On 10th August 2025, 14 teens from Subhuti and Mahinda Classes, joined by 2 parents, and 4 teachers, gathered in the Main Shrine of Buddhist Maha Vihara for the blessing service by Bhante W. Gnanobhasa Thera. They joined the Friends of the Vihara Volunteers (FOV) to provide basic food, necessities and companionship to three welfare homes in Klang.
Weeks before this day, students had discussed and agreed what items to bring along, written heartfelt messages of encouragement, and carefully packed simple yet meaningful gifts. They also reflected on the Buddha’s teaching of dāna — give not just with hands, but with loving-kindness and mindfulness before, during, and after the act.
Their first stop was Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Yatim Berlian. The children were away at Sunday church, but the founder welcomed them warmly. The students presented the basic food, necessities, and their token gifts for the children.
At Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru, they presented the basic good and necessities, handed out gifts, exchanged kind words, and listened — even briefly interacted with the residents. They saw for themselves the reality of life’s suffering and the quiet beauty of kindness that soothes it.
The final destination, Persatuan Kebajikan Kasih OKU Selangor (PKKOS), brought the most profound moments. Here, there was time to share a meal together. With gloves on and hearts open, students served fried chicken and pizza. Then came a sight to behold — without instruction or hesitation, students gently fed residents who were unable to feed themselves. It was pure compassion, flowing naturally from young hearts.
That day, the Buddha’s teachings stepped out of the pages of books and into real life. The students didn’t just learn about loving-kindness and compassion — they lived it. They saw suffering, yet also discovered how even the smallest act of loving-kindness could brighten the residents. When they left, they carried no souvenirs — only the quiet joy of knowing that Hearts had touched Hearts. And that is a gift beyond measure.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
