Wesak Month 2025 begins with unity-themed hi-tea

The Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (BMSM) ushered in its month-long Wesak celebrations with a vibrant Wesak Hi-Tea Reception at its newly completed Pusat Buddhis Dhammaduta Malaysia (PBDM) in Presint 20, Putrajaya. Themed MADANI HARMONI: FAHAM, HORMAT, TERIMA — Understand, Respect, Accept — the reception brought together an inspiring cross-section of religious, civic, and academic figures in a show of solidarity and shared values.

Marking the official launch of Wesak Month 2025, the event was a symbolic affirmation of BMSM’s commitment to interfaith understanding and social harmony. Guests included leaders from Buddhist, Islamic, Christian, and Hindu communities, as well as civil society organisations, government representatives, and scholars from the University of Malaya and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

The presence of Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity, and Dr Muhamad Razak bin Idris, Political Secretary to the Minister of Religious Affairs, underscored the government’s continued emphasis on fostering inclusiveness in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.

Wesak Exhibition

A highlight of the reception was the launch of a special Wesak Exhibition, carefully curated to depict the three pivotal events in the life of the Buddha — his Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away. Designed not only to educate but to invite reflection, the exhibition served as a platform for interfaith engagement and mutual learning.

Through its focus on FAHAM (understanding), the exhibition encouraged visitors of all backgrounds to delve deeper into Buddhist teachings and values. By fostering greater understanding, the initiative aimed to cultivate HORMAT (respect) for diverse faith traditions — an essential ingredient in Malaysia’s social fabric. In turn, such respect can lead to TERIMA (acceptance), reinforcing a harmonious coexistence that transcends mere tolerance.

In this spirit, the exhibition was more than a cultural showcase; it was a meaningful space for dialogue, reflection, and bridge-building across communities.

Spiritual leadership and national collaboration

Leading the event was The Most Respected Bhante Mahinda, BMSM’s Spiritual and General Advisor, whose welcome address reflected the Society’s ongoing mission of Dhamma propagation and compassionate outreach. Senator Puan Saraswathy, in her keynote, reaffirmed the role of religious organisations in complementing national unity efforts.

Also present were prominent supporters of BMSM, including Tan Sri Lim Kim Yew, Patron of the Society, and Datuk Charlie Chia, Advisor to BMSM. Their presence, alongside religious leaders and academics, signalled the broad support for initiatives that champion inclusivity through shared human values.

Founded in 1962, BMSM has steadily grown into a respected voice in Malaysia’s religious and civil landscape, promoting Buddhist education, spiritual cultivation, and interfaith dialogue. Its recent relocation to Putrajaya marks a new chapter in its journey to serve as both a religious and community hub in the nation’s administrative capital.

PBDM: A hub for community development

Though not yet officially launched, the Pusat Buddhis Dhammaduta Malaysia (PBDM) has already established itself as a centre for spiritual practice, mindfulness programmes, youth development, and educational outreach. Its strategic location in Putrajaya positions it as a unique venue for national-level interfaith initiatives and community-building events.

The Wesak Hi-Tea Reception not only showcased the potential of PBDM as a beacon of interfaith harmony, but also reaffirmed BMSM’s longstanding mission to foster a society grounded in compassion, wisdom, and mutual respect.

As Malaysia navigates the complexities of its multicultural identity, events like these serve as powerful reminders of the enduring values that bind its people together. The reception was a fitting start to Wesak Month 2025, echoing the timeless teachings of the Buddha — and the contemporary call for a harmonious, MADANI Malaysia.