The Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary shall provide the long term solution by training local monks to be well established in the theory and practice of moral discipline, tranquillity and meditative wisdom. With this project, we also hope to come out with a Malaysian identity of Buddhism with sound basis on original scriptures.

Giving out of love and compassion gives joy, satisfaction, pride, freedom from selfish attachments. It opens the heart to peace and receptivity. It generates merits conducive to one’s future welfare, prosperity and happiness.

Here’s a longer answer. Buddhists monks everywhere provide social, religious, spiritual, welfare and other services to people in need by teaching, advising, counselling and engaging in many other activities. Because of such acts of compassion, loving-kindness and wisdom, they are generally held in high esteem and generously supported.

The world abounds with opportunists, and some have chosen the easy path to gain respect and fortune by posing as bogus Buddhist monks. We are familiar with news and reports of bald-headed men wrapped clumsily in saffron robes begging for "ang-pows" in the streets who were later exposed as drug addicts or impostors. This is only an extreme case of the abuse of the saffron robe as a symbol of the Sangha, the community of monastic disciples of the Lord Buddha.

The Sangha is worthy of respect and support because of its impeccable conduct regulated by a vast Code of Monastic Law and Discipline called the Vinaya. But moral integrity is only a basic foundation upon which meditative concentration and wisdom can be developed. So the Sangha that is well established in meditation is far more worthy of respect and support. Consider the following story.

Once the Buddha visited a group of three monks, Venerables Anuruddha, Nandiya and Kimila in a forest reserve. They led a meditative life in silence and harmony. Once every five days they had nightlong Dhamma discussions. The Buddha was very pleased by their way of life. As He went on His way after leaving the monks, a deity called Digha Parajana met him. The deity praised the three virtuous monks and said, "The families of these men would gain a lot of merits by just having devout thoughts about them."

‘Indeed so, Digha," agreed the Buddha. "Indeed, Digha, I say not only their families, but whosoever had devout thoughts about these virtuous men would gain merits conducive to their long-term welfare and happiness. Look, Digha, how these monks are practising for the welfare and happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the benefit, welfare and happiness of gods and men!"

Culagosingasutta, Majjhima Nikaya

Buddhist monks could help to balance the present world trend of high-tech materialism by practising and advocating high standards of moral integrity and spiritual cultivation. To set a good example, the resident monks of SBS shall be required to be well established in the theory and practice of moral discipline, tranquillity and meditative wisdom before setting out to teach and guide others. This is in line with what the Buddha said:

One should establish oneself in what is proper;
Then only should one instruct another.
For the wise person should not be tainted (by incompetence).

Dhammapada #158

We already know there is an acute shortage of suitably trained monks to teach and advise the increasing numbers of Malaysian Buddhists who are thirsting for the Dhamma. SBS will eventually help to alleviate this problem. The seeds will be sown. But they will take time to sprout, mature and bear fruits. We cannot expect our children to be trained or educated overnight.

Bhikkhus and samaneras ordained elsewhere who wish to participate in the SBS training programme shall be required to apply for admission because of limited facilities and screening requirements. Information on this matter shall be available in due course. Nevertheless, a successful applicant shall still have to undergo observation for a short period before he can be given nissaya. This is a Vinaya rule set down by the Buddha. The SBS Project Committee shall formally invite him to reside in the Sanctuary for a mutually agreed period of time, subject to the condition that he shall try to conduct himself strictly according to the Vinaya, and abide by the SBS Constitution and katikavatta ("regulations").

After consultation with our electrical engineer, we decided that it would be more feasible and economical to bring in electrical supply from TNB rather than to use hydroelectric power or solar panels. We have already submitted our application and are waiting for its approval. However, to create conditions conducive to meditation at night and in the early morning, individual kutis will not be supplied with electricity. Only main buildings like the office, publication room, library, multipurpose hall, sick-ward, kitchen, etc. will have electricity.

While computers, printers, Xerox-machine, etc. may be used in the publication room for restricted periods only, access into the Internet will probably not be permitted, especially for junior monks. A cellular phone will be available for use only within certain hours of the day.