDING FUND

Our Master’s underlying philosophy is – no gain without due effort – 无功不受禄。As such, MHBS does not accept any outright public donations. The Building Fund is separated from the Shrine’s main Operating Fund, which allows us to keep our doors open throughout the year. It is overseen by a group of volunteers who have formed a Building Fund Management Committee, and maintains separate accounting and banking, which are kept in accordance with Singapore’s Charities regulations. “No gain without due effort” is also the philosophy that guides the Shrine’s Building Fund — there must be an exchange of service or goods for any money we receive.