Chief Monk pledges body to science

Chief Monk Venerable E. Indaratana Maha Thera.

GEORGE TOWN: In conjunction with Wesak Day, Chief Monk of the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple here announced that he will donate his body to University of Malaya for medical and scientific studies after his death.

Ven E Indaratana Maha Thera said that his final wish was to contribute himself to the world so as to serve the sick, the old and the unfortunate.

“I was born and raised in a poor family, but I received countless help and support from others, thus I want to do the same by doing good deeds and helping those who are in need,” he said yesterday.

The temple secretary Dr Surya Dharamdass said that this was the first time that a monk had devoted his full body as contribution.

Wanting a better future: Devotees praying during Wesak Day celebration at Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Jalan Kampar, Penang. Inset: Indaratana Maha Thera.

Meanwhile, Dr Surya also said that this Wesak Day would be more elaborate as this year was also the centennial of the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple.

“Visitors not only come to the temple and pray to Buddha, but there is also a veneration of the sacred relics of the Samma Sambuddha, which originated from Sri Lanka and India,” she said.

There was also a float with the theme based on Lumbini Garden, which was the birthplace of Buddha, with several lotuses, with one standing at least 10 feet tall and decorated with sculptures carefully carved by monks from Sri Lanka. — Bernama