C. Khor
Bodhi Heart Sanctuary (BHS) in Mount Erskine stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion.
Established in 2007 by Gary Lau and six friends, BHS aims to provide a serene Buddhist sanctuary within the bustling cityscape.
This non-sectarian centre embraces various Buddhist traditions, offering a space for spiritual seekers and teachers to share their experiences.
A vision of harmony at Bodhi Heart Sanctuary
Gary Lau, one of the seven founders of Bodhi Heart Sanctuary, was inspired by a desire to create a positive impact on his community.
“It was a crazy yet wonderful idea,” Gary recalls.
He persuaded six friends from diverse backgrounds and spiritual teachings to purchase a 9-acre plot of land at Mount Erskine, surrounded by a graveyard, to establish the sanctuary.
“We envisioned a simple, practical, yet elegant space that harmonises with nature,” Gary explained.
The sanctuary regularly organises programmes inviting Buddhist monks, known as Sanghas, and distinguished laypersons to share the Dharma and their personal insights.
“When we manifest the unity of body, heart, and mind, we facilitate the healing process,” he said.
Overcoming challenges with community support
The journey to establish Bodhi Heart Sanctuary was fraught with challenges, but Gary and his team encountered many benefactors along the way.
Gary recalled a critical moment during the construction phase when funds were nearly exhausted.
“I was on the verge of giving up,” he said.
“If I didn’t secure enough funds by the next day, everything would have collapsed.
At that crucial moment, a stranger approached me and asked, ‘How much do you need to pay your workers and for materials?’ I responded, ‘60K,’ and he assured me he would arrange for his office to transfer the amount to us the next day.”
Gary also shared an incredible story involving a woman he calls a “living Bodhisattva.”
Facing a shortage of funds for the land title stamping fees, he called his banker friend to see if she could approve his application for a credit card with a RM100,000 limit.
Instead, she offered to cover the amount with her combined credit cards.
Today, Bodhi Heart Sanctuary’s land also hosts several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) at Siddhartha Village.
These include Bodhi Residence, Ruyi Children’s Home, Shan Children’s Home, the Caring Society of the Mentally Challenged, and the Society of the Disabled Persons Penang.
Additionally, there is a Holistic Spa, a Recycling Collection Centre, and an ongoing donation drive for burial services for unclaimed bodies.
The ownership of Bodhi Heart Society’s land has been transferred to Amrita Charitable Trust and is managed by the Pacific Trustees Group.
Speaking on behalf of the former owners, Gary stated, “We no longer own the BHS land; however, we now serve as protectors of the trust.”
The story of Bodhi Heart Sanctuary highlights humankind’s consistent empathy towards the less fortunate and the inclination to help improve others’ lives.
Welfare NGOs provide a channel for society to express their desire to contribute and assist others.
As Gary Lau aptly puts it, “There is no greater joy than to help others.”
Bodhi Heart Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, demonstrating the profound impact of collective effort and community spirit.
By fostering an environment of harmony and healing, BHS continues to inspire and support countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.
“Love and compassion should be the religion of all humanity,” said Gary.
Gary reflects on the journey: “After 17 years, I look back and ask myself, ‘Could I do it again?’ The answer is no. I can’t believe we accomplished this.”
He continues, “What did we learn from building Bodhi Heart Sanctuary? We learned that we couldn’t transform the place; instead, we were transformed by Bodhi Heart. It’s the simplest way to practice love and compassion.”
Gary shares a personal daily ritual: “Every morning when I wake up, I say to myself, ‘I want to be a better person than I was yesterday.'”
Admin
Jimmy Tan
Add comment