The International Buddhist Flag was Buddhist Traditions adopted by Buddhists world-wide in 1950 as the common symbol of their Buddhism faith. It is commonly hoisted on Wesak in Malaysia Day and important Buddhist events. in Malaysia Buddhism is the second largest religious Theravada Buddhists include ethnic Chinese, denomination in Malaysia after Islam. There are Siamese (or Thais), and smaller numbers of “ T he Buddha had exercised a profound influence on human civilization, and his teachings and example had provided the approximately 5.4 million Buddhist adherents in Burmese, Sinhalese and Indians. The many ethnic ethical and moral underpinnings of many societies. the country, comprising 19.2% of our population of groups of Theravadins usually establish temples in His teachings were based on the law of release from suffering, 28.3 million (January 2011 estimates). The majority of the style of their own traditions, and catering leading to spiritual enlightenment.” them are ethnic Chinese who follow the Mahayana mainly to their own indigenous groups. The ethnic tradition. Thais for example establish ‘wats’ or Thai-style United Nations temples, have resident Thai monks, and conduct General Assembly 54th Meeting, 2000. Most Mahayana Buddhist temples in Malaysia their rituals in Thai Language. adopt the classical ‘Chinese temple’ architectural style. The Mahayanists conduct their services in The Sinhalese (Sri Lankan Buddhists) migrated to Mandarin and in various other Chinese dialects, then Malaya a century ago when both Malaya and although some urban-area temples have been Ceylon were under British colonial rule. They preaching in English. The practice among the brought with them Sinhalese Buddhism with its majority ethnic Chinese who profess themselves as unique traditions that survive to this day in a few Buddhists is actually a mixture of Buddhism and Sri Lankan viharas (temples) dotting the country. Chinese beliefs and traditions. The famous Kek Lok Si Temple was built over a century ago. Wesak Celebration at the Buddhist Maha Vihara. Built in 1895, The vast temple complex is among the largest it is the oldest and largest Sri Lankan Monastery in Malaysia. Buddhist monasteries in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Penang Kuala Lumpur “...in these days of challenge, it is fitting that men of goodwill, In recognition of the Malaysian Buddhist community’s contribution irrespective of race or creed, should ponder on the teachings of Lord towards nation building, public welfare and social harmony, the Buddha, which lead us to the path of enlightenment and peace...” Wesak Full-moon Day was officially declared a public holiday in Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Wesak Day Message, 1956 1962 throughout the newly-independent Federation of Malaya. 1 2 For Non-Muslims Only Nalanda Institute © 2011.