Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary... Groundwork for a Malaysian Theravada Buddhist Identity

颐馆 2015-10-10

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Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary - About SBS

About Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary

Sasanarakkha [Guardian of the Sasana] is a compound formed from the Pali words sasana and arakkha . For Theravada Buddhists, Sasana is an abbreviation of Buddhasasana [the Buddha's Teaching], which is basically three-fold: to study, practise and realise the Dhammavinaya. Arakkha means guardian or protector.

Location

Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) is located in Lot 1029 in the mukim of Tupai. Nestled within an orchard of approximately 10 acres among secluded hills on the outskirts of Taiping, it is removed from the busy, worldly society. It provides an excellent environment for spiritual development. Come and enjoy its natural beauty and peace. The land belongs to TIMS and is under trusteeship.

Background and Overview

The proposed Sanctuary is the brainchild of Venerable Aggacitta, a Malaysian born and bred in Penang. On the Wesak of 1978 he answered the Buddha's call to go forth. In pursuit of the pure Theravada teachings, he journeyed to Myanmar and Thailand where he underwent rigorous study and training for 15 years. Five years after his return to Malaysia, he realised the need to establish a centre to train Malaysian monks to live up to the expectations of the Ancient Elders.

Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS), a Theravada Buddhist monk training center, is a joint effort of major Buddhist organisations in the country. It was established in 2000 under the auspices of Taiping Insight Meditation Society (TIMS) / Pertubuhan Meditasi Pemahaman Taiping, an officially registered non-profit religious organisation.

SBS is a sanctuary for Malaysian Buddhist monks to deepen their knowledge, understanding and practice of the Buddha's teachings. The sanctuary hopes to answer the urgent calls of the Malaysian Buddhist community to overcome the acute shortage of suitably trained local monks.

A secondary objective of SBS is to provide a retreat centre for the promotion of the spiritual, mental and physical health of its supporting community; thus reflecting a healthy Sangha-laity interdependance.

Facility
SBS is equipped with facilities to carry out its activities to fulfil its objectives. The facilities comprise : Shrine Administrative Block comprising an office and reception area, a multi-purpose hall and a dining hall Sangha Complex that provides seclusion for practice and study, away from lay activities Meditation halls set in forested areas Guest lodges for lay activities
	Shangha complex comprises : Library Classroom Multi-Media Room Publication Room Shangha Central Facilities

Monk Training Center		Retreat Center
For Malaysian Buddhist monks to deepen their understanding and practice of the Buddha's teaching.		Ideal for meditation retreats, workshops, forums, camps, seminars and any other activities that promote spiritual, mental and physical health.
Trained teachers, comfortable lodgings, well-stocked library and other facilities for a modern monastic life in a forest setting.		Meals, lodgings and other facilities are provided free. Lodging for up to 70 retreatants, plus 2 kutis for teachers.
To reciprocate the continual support by the laity, the monks share the Dhamma by giving talks and teaching meditation here and elsewhere.		Besides meditation retreats organised by external groups, SBS also organises its own, including those conducted by SBS monks.
MONK TRAINING		Individuals with acceptable recommendation (credentials) can also come for self-retreat.