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| Majlis Buddhis Theravada Malaysia 马来西亚南传佛教总会 | |
| Abbreviation | TBCM |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2011 (Officially registered on 9 May 2012) |
| Type | Umbrella council |
| Legal status | Council |
| Purpose | Unifying Theravāda Buddhist organizations and followers in Malaysia |
| Headquarters | A2-16-3A, Arcoris Mont Kiara, No. 10, Jalan Kiara, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
Region served | Malaysia |
President | Bro. Tan Leng Huat |
Key people | Ven. B. Saranankara Phra Khru Udomdhammapatibhan Ven. Aggacitta Phra Ajaan Keng Khemako Ven. Dr. Dhammapala[1] |
| Website | Official website |
| Remarks | Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia on Facebook Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia's channel on YouTube |
| Part of a series on |
| Theravāda Buddhism |
|---|
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| Buddhism |
The Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (Malay: Majlis Buddhis Theravada Malaysia; Chinese: 马来西亚南传佛教总会; abbrev: TBCM) is a council or umbrella body consisting of member organizations which represents all Theravada Buddhism traditions in Malaysia.[2] It also accepts organizations that are inclined towards Theravada Buddhism as ordinary and associate members.[3]
The vision of the council is: "A united Malaysian Theravāda Buddhist Community living in accordance with the Buddha’s Teachings." The mission is: "To propagate the Buddha’s Teachings and promote the Buddhist Way of Life."
Background information
[edit]Theravāda Buddhism has been present in Malaysia for centuries, primarily among the Thai ethnic communities living near the northern border with Thailand. The Thai bhikkhu sangha formed a vibrant and active group that positively influenced other ethnic groups, particularly the Chinese in the northern regions. However, language and cultural barriers meant that only a small number of Chinese individuals became ordained in the Thai sangha. It wasn’t until the early part of the 21st century that Theravāda Buddhism began to significantly affect the Chinese Malaysian community, driven by a unique mix of factors. The earliest Theravāda organization established in Malaysia was the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society (SAWS), officially registered in the late 1800s. Initially catering to the Sri Lankan immigrant community, the society would later become notably influential around fifty years later. During its early years, the Sri Lankan bhikkhus it welcomed—similar to the many Thai temples present at the time—primarily served members of their own ethnic group. Subsequently, various Theravāda Buddhist organisations have emerged.[4]
On 25th December 2011, representatives from 23 Theravāda Buddhist organisations from 9 Malaysian states met in Kuala Lumpur. The concerns of various organisations were freely discussed and there was unanimous agreement on the need to establish the Theravāda Buddhist Council of Malaysia.[2]
On 1 September 2012, its first inaugural Annual General Assembly was held.
The TBCM is also included as a participating member of the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC).[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Monastic Advisory Panel". Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ a b "About TBCM". Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM). Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ "Membership". Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM). Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ "The Theravada Bhikkhu Sangha in Malaysia". Parami: The Buddhist home. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ "MBCC Press Statement". Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC). 9 December 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2025 – via Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM).
