KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands are expected to visit the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in conjunction with tomorrow's Wesak Day celebration.
Visitors here today say Wesak Day is an opportunity to explain Buddhist teachings, deep-meditate and find inner peace.
The Coventry Language Centre English lecturer, Dr V. G. Perumal said that Wesak day is an opportunity for him to teach nine of his Myanmar students about the diversity of culture in Malaysia.
"My students have been here for a month, and bringing them here is a good idea to see how we celebrate Wesak.
"Malaysia has many festivals and letting my students experience Wesak celebration here is a good experience for them," he told the New Straits Times.
He also said that all nine students were Buddhists and they had noticed some differences between the celebrations in Myanmar and Malaysia.
One student, Nawzar Yoon Han, 27, said that she was excited to see the cultural difference in Malaysia and happy to learn more about the celebration.
"Malaysia which is known as a developing country had piqued my interest to continue studying here, as much I miss my hometown I did find peace as soon I stepped in this temple"
Meanwhile, another visitor, Mee Fong, 50, said that she saw Wesak day as a time to meditate and find her inner peace after being busy with work.
"Being here on Wesak day brings me happiness and it also helps me to focus on my soul.
"I usually will come to this temple to pray and meditate and sometimes I will bring my children along and teach them to pray," added the human resource podcaster.
A traveller from Canada, Ronald Zakreski, 73, said that he received an invitation from the temple to come and celebrate Wesak Day there.
He said that he liked to be involved in any festival held in Malaysia. His first trip to Malaysia was in 1980 and he has been travelling back and forth more than 20 times.
"Malaysians are very warm-hearted and friendly and I feel welcome," he added.
Meanwhile, Buddhist chief high priest of Malaysia hoped more inclusive and educational events would be held.
Datuk Dr K Sri Dhammaratana said such events would highlight Malaysia's unique position in fostering unity among diverse races and religions.
"Malaysia is a very fortunate country as we live in such diversity. Wesak Day offers the opportunity for people to unite, celebrate, and learn from each other.
The Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia vice president, Quah Chi Boon said he hoped Wesak Day could become even more lively each year, inviting more people from around the world.
Quah, who has dedicated 60 years to serve the temple, shared his experiences of interfaith cooperation.
"In all these years, I have encountered no problems, only opportunities to work together with leaders of other religions in motivational talks and community events," he said.
