(WAki International Media Center 15th March) The speech of Dr. Teo Choo Guan, President of Waki Relic Museum on 22nd January 2022.
Good afternoon to Chief Rev. B.Sri.Saranankara Maha Thera, Rev Chee Teck, Sangha members from Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, President of Segamat Buddhist Society, Ms. Subha See, Datuk and Datin, Consultants and Committees members, all volunteers, Buddhist youths, reporters and all the special guests. Today is an auspicious day, Segamat Buddhist Society ascended 3,000kg and 12 feet tall brass Buddha statute and 132 mini buddha statute.
In the past 2 years, the covid-19 pandemic has spread around the world and harmed the global economy and people's health. We are fortunate as the construction project of the Segamat Buddhist Society has been progressing without any delay in these past two years due to the support from all committee members, devotees and the public. We have been working hard together to complete the re-construction project, so that the teachings of the Buddha can be propagated without fail.
The Segamat Buddhist Society is one of the best places for the youth to learn the dhamma and have their fond memories. The Segamat Buddhist Society has organised many interesting dharma courses to attract the young people and be active in the dharma activities. Therefore, this place is not only spreading the dhamma seed to the youth, but also providing a good environment for devotees of all ages to learn, study and practise the dhamma.
According to the Sad-dharma Puṇḍárīka Sūtra,it states that “anyone who aspires to build the pagoda, build the monastery, or make the Buddha Statute, the person sees countless Buddhas, he will go in the path of liberation and benefit to all beings." I feel so rejoice to have this chance to join this meritorious deeds to re-construct the building of Segamat Buddhist Society and enshrine the 12 feet tall Buddha and 132 small Buddha statutes. Besides, it is an auspicious time to enshrine the relics of Buddha, namely, the blood,brain, skin and bone relics, a mini Gold Buddha statute and the relics of Five Hundred Arahants in this grand Buddha Statue and 132 mini buddha statutes in the Segamat Buddhist Society.
Lastly, I pay tribute to the triple gems and thank to the Chief Rev. B.Sri.Saranankara Maha Thera, Rev Chee Teck, Sangha members from Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, advisors and Committees members of Segamat Buddhist Society, all volunteers, Buddhist youth, reporters and all the special guests to witness the ascension of the 3,000 kg brass Buddha Statute and 132 Small Buddhas Ceremony. I wish all of you a happy, prosperous, and healthy new year. May you be free from all disasters and have a peaceful life. Thank you.
Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.