TRIBUTE

TO OUR
tr av a g a nz a
TEACHERS
l E x
A M u s ic a
16th March 2019 (Sat)
8.00pm - 10.30pm
Dewan Sivik Auditorium, MBPJ
Jalan Yong Shook Lin
46675 Petaling Jaya (PJ New Town)

Program Itinerary
8.00pm - 8.10pm : Speech by President, Malaysia
Buddhist Festival, Bro Loka Ng Sai Kai
8.10pm - 8.20pm : Speech by President, Buddhist Gem
Fellowship, Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee
8.20pm - 8.30pm : Speech by VVIP
8.30pm - 8.35pm : The journey unfolds
8.35pm - 10.05pm : The GeeBees
Mahindarama Sunday Pali School
The Wayfarers
Xiang Ya Ta
i.gemz
Zhen Shan Mei
Messengers of Dharma
Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia
Asia Musical Productions
The Big Chip
10.05pm : Closing

Malaysia
Buddhist
Festival
MESSAGE FROM PROJECT CHAIRMAN
Bro Cedric Tan

Namo Buddhaya!

More than 10 years ago, I mooted the idea of showcasing the development of Buddhist
songs in Malaysia. Despite many attempts, it was not staged until I was invited by the Most
Ven. B Sri Saranankara Nayaka Thera to be part of the K Sri Dhammananda Centenary
Celebration Committee to spearhead this programme. It was a daunting task but with the
early support from music and training proponents Bro Chai Kim Chen, Bro Aaron Lee and Bro
Mooi Chee Onn, that dream became a reality early this year. With the support of the
Organising Committee members from Malaysia Buddhist Festival and Buddhist Gem
Fellowship, this daunting task was easily accomplished.

This dream Concert comprised of 10 renowned Buddhist singing groups that were and are still
actively performing within the last 50 years; each with their own followings and target groups.
They unhesitating gathered together to sing praises to their Teachers who mentored and
supported them when the tough gets going and who continued to inspire with new ideas
when they were mentally exhausted.

I wish to thank all performing groups that have graciously consented to perform tonight and
to share their journey stories with us. My appreciation too to the support given by the
organisations involved in K Sri Dhammananda Centenary Celebration Committee and also to
the leadership from Malaysian Buddhist Festival and Buddhist Gem Fellowship. The Concert
will not be possible without the aid from all hardworking Organising Committee members plus
energetic volunteers and the kindness from our contractors involved in this event.

May the merits accrued create optimum conditions towards our spiritual growth.

May all beings be well and happy.

With Metta,
Cedric Tan
Organising Chairman, Tribute to our Teachers – A Musical Extravaganza.

3
MESSAGE FROM BGF PRESIDENT
Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee

The “Tribute to Our Teachers” concert marks the last event in the celebration of the K Sri
Dhammananda Centenary. I rejoice that eleven participating organisations have put their
shoulders together to organize meaningful events spread over a year to honour the
contributions and memory of our Late Chief. I welcome the initiative of Buddhist Gem
Fellowship and Malaysia Buddhist Festival for bringing together the performers and musical
resources in Malaysia that have contributed to the development of Buddhist music. The
performers have come from groups spanning over four decades, the earliest of which is the
Wayfarers that started in the late 1970s. Since then younger performers have formed groups
that contribute to the Buddhist musical repertoire.

Very often we find that music is undervalued, and its potential is not much recognized in
the Buddhist community, which is rather unfortunate because music can be a powerful
instrument to bring people to the Dhamma. It is a powerful means of outreach, and it often
reaches the heart where mere words cannot. Also good music certainly has the power of
attraction, especially to the young. If we do not use this medium, we deprive ourselves of a
potent Dhamma door.

I started composing Dhamma songs in the mid-1970s and released my first album with the
Wayfarers in 1982. At the time when I was composing and leading Dhamma songs at
Brickfields Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur, some temple elders were displeased that
songs were sung in the temple. They complained to the Late Chief, thinking that they would
find a sympathetic ear. Instead, they were roundly “scolded” by the Late Chief who said
that if they were not open to new ideas, the temple would soon be bereft of young people.

Should people have reservations about the wisdom of using Dhamma songs, my reply to
them is this: Many people started becoming Buddhists from these songs. None has dropped
out of Buddhism because of these songs. In my association with Buddhist music for more
than 4 decades, my friends who used to sing with me remain as Buddhist practitioners.
Some have move on to become serious meditators, Dhamma teachers, and Buddhist
leaders.

Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee

President
Buddhist Gem Fellowship

4
MESSAGE FROM MBF PRESIDENT
Bro Loka Ng Sai Kai

The Malaysia Buddhist Festival (MBF) is a platform of unity for the Buddhist community from
various traditions. MBF focuses on promoting and educating the community on the history,
culture and heritage of Buddhism in Malaysia. One of the approaches is through showcas-
ing the roles and contributions of Buddhist personalities and groups towards the growth and
development of this country.

Through this event, “Tribute to Our Teachers – A Musical Extravaganza”, which is organized
in conjunction with the Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda Centenary Celebration, MBF would like
to acknowledged and record our gratitude towards all teachers and personalities who
have supported and facilitated the growth of Buddhism. It is indeed a worthy and com-
mendable effort to share and educate the Buddhist community on the development of
Malaysia’s Buddhist Music.

I am confident this musical will be a memorable and meaningful milestones for everyone
who had participated in this effort especially the working committees and performing
groups who are part of the Buddhist musical landscape in Malaysia for the last fifty years
and played significant roles towards Malaysia’s contribution to the growth of Buddhist
music locally and internationally.

On behalf of MBF, I would like to convey our deepest appreciation and gratitude to every-
one for their contributions, cooperation and support towards this event.

And lastly, may all be blessed by the Triple Gem and guided by the Teachings of the
Buddha.

Thank you.

Loka Ng Sai Kai

President,
Malaysia Buddhist Festival

5
OUR VERY DEDICATED & COMMITTED
Organising Committee

EX-OFFICIOS Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee, Bro Loka Ng Sai Kai

CHAIRPERSON Bro Cedric Tan

VICE CHAIRPERSON Bro Chai Kim Chen

SECRETARY Bro Daniel Kwok

ASSISTANT SECRETARY Sis Julie Tan

TREASURER Sis Elaine Low

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR Bro Chai Kim Chen

ASSISTANT PROGRAMME DIRECTOR Bro Federick Yeo

Bro Aaron Lee

ARTISTS COORDINATOR
DESIGN & PRINT Bro Mooi Chee Onn

COMMEMORATIVE BOOK Bro Daniel Kwok

TICKETING & USHERS Bro. Raymond Cheow, Sis Christine Liew

INVITES & REFRESHMENT Sis Julie Tan

PENANG COORDINATOR Dr Surya Dharamdass

6
ABOUT THE EVENT
Tribute to Our Teachers

An evening to celebrate the development of Buddhist Music in Malaysia

The singing of Buddhist hymns, especially English based ones, was first introduced to Malaysia
(then Malaya) in the 1950s through the dynamism of the late Ven Sumangalo into various Buddhist
Youth Circles in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang. The late Ven Ananda Mangala also
encouraged the singing of such songs/hymns and included such repertoire into Buddhist stage
shows in Melaka.

With the rise of the popularity Buddhist songs amongst Buddhist youths in the 1970s, this alternative
Dharma door was frowned upon by the then Buddhist elders as something too outrageous.
However, with the support of the late Ven K Sri Dhammananda, Buddhist hymn singing flourished
in the Buddhist Maha Vihara and was the catalyst for the growth of Malaysian Mandarin Buddhist
songs in the 1990s.

Today, Buddhist hymns remain as a unique and skillful tool in the Malaysian Buddhist scene for
fellowship and Dhamma propagation. From the simple presentation and sharing in temples, show
producers have elevated local Buddhist music as artistic set pieces to be performed in musicals for
the world to appreciate.

This Concert aims to record our highest gratitude and appreciation to our dear teachers who
have supported the growth and blossoming of Buddhist Music in Malaysia and to the world.

7
AN OUTLINE OF BUDDHIST HISTORY*
In Malaysia
Malaysia has been the focal point of Buddhist
missionaries since the beginning from Old
Kedah Period to the arrival of migrants from
China, Sri Lanka and India in the 19th and 20th
century. The historical spread of Buddhism in
Malaysia can be denotes by three waves of
development.
The First Wave started from the Indianization
process during the arrival of traders and
missionaries to the Old Kedah or Bujang Valley
at Malay Peninsula in the 1st century AD. The
Malay Peninsula then was known to have
deposits of gold, iron and tin during the era and
the natural flow of the Northeast and
Southwest monsoons facilitated the travel of
the Indians across the Bay of Bengal to Bujang
Valley, Kedah. The importance of Bujang
Valley for sea travelers can be traced from
archaeological artifacts and literary records
from Indian, Chinese and Arabian sources.
Buddhism was thriving when Southeast Asia
was under the rule of the Sri Vijaya Empire from
the 7th to 13th century A.D. The dominance of
the Buddhist based Siamese Kingdoms in the
13th and 14th centuries continues the influence
of Buddhism especially in the northern Malay
Peninsula states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and
Terengganu.
8
The Second Wave of Buddhism in Malaysia
started with the arrival of migrants from China
from the mid-17th century and the large scale
influx of Chinese labourers for tin mining and
other economic ventures in the 19th century
under British’s rule. The Chinese migrants
brought with them a syncretism of Mahayana
Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and
traditional Chinese beliefs and practices. When
the British took over the administration of
Penang in late 18th century, it also attracted
migrants from Thailand and Burma (now known
as Myanmar) which traditionally are mostly
Theravada Buddhists. The British colonial
administration brought in the Sri Lankans as
supporting staff to the government machinery
in the late 19th century. Most of the Sinhalese
from Sri Lanka who migrated to Malaysia are
predominantly Theravada Buddhists and they
invited Buddhist monks from their homeland to
provide teachings and religious services.
Remnants of a stupa excavated at the Sungai Batu
Archaeological site, Kedah.
 During the early 20th century, a
majority of the Buddhists are still
following a mixture of Chinese religions
and this situation develops the need for
a change amongst those who aspire to
promote the Buddha’s Teachings as
what been taught in the scriptures. This
was the beginning of laity organized
Buddhism in Malaysia with the
formation numerous Buddhist
organizations from the 1920s onwards.
This is the catalyst for the Third Wave of
Buddhism in Malaysia which is still
Development of Buddhism in Malaysia is closely linked to the roles of developing.
Buddhist missionaries from overseas

The Schools of Buddhism as practiced in contemporary Malaysia are influenced by Mahayana

missionary monks from China and Theravada missionaries from Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar.
Majority of the estimated 1,500 Buddhist temples and laity-managed Buddhist centres are Mahayana
based while Theravada based temples are mostly linked to monks and missionaries from Thailand,
Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The Buddhist laity plays an important role in the development of Buddhism in
contemporary Malaysia where the laities provide leadership in Buddhist organizations; organized
Buddhist classes and meditation retreats; runs Dhamma Schools for children; provide welfare services
to the needy and other activities for their members and public.

Establishment of Buddhist organizations contributed towards the development of Buddhism in Malaysia.

Historically Buddhism in Malaysia has been predominantly influenced by Chinese Mahayana

Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism but during the last 40 years, Vajrayana Buddhism has been
experiencing constant growth with centres being established by devotees with teachers from
overseas invited to provide teachings and meditation retreats and other religious activities.

The spread of Buddhism in modern Malaysia are known to have gained tremendously through the
efforts of many Buddhist organizations established and managed by laities. The development
process involved foreign teachers laying the groundwork in transmitting the teachings to the
devotees while the laities further strengthened the efforts by providing leadership in organized
Buddhism.

About the Author

Loka Ng Sai Kai holds a B.A. Honours degree in History from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He is currently the president of
Selangor Buddhist Development Council and also heads the Malaysia Buddhist Festival, a platform for unity which links the various
Buddhist traditions in Malaysia.

*This is an abridged version of the paper presented by the author at the Vajrayana Conference held from 28 – 30 March 2018 at the
Royal University of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan.

9
 PIONEERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
Of Malaysian Buddhist Music
Music permeates through all societies and
cultures. Good music has excellent powers to
express the message of the heart and transform
the thoughts of the listener. To the anxious, it can
bring calmness, to the fearful courage, and to
the grieving consolation.
Philosophers in the past had attributed unique
qualities to music: the power to motivate man
and shape his character. Confucius believed
that when music is in harmony with the universe,
Order can be restored in heaven and earth.
According to Plato, music echoes divine
harmony and it imitates the perfect movement
of the heavenly bodies. Aristotle thought that
music has strong power to mould human
character, and he advocated a rich musical
diet.
Music in the Buddha's Life
The Buddhist scriptures mention that music was
heard on auspicious events linked to the
Buddha's life, such as when he was born and
when he preached certain suttas. Heavenly
music resounded through the higher realms as
the devas and brahmas rejoiced during such
occasions. When the Buddha was practising
self-mortification during his six years of search, he
realized the importance of the Middle Way by
taking a lesson from a lute string that was
correctly tuned, which is strung neither too loose
nor too tight.
He used this analogy to teach Sona who was a
former musician on the need to balance his
practice because the young monk worked too
hard on walking meditation that his feet started
to bleed. On one occasion when Lord Sakka,
the king of the devas, wanted to ask the Buddha
some questions, he sent Pancasikha, a heavenly
musician, to sing to the Blessed One as a prelude
to the questions. After the performance, the
Buddha praised Pancasikha for the beautiful
songs on the Triple Gem and loving kindness.
Buddhist Devotional Music
All religions have used music for devotional
purposes and as aid to piety. Secular music
existed in the early days of Buddhism. Among the
rules for novices and Eight Preceptors is the
prohibition from attending musical
performances, some of which might have been
somewhat crude and disturbing for a person
practising religious abstinence. Therefore, in
some Buddhist countries, religious authorities look
upon music with some suspicion as being
profane and sensuous - a thing to be shunned.
10
By Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee
At the time when Buddhism was flourishing in
India, sacred Buddhist music was often
performed. A translation of the Dharmapitaka
mentions that Ashvaghosha (c.80 – c.150 CE),
the great Buddhist philosopher and poet, had
composed hymns that were used in public
worship in Pataliputra. The melody and lyrics of
his songs were so soothing and touching that
they brought an awakening among five
hundred royal princes who renounced to adopt
a monastic life.
Music must have been a pastime or perhaps
even as means of private edification among the
Buddhist monks of ancient India during the early
years of the Common Era. The wall paintings on
the caves of Ajanta and Dunhuang show monks
with lutes and other musical instruments. The
thought that there could be anything wrong in
music seems to be altogether missing.
Local musical expressions developed in every
corner of the world where the Buddha’s words
are honoured and practised. In the Far East
devotional verses are sung to the solemn
accompaniment of gongs, bells, drums, and
wooden fish. Through the centuries, the
Japanese had composed hymns called saimon
and semi-religious dance music such as goeika,
nembutsu odori and bon odori.
In Tibet, music is used to show deep confidence
in the Dhamma, and every Tibetan child knows
the story of Milarepa, the thirteenth century
Tibetan saint, who would burst out into
spontaneous poems and songs when inspired by
Dhamma. Among the Theravada devotees, the
role of devotional music tends to be
comparatively subdued although gathas
continue to be sung on beautiful Pali verses.
Jetsun Milarepa, Poet
and Tibetan Siddha
(Perfected One) of the
The Hundred Thousand
Songs of Milarepa
fame.
Pioneers of Buddhist Hymns in Malaysia
In Malaysia, English Buddhist hymns are a
relatively new phenomenon, being introduced
by an American monk, Venerable Sumangalo in
Buddhist Sunday Schools and youth circles which
he helped to establish in Malaysia and Singapore
in late 1950s and early 1960s. American and
Hawaiian Buddhists have composed these
hymns for the American Buddhist congregations.
The repertoire of Buddhist hymns is, however,
limited in number, and after a while, there
remains little life force to sustain interest when the
same songs were sung over and over again
during puja.
I learned my first Buddhist hymns as a student at
Seck Kia Eenh Dhamma School (SKEDS) under
the guidance of Venerable Ananda Mangala,
who was trained as a Franciscan priest during his
younger days. With encouragement from the
venerable, my musical aptitude blossomed. To
inject a new life into Buddhist music, I started
composing Buddhist hymns beginning from 1976
and tested them with the members of the
University Malaya Buddhist Society. The response
was nothing short of overwhelming, which
inspired me to write more hymns.
Venerable Piyasilo had also supported me, and
at his suggestion, I composed the music for
"Anthem of Unity" on the lyrics that he wrote.
Another religious personality who had influenced
the development of English Buddhist music in
Malaysia was Venerable K Sri Dhammananda
who recognised the potential of using hymns as
a tool for propagation among youths. He gave
his blessings and support to the new hymns that I
composed, which were sung during Buddha
pujas and gatherings at Brickfields Buddhist
Vihara in Kuala Lumpur.
From Left : Ven. Sumangalo, K. Sri Dhammananda,
Ven. Ananda Mangala and Ven. Piyasilo
11
I used to be invited to give Dhamma talks at
universities and colleges and I always begin by
singing hymns to the accompaniment of my
guitar. I made two experimental cassette tapes
initially meant for circulation among a small
group of friends in 1976 and 1977, using an old
portable tape recorder and my bedroom as the
recording studio. The hymns became very quick-
ly popular this way. Later in 1977, I recorded a
tape with the Buddhist Missionary Society (BMS)
Youth Singers which was sold from the office of
Venerable K Sri Dhammananda. The good sales
of the cassette tapes encouraged me to record
an album of Buddhist hymns at a proper studio. I
formed the Wayfarers in 1979 and released our
first album entitled Moments of Inspiration in 1982
consisting of songs that Tan Huat Chye, a friend
from Seck Kia Eenh, and I had composed.
This album attracted nationwide attention.
Later, the Wayfarers recorded four other albums:
The Sunrise Comes (1983), Nirvana Sweet
Release (1989), A Light in the Darkness (1993) and
Sasanarakkha (2002). Concurrent to this effort,
the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia
(YBAM) held a national English hymns composi-
tion competition, and some of the songs submit-
ted were recorded in an album entitled The
Dawn of Dhamma by the Awakening group in
Penang.
Besides writing songs in English, Huat Chye had
also composed Buddhist songs in Chinese. He
produced his first album, Yi Zhan Deng in 1988
with the Xiang Ya Ta, comprising university and
college students. This album was a runaway
success and reached the Chinese speaking
Buddhists internationally. More importantly, it
drew the attention of the Chinese speaking
Buddhists on a novel way of promoting Dhamma
and set in motion the growth of Buddhist songs in
Chinese. Subsequently, Huat Chye produced
two other albums Hui Deng (1992) and Deng
(1994).
In Penang, the GeeBees and the Mahindarama
Sunday Pali School members are involved in
attracting and teaching Buddhism to children
and youths through music and songs. The Gee-
Bees had released five albums for free distribu-
tion. Leonard Tan composes and arranges some
of the songs for this group.
Almost a generation later, three musical groups
emerged in Klang Valley at the start of the new
millennia.
• i.gemz started as a loose grouping of
musically-inclined friends that presented their
songs during the Musical Puja held at Buddhist
Gem Fellowship (BGF). Later some of the
singers and composers came together as
members of the i.gemz to release their first
album, Cradled in Buddha’s Arms (2002). The
i.gemz released two more albums. It is led by
Daniel Kwok, who along with Khoo Nee Wern,
Khoo Nee Sern, Toh Anson and Goh Sue San
composed songs for the group.
• Messengers of Dharma (MOD) are childhood
friends from Seck Kia Eenh Dhamma School,
Melaka, with the same passion for music and
who have moved to Kuala Lumpur to work.
MOD is active in giving stage performances as
a way of sharing the Dhamma through songs.
Cedric Tan is the leader for the group, which
has released four albums and six sing-along
CDs to provide the musical backing for
Buddhist songs. M.V. Nathan, also from SKEDS,
started with some of the early MOD singers but
later ventured out to release Buddhist albums
of his compositions.
• Big Chip is a choir that performs Buddhist songs
as well as popular songs in the choral as well as
acapella style. Aaron Lee leads this group,
which has given many stage performances.
The Chinese speaking Buddhists are particularly
active in promoting Dhamma through hymns.
One of the notable groups is Bodhi Buddhist
Fellowship Malaysia (BBFM), which was formed
by the final year students from various
universities. They can sustain attendance and
interest in hymns presentation and Dharma
discussion held during the weekly Friday
gathering, “A Date With Bodhi” for the last 30
years. This is an incredible achievement! They
also invite budding composers to increase the
musical repertoire and train young singers for
stage performance. Inspired by the output of
new Buddhist songs, Yuan Zhi Jia comprising
youths at Perak Hilir Buddhist Society in Telok
Intan wrote songs that went into the production
of two Chinese albums, Melody of Truth and
Beauty (2000) and Under One Roof (2002).
Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM)
released both albums.
12
Imee Ooi is internationally known for her
recordings of sutras, mantras and free
composition with her unique musical
arrangements that transcend religious barriers,
cultures and age groups. She has a phenomenal
musical output of 55 albums and six full-length
musicals that have won critical acclaim. Her first
album, The Chant of Metta, released in 1999 has
taken the world by storm and remained
well-loved internationally. She has also
composed a soundtrack for a Chinese movie
and written many individual theme songs and
orchestrated works with Dhamma content. She is
a music producer, composer, arranger and
vocalist, all rolled into one.
Asia Musical Productions is founded by Ho Lin
Huay who produced musicals on Buddhist
themes in dazzling stage performances that
stand shoulder-to-shoulder to the world’s best
productions. Asia Musical Production staged ten
musicals and released five soundtracks. She
produced Siddhartha The Musical in 1999, closely
followed by Above Full Moon The Musical (2004),
The Perfect Circle (2006), Princess Wen Cheng
The Musical (2008), Earth Epilogue The Musical
(2013), The Story of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
(2016) and Medicine Buddha The Musical (2018).
She collaborates with the composer and music
director, Imee Ooi in the Buddhist musicals.
Another talented composer Buddhist themed
musical is Yang Wei Han who staged Xuan Zang
The Journey to the West Musical in 2014, which
received rave reviews and high critical acclaim.
He has also produced the Di Zang The Musical
(2017). He has many talents. He performed the
lead male role in the musicals produced by Lin
Huay. In the Xuan Zang Musical, he wrote the
music and libretto, undertook the stage design,
and produced the musical where he acted the
role of Tripitaka Master Xuan Zang.
From Left :
Imee Ooi with The
Chant of Metta,
Yang Wei Han
with his
performance of
Xuan Zhang the
Journey to the
West and Ho Lin
Huay with
Medicine Buddha
Musical
 MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST HYMNS GROUPS
1979 : WAYFARERS
The pioneer English hymns group in Malaysia which released
5 albums containing mostly compositions of Victor Wee and
Tan Huat Chye. Their first album Moments of Inspiration
released in 1982 had influenced the direction of Dhamma
songs and Buddhist musical groups in Malaysia and abroad
1981 : GEEBEES
Comprised of the Mahindarama Sunday Pali School
members, the GeeBees produces 5 albums that are
distributed free to the public.
1987 : XIANG YA TA
Led by Tan Huat Chye. Released Yi Zhan Deng (A Light) in
1988, Hui Deng (Light of Wisdom) 1992, and Deng (Light)
1994.
1988 : BODHI BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP MALAYSIA
BBFM has done much in spreading Dhamma through hymns
among the Chinese speaking Buddhist youths for the past
30 years. It runs training programmes to develop musical
talents and produces Dhamma songs concerts featuring
works of young composers.
1999 : ASIA MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS
Founded by Ho Lin Huay who produced world-class
musicals on Buddhist themes. AMP staged ten musicals and
released five sound tracks. Lin Huay collaborates with the
composer and music director, Imee Ooi in the Buddhist
musicals.
Music as a Tool for Propagation
There are several reasons why I think that
Buddhist music has an important role to play in
Dhamma propagation. First, it is essential to bear
in mind that a good song is the fruit of the
successful translation of the composer's
Dhamma inspiration into meaningful lyrics and
memorable music. One can recreate that
inspiration and share it with many, many others
through the performance of that song.
Second, music has the power to move people,
especially when skilfully used. We know that
words can inspire, motivate and transform the
thoughts and action of people; they can even
make and change the course of history. Just
think of the potency of the Buddha's words on
untold millions since he uttered them more than
2500 years ago. However, when a special set of
words are put to music, the synergistic impact of
the two on the listener can be somewhat
remarkable. It is not unlike the effect of stringing
a set of gems into a ring, in which each gem
enhances the brilliance of the other gemstones.
Therefore, well composed Buddhist songs have
the power to lead people to the practice of
Dhamma by reaching out to them at both the
intellectual as well as the emotive and intuitive
levels.
13
1997 : IMEE OOI, IMM MUSICWORKS
Released the evergreen The Chant of Metta in 1999 that
remains as an international bestseller. Imee is a prolific
composer having released 55 albums and composed
Buddhist musicals, such as Siddhartha The Musical, Above
Full Moon-Master Hong Yi’s Biography, Jewel of
Tibet-Princess Wen Cheng, The Perfect Circle, and Medicine
Buddha.
2003 : i.gemz
i.gemz started as a group of musically-inclined friends from
the Buddhist Gem Fellowship to perform and share Buddha
Dhamma through contemporary Buddhist songs in English.
They released three albums of their compositions: Cradled
in Buddha’s Arms (2005), Rainbow of Blessings (2009) and
Home (2019).
2004 : MESSENGERS OF DHAMMA
MOD is a versatile musical performing group consisting of
childhood friends from Seck Kia Eenh Dhamma School,
Melaka. They perform Buddhist songs as well as local folk
songs and oldies at concerts and private events. MOD
produces four albums and five MOD Sing-along Series CDs
that could be used by Buddhist groups and congregations
for various occasions.
2011 : BIG CHIP
Led by Aaron Lee, the Big Chip performs Buddhist and
popular music in a choral style, which is connected with
spirituality, devotion and faith
2014 : YANG WEI HAN, HAN PRODUCTION
Composed and produced Xuan Zang Journey to the West
Musical (2014) and Di Zang The Musical (2017)
Third, to people who may initially be less
attracted to the intellectual, devotional or
spiritual aspects of the Dhamma but are
musically inclined, Buddhist songs can capture
their attention and provide them with the
conditions to mingle with Buddhists and listen to
Dhamma. Given time and exposure, the other
aspects of Dhamma may be more accessible
and easier to appreciate. If, on the other hand,
a few of them do not get beyond the hymns
stage, we can at least be comforted that the
Dhamma seed is planted in the form of lyrics
each time they sing the hymns.
Finally, Dhamma teachers know that the
introduction of Dhamma to children must be
done with care so as not to give them mental
indigestion. Buddhist songs are a good and easy
way for children to learn simple Buddhist
principles and every Sunday School curriculum
should include them. Music can also provide the
opportunity for creative and artistic
self-expression for the youths to develop their
musical talents and channel their creative
energy in fruitful directions.
Buddhists, especially the youths, seek meaningful
means of expressing their inspiration in Dhamma
and communicating that inspiration to others.
Among one of the most effective ways of
expressing that inspiration, in my opinion, is
through the judicious use of Dhamma songs. It is,
therefore, necessary for Buddhists with musical
and poetic abilities to compose new hymns to
contribute to the enrichment of the Buddhist
heritage and further promote the use of music as
a means for Dhamma propagation.
THE GEEBEES
“Groovy and Bombastic.”

It was an evening in mid-1981, a group of
Mahindarama Sunday Pali School (MSPS)
members gathered to practice and record
some hymns for our school anniversary. We
had a good laugh listening to the tape after
that. Our voices were rather “Groovy and
Bombastic.”
Geebees produces a few albums which are
distributed free to the public:
• Mangala Sutta (2007)
• Abhaya Gatha (2011)
• Buddhist Hymns for Children (2012)
• Namo Tassa, Murni Tassa, Tassa (2013)
• Dhamma Guide (2015)

That's how the GBs got its name. Not only are Geebees hymns are also available on
we involved in hymns singing but also other YouTube channel.
activities such as Chinese New Year Carolling,
spring cleaning, chanting for the deceased,
performing dana, participating in sport events.

Today, the GBs stands for “Good Buddhists”

and its activities cover whatever comes its
way. Through music and songs, Geebees
believed that in the course of their singing and
performances, more youths today will be
attracted to Buddhism. This will indeed pave
the way of unity, harmony, brotherhood and
peace among all and mankind.

Notable Performances:
• 2nd Dec 2000: Fund Raising Dinner for
Sasanarakkha (PISA)
• 11th May 2002: Wesak Youth Night
(Masyarakat Penyanyang)
• 26th Nov 2006: Religious Fellowship (Berjaya
Hotel Penang)
• 12th Sep 2009: MSPS 50th Anniversary (Chew
Association Penang)
• 21st Feb 2010: Dhammadipa Opening
Ceremony (Taiping)
• 10th July 2011: Mahasanghikadana (Penang
Times Square)
• 25th Nov 2011: Baba Nyonya Convention
(Tanjong Bungah Beach Hotel)
• 29th Jan 2012: Chinese New year Cultural
and Heritage Celebration (Armenian Street)
• 18th May 2014: Penang Wesak Celebration
(MBA building)
• 17th Sep 2015: Recorded Theme Song for
International Buddhist University “For the
Good of the Many” at Y Not Music Studio.
• 22nd Nov 2017: Sasanarakkha's Kathina Day
(Taiping)
Northern Region Malaysia (Penang)
Dr. Surya Dharamdass
+6012.493.6362

14
MAHINDARAMA
Sunday Pali School

Venerable Sri S. V. Pandit P. Pemaratana Nayaka The Mahindrama Sunday Pali School has
Maha Thera inaugurated Mahindarama Sunday produced a few albums:
Pali School (MSPS) on 6 September 1959, with one • Shower of Petals 1
of the objectives to encourage Buddhist youth • Shower of Petals 2
activities. Subsequently, MSPS held its first Chinese • Shower of Petals 3
New Year Carolling group with 40 members in the
year 1960 and each year thereafter members of The Mahindarama Sunday Pali School has
MSPS organized the CNY Carolling activity to been active in the Buddhist hymns circle for
usher the CNY celebrations at invited homes of over 60 years.
members and devotees as annual fund-raising
activity.

In the early 1980s the Gee Bees group was born

through Mahindarama Sunday Pali School
(MSPS). Each year MSPS’s students are given a
chance to express themselves through the talent
time event which includes hymn-singing,
chanting of gathas, recital of Dhammapada
verses or selected verses of the Suttas or Buddhist
Story Telling. Each class of students has a chance
to perform and present group and/or solo
performances. Its objective is to ensure students
from MSPS learn and share the true meaning of
Buddhism and its values, as well as learn the Pali
language and the correct way of chanting with
the guidance of their respective Dhamma
Teachers.

Notable Performances:
Participated in National Level and State level
Hymn Singing Competitions and have won
multiple awards
Perform annually at the Penang State Wesak
Celebrations Concert
• Shower of Petals 1 concert
• Shower of Petals 2 concert
• Shower of Petals 3 concert
Northern Region Malaysia (Penang)
And at numerous other Buddhist events in-house
Dr. Surya Dharamdass
at Mahindarama Buddhist Temple and at various
Buddhist events and also at Old Folks’ Homes etc. +6012.493.6362

15
THE WAYFARERS

The Wayfarers is a group of musicians and singers The Wayfarers has been active in the Buddhist
led by Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee who pioneered music scene since 1979
Dharma songs in English. The group started in 1979
at the Brickfields Maha Vihara and received
strong support from the late Venerable Dr. K Sri
Dhammananda who spoke in favour of using
new methods of spreading Dhamma to youths.
The Wayfarers recorded five albums that were
distributed to various countries with
English-speaking Buddhist communities such as
Singapore, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, United
States of America, and United Kingdom. Victor
Wee and Tan Huat Chye composed many of their
songs. The Wayfarers is recognized for having
influenced the direction of Dharma songs and
Buddhist musical groups in Malaysia and abroad.

Notable Performances:
Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, Johor Bahru,
Singapore, India (Chandigarh, Delhi, Ladakh)

Albums Produced:
Moments of Inspiration (1982)
The Sunrise Comes (1983)
Nirvana Sweet Release (1989)
A Light in the Darkness (1993)
Guardian of the Sasana (Sasanarakkha) (2002)

Key Members
Core Group: Victor Wee, Raymond Yeoh, Wendy
Choong, Tan Soo Kee, Fun Swee Pin, Poh Wee
Fah

Other members: Oh Kim Leng, Ivy Wee, Pamela

Ong, Tan Pin Pin, Tan Huat Chye, Tan Pen Nee,
Dolly Teoh

Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley)

Datuk Seri Dr Victor Wee
+6019.268.9899

16
XIANG YA TA ( 象牙塔组合 )
The Sunyata Singers

Xiang Ya Ta ( 象牙塔组合 – Sunyata Singers )

Group was formed by Bro Tan Huat Chye ( 斯理居
士) in 1987/88 in preparation for a new Chinese
Buddhist Songs album production called 一盏灯
(Yi Zhan Deng – A Light). The Group comprises of
initial eight members from various universities and
colleges. Among them are Bro Tan Huat Chye,
Bro Leong Kin Onn (UPM), Bro Chai Kim Chen
(TARC), Bro Lim Ching Hai (UM), Bro. Ho Boon
Keng (UM) Sis. Ng Eng Eng (UKM), Sis Tan Ai May
(UM). With the support of Datuk Seri Dr. Victor
Wee and Local Music Professionals like Tien Ming (
田鸣 ), this ground-breaking album was then fully
professionally arranged (live orchestra),
recorded, produced and published.

The Group launched its first album (一盏灯) in 1988

and it sold more than 20-thousand copies. The
album was well covered by the Malaysian TV and
Radio stations and its popularity reached far and
wide to the shores of Singapore, Taiwan, Hong
Kong, China and Northern America. Leveraging
on the initial success, Bro Tan produced 2 more
new albums entitled 慧灯 in 1992 (Hui Deng – Light
of Wisdom) and灯 in 1994 (Deng - Light) to
complete the trilogy album concept in the
“Light” series。

The Sunyata Singers performed in many places

and occasions, notably in KL/PJ (coincidently 30
years ago in PJ Civic Hall in 1989！), Malacca,
Kelantan and also during Master Hsin Yun (星云大
师) first Dhamma visit to Malaysia (1996).

Albums produ
• 一盏灯(Yi Zhan Deng – A Light) (1988)
• 慧灯 (Hui Deng – Light of Wisdom) (1992)
• 灯(Deng - Light) (1994)

Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley)

Dd Tan Huat Chye
+6013.350.3141
Search for various youtube channels

17
i.gemz

Since 2003, the i.gemz, as a group of

musically-inclined friends from the Buddhist Gem
Fellowship (BGF), with diverse skills that range from
singing to song-writing, stage performance, song
arrangement and music production, have united
together to share and spread the Buddha
Dharma through contemporary and inspirational
Buddhist music in English. Their fresh and vibrant
songs with clear lyrics written in conversational
style, serves to promote spiritual friendship and
inspire reflection among listeners.

Notable Performances:
i.gemz have performed in various local events,
notably the Buddhist Arts and Culture Festival
• The International Buddhist Youth Exchange
Program
• The Global Conference on Buddhism,
• World Buddhist Conference (2010),
• Sound of Compassion Fundraising Concert for
Haiti and more.

Internationally, they have performed in Indonesia

namely:
• The Opening Act for Bhikkhu Uttamo
Mahathera “Glow In The Dark” Dhamma talk in
Medan (2011)
• Vesak Celebration at BTS Mall, Batam (2015).

Past Members: Mooi Chee Onn, Chee Seen Lan,

Goh Sue San, Thon May Yenn, Lam Siew Fong,
Eileen Chew, Chong Ken Wooi, Tan Siew Chan,
Gwendelyn Nioh, Wong Yehim, Ng Kim Teck, Chia
Kok Wai, Khoo Nee Sern, Lee Swee Feng, Chia
Sue Ann, Chia Sue Lynn, Toh Anson, Goh Jing Pei,
Tiffany Lee, and Low Xin Yi.

Current Members: Daniel Kwok, Khoo Nee Wern,

Poh Wee Fah, Foong Xiao Thoong, Choo Wil Laim,
Devi K. Suhardi, Tee Ke Hui, Lim Ka Yin, Lim Mei
Jean, Aidan Lee, Fam Kai-Yuan, Metta Tan and
Mudita Tan.

i.gemz is inspired by:

Venerable Dr K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka
Maha Thera, Ajahn Brahmavamso. Thank you
Bhante for your guidance and wisdom light.
Klang Valley (Based in BGF)
Albums Produced:
Daniel Kwok
• Cradled in Buddha’s Arms (2005),
• Rainbow of Blessings (2009), +6016.229.0300
• Home (2019) kwokdanielkwok@gmail.com
igemz Malaysia
The i.gemz has been active in the Buddhist i.gemz
hymns circle since 2003.

18
ZHEN SAN MEI (真善美的旋律)
Melody of Truth & beauty

文化的传承是一个宗教的延续。马来西
亚佛教青年总会（马佛青）致力开展属
于大马本土佛教特有的文化色彩，确保
大马佛教社群与时并进。

而佛曲弘法是马佛青文化委员会的其中
一环。《真善美的旋律》团队自1999年
成立以来，出版了《真善美的旋律》及
《缘起的屋檐下》两张佛曲专辑，对整
个佛教界或佛曲的发展影响皆有口皆碑
，在整个佛曲市场也已经成为大家心中
优质的品牌。这些创作都是源自大马佛
教青年。马佛青意识到健康的音乐能帮
助青年，因此马佛青积极推广佛曲创作
及分享，接引青年学佛。

配合专辑推出十年，同时也为了回馈社
会大众，在2012年，马佛青从这两张专
辑中，精选六首热门歌曲，制作了《真
善美的旋律》音乐视频。

《真善美的旋律》团队自2013年开始全
国各地，其中包括北马玻璃市，下至柔
佛州巡回分享，办了超过25场谈唱会及8
场大型音乐会，并得到良好的回响，尤
其是来自青少年的群体。2016年起，马
佛青举办超过二十场在东马和半岛的真
善美的旋律约定陪你佛曲音乐营和佛曲
音乐会培训营，接引青少年学习佛法，
也一手包办属于他们自己的佛曲音乐会
。同时让佛青接触生命中的善法与善知
识，让人生更有意义和向导。

2018年，再配合即将在2020年庆祝马佛
青50周年庆，筹备了真善美的旋律第三
张专辑，再次全马跑透透的分享，也将
会在2019年举办创作比赛《缘创奖》。

真善美的旋律团队希望可以透过音乐，
把佛陀的本怀与情操分享与大众，接引
大众学佛。
Klang Valley
Lye Yik Meng
+6012.680.7968
ymlye@hotmail.my
真善美的旋律
ZSMDXL

19
MESSENGERS OF DHARMA (MOD)
A Group of Childhood Friends
Messengers of Dharma (MOD) was formed in
November 2004 and consists of mainly
childhood friends from Seck Kia Eenh Dhamma
School, Melaka but currently based in the
Klang Valley. In the earlier years, MOD
conducted weekly sing-along session for
Subang Jaya Buddhist Association Youth
Section that resulted in the recruitment of some
new members from Subang Jaya Buddhist
Society and Buddhist Maha Vihara.
As a group, MOD performs regularly in various
Buddhist events to reach out to the public and
shares the wonderful teachings of the Buddha
through songs. Besides Buddhist songs, they
also perform local folk songs and oldies in
private events and when requested to do so.
MOD is now working on a series of CDs based
on the current and unpublished songs
according to various themes to act as a guide
for religious worship, fellowship sessions and
events, such as weddings and funerals. Besides
the singing guide, the minus-one copies of
these songs are included in the CD as well. This
series of minimum-budget recorded CDs is
distributed free of charge.
Albums produced:
• Aspiration (May 2005)
• Jayamangala Gatha (May 2007)
• The Story of Dona (singles) (Dec 2007)
• Walking the Buddha’s Path (singles)(June 2008)
• MOD Sing-along Series 1 (VESAK May 2010)
• MOD Sing-along Series 2 (PRAISE Jan 2011)
• MOD Sing-along Series 3 (MATRIMONY May 2011)
• MOD Sing-along Series 4 (INSPIRATION Jan 2012)
• MOD Sing-along (VESAK PRAISES May 2012)
• MOD Sing-along Series 5 (FAREWELL Feb 2014)
MOD is inspired by:
All venerables based in Seck Kia Eenh i.e. Ven
Sumangalo, Ven Ananda Mangala, Ven Piyasilo,
Ven K Khemarama and Ven. A Ratanasiri Nayaka
Thero. They have shaped us into a vibrant singing
group whose members are proud of our culture
and origin. They have supported us in many
aspects of Dhamma propagation and for that we
are grateful and thankful.

Notable Performances
• Gratitude Concert, Bright Hill Temple,
Singapore – 2006
• United Nations Day of Vesak, Bangkok – 2006,
2007, 2009, 2010
• Ven A Ratanasiri Conferment Ceremony,
Colombo – 2007
• Shower of Petals 2, 3 & 4, Penang – 2008,
2009, 2010
• 4th & 5th Inter-Dhamma School Hymn Singing
Competition – 2008, 2009
• Road tour to Kuching - 2008
Rakan Muda Chinese New Year Concert,
• Stadium Bukit Jalil - 2009
• Road tour to Perlis and Penang - 2009
• World Buddhist Conference, KL – 2010
• YBAM Annual Dinner, Penang - 2011
• Singapore Buddhist Mission 30th Anniversary
Dinner – 2011
• Sasanarakkha Kathina Day – 2011 & 2014
• Selangor State Level Wesak Celebrations –
Central Region Malaysia (KL/Malacca)
2011-2018
• 26th Baba Nyonya International Convention, Cedric Tan
KL - 2013 +6017.883.4374
• Traveller – the Journey Continues Concert, KL cedric_cctan@yahoo.com
– 2017 Messengers Of Dharma
• All About Love Fundraiser Concert, KL - 2018

20
BODHI BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP MALAYSIA
菩提工作坊简介

For the past 30 years, Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship 熟悉的面孔、轻快的旋律，打破了一般人对佛教活动

Malaysia (BBFM) has been dedicating its 严肃沉闷的刻板印象，亦让更多人因为佛曲的摄受，
passion, determination and vow in spreading 而走向佛道亲近三宝，这是菩提工作坊三十年，永恒
the seeds of Dharma through hymns. We 不变的愿。
started with a group of youths who use 每逢星期五晚上8点，穿过茨厂街，再走上四楼长梯，
performing arts as a way of engaging and 菩提会所已坐满了人。品牌活动之一，《菩提之约》
interacting with the masses to share the 每个周五晚，风雨不改，以音乐传递佛法，联系每个
Dharma. Hence, the path was laid for 人的心，这里成了分享生活的心灵空间。
Dharmadutta Through Hymns. Our quest is to 四次的《称赞如来》系列佛曲弘法会，获得大众热烈
spread the Lord Buddha’s teaching, which is a 回响，让菩提在曲弘的道路上获得肯定，菩提工作坊
continuous journey that never ends. 走得更扎实，更稳定。去除亮丽的镁光灯及华丽的服
Our signature Friday gathering, “A Date with 装，《佛曲143》以轻松简单的方式，让年轻人在热闹
Bodhi,” is one of the major platform organized 互动中学习佛法。
for individuals from all walks of life to be 为了延续普贤菩萨的精神，菩提工作坊推出全新佛曲
embraced in the arms of Dharma in an 弘法会——《普贤行愿》佛曲弘法会。结合《佛曲143
atmosphere of warmth and belonging. In this 》与《称赞如来》的概念，《普贤行愿》让大家看到
event, participants join activities that include 年轻人的动感，但又不失佛教的庄重，继续带领大家
Hymn sharing, Dharma talks, cultural activities 在跳跃的音符中体悟佛法。
and more, with the purpose of providing a 目前，菩提工作坊的重点培训是在佛曲弘法人员培训
haven of wisdom and compassion for all 班，与此同时；努力不懈传唱佛曲，让法音宣流，不
sentient beings. 仅为了接引更多人在学佛的道路上，更希望大家能齐
Over the past 30 years, BBFM has organized 发菩提心，爱教护教，为众生而努力。
several Hymns Dharmadutta concerts, such as 我们用词启发，籍曲汇集，因为我们相信，舞台也是
“Refuge in the Triple Gem” in 1999 and our 一个道场！
most recent concert “Doing Hymns” in 2017.

Albums Produced
• 归敬三宝 (Refuge in the Triple Gem)
• 三学戒定慧 (Sila Samadhi Panna)
• 信愿行 (Faith Aspiration Action)
• 普贤行悟菩提 (The Practice of Bodhisatva)

Key Members
Chai Kim Chen, Tan Xiao Jia, Lim Chee Hoong,
Choy Teng Mooi, Tan Hui Li

The Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia is

inspired by Venerable Chuan Wen &
Venerable Ji Cheng

The Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia has

been active in the Buddhist music scene since
1988

Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley)

Tan Hui Li
+6014.701.4803
bodhi.tanhuili@gmail.com
菩提工作坊 Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia

21
ASIA MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS (AMP)
Formerly known as Musical On Stage Productions
Asia Musical Productions (formerly known as
Musical On Stage Productions) was founded
in 1999 by Ho Lin Huay, who gathered a
group of talented Malaysians with passion for
the musical theatre. The company’s vision
and goal is to produce top-notch musicals
largely based on Buddhist themes and
cultivate local talent to achieve international
standards in musical theatre. It has produced
ten highly acclaimed and award-winning
musicals. Among its musicals are also those
on non-Buddhist themes such as Kita, Singing
Market & The Tales of 4 Dialects. The musicals
were performed in Malaysia, Singapore,
South Africa, Indonesia, China, Taiwan and
South Korea.

Notable Performance
•《释迦牟尼佛传》音乐剧Siddhartha The
• Musical (World premier 1999)
•《天心月圆》音乐 》音乐剧Princess Wen Cheng
The Musical (World premier 2008)
•《大地终曲》音乐剧Earth Epilogue The Musical
(World Premier 2013)
•《遇见观音》音乐剧The Story of Avalokiteśvara
Bodhisattva (World premier 2016)
•《药师如来》音乐剧Medicine Buddha The
Musical (World Premier 2018)

Albums Produced
The soundtrack of:
• Siddhartha The Musical
• Above Full Moon The Musical
• Princess Wen Cheng The Musical
• The Story of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva
• Medicine Buddha The Musical

Asia Musical Productions is inspired by:

• 满亚法师 (Ven. Man Ya)
• 满香法师 (Ven. Man Xiang)

Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley)

Asia Musical Productions
+6018.2666.900
asiamusicalproductions@gmail.com
www.asiamusicalproductions.com

22
BIG CHIP
Buddhist Individuals & Groups CHoir In Progress
The BIG CHIP (BC) was formed in 2011 as a
platform for Buddhist music to be performed
in a choral setting. BC’s members come from
a diverse range of backgrounds and
experiences. Ranging from seasoned
performers to interested newbies, BC allows
the interest for Dhamma dissemination to
come forth from the Dhamma Door of vocal
music.

With Malaysia’s healthy collection of original

Buddhist music, this presented a great
opportunity for complex arrangements
tailored especially for more voices. As choral
style music has had a long and deep
relationship with spirituality, devotion and
faith, it was only natural that we attempted to
bring Buddhist music into the choral world.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
• BGF 25th Anniversary Feb 2012
• Selangor State Wesak Celebration 2012
• Wesak Music Festival 2014
• Selangor State Wesak Celebration 2017

The BIG CHIP is inspired by:

Late Chief K Sri Dhammananda Maha
Nayaka Thera

The Big Chip has been active in the Buddhist

music scene since 2011

Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley)

Aaron Lee & Cedric Tan
+6012.327.6060 (Aaron)
+6017.883.4374 (Cedric)
aaronljw@hotmail.com &
cedric_cctan@yahoo.com
Big Chip

23
APPRECIATION & GRATITUDE
Our Sincere Thanks

The Organising Committee of ‘Tribute to Our All contributors to the Commemorative

Teachers – A Musical Extravaganza’ records Programme Book to enable important
our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation information to be archived for posterity.
to the following in making the event a
resounding success: All hardworking volunteers that that worked
together to ensure the Concert proceeded
Ven B Sri Saranankara Nayaka Thera for his smoothly. They formed the Stage and
encouragement and the creation of a Technical crew, Reception and Ushers and
platform to showcase Buddhist songs to the Refreshment team.
world.
All contractors who chips in extra effort to
K. Sri Dhammananda Centenary enable us to host a memorable concert.
Celebration Committee and coordinators
for the support given. Members of the press, mass and social
media for publicizing this event.
Supporting Organisations for helping the
Organising Committee to defray the cost of Members of the public for the support and
the event cheering us on.
• Aloka Foundation of Malaysia
• Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
• Buddhist Gem Fellowship May you be blessed with
• Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia
• Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society
Ayu Vanno Sukham Balam
• Malaysia Buddhist Festival (Good Health, Beauty, Happiness
• Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council and Strength).
• Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia
• Sasana Abhidwurdhi Wardhana Society
• Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple
• Subang Jaya Buddhist Association
• Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia
• Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia.

All performing groups (retired or still active)

for coming together to show our gratitude to
our Teachers
• The GeeBees
• Mahindarama Sunday Pali School
• The Wayfarers
• Xiang Ya Ta
• i.gemz
• Zhen Shan Mei
• Messengers of Dharma
• Bodhi Buddhist Fellowship Malaysia
• Asia Music Productions
• The Big Chip Choir.

Please feel free to make copies/distribute this booklet

Jyon Design Studio