Penang, Small Little Island in Malaysia

Wesak Day

2008-05-24T10:34:00.004+08:00

On Vesak day, devout Buddhists and followers alike are expected and requested to assemble in their various temples before dawn for the ceremonial, and honorable, hoisting of the Buddhist flag and the singing of hymns in praise of the holy triple gem: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples). Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of their teacher. These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as the beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while and the candles and joss-sticks would soon burn out, so too is life subject to decay and destruction. Devotees are enjoined to make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind. They are encouraged to partake of vegetarian food for the day. In some countries, notably Sri Lanka, two days are set aside for the celebration of Vesak and all liquor shops and slaughter houses are closed by government decree during the two days. Also birds, insects and animals are released by the thousands in what is known as a 'symbolic act to liberation'; of giving freedom to those who are in captivity, imprisoned, or tortured against their will. Some devout Buddhists will wear a simple white dress and spend the whole day in temples with renewed determination to observe the observance of the Eight Precepts.

Devout Buddhists undertake to lead a noble life according to the teaching by making daily affirmations to observe the eight Precepts. However, on special days, notably new moon and full moon days, they observe additional disciplines to train themselves to practice morality, simplicity and humility.

Some temples also display a small image of the baby Buddha in front of the altar in a small basin filled with water and decorated with flowers, allowing devotees to pour water over the statue; it is symbolic of the events following the Buddha's birth, when devas and spirits made heavenly offerings to him.

The Eight Precepts are:

Not to kill
Not to steal
Not to engage in improper sexual activity
Not to indulge in wrong speech
Not to take intoxicating drinks and drugs
To abstain from taking food at unreasonable times
To refrain from sensual pleasures such as dancing, singing and self-adornment
To refrain from using high and luxurious seats in order to practice humility.

Devotees are expected to listen to talks given by monks. On this day monks will recite verses uttered by the Buddha twenty-five centuries ago, to invoke peace and happiness for the Government and the people. Buddhists are reminded to live in harmony with people of other faiths and to respect the beliefs of other people as the Buddha had taught.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesak

Some of the picture from new2mac for Celebration of Wesak day in Penang

For more picture of Wesak day, please visit new2mac gallery.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/new2mac/sets

Many thanks to new2mac for sharing this great picture!!!

Penang World Music Festival

2008-05-24T00:46:00.004+08:00

Open air on a breezy evening under the romantic night skies, the Botanic Gardens will play venue to the three scintillating evenings of the “World Music Festival 2008 • Penang” on 2 – 4 May 2008.

The 11 international and 4 local bands, while worlds apart, remain true to their roots in performing very prominent ethnic undertones and identities with traditional instruments being the focal point. These international bands performing over the three days, hail from France, Reunion Island, Mexico, Iran, India, Denmark, Kenya, Tibet, Canada, USA and Croatia.

Between you, the grass and the night skies there are no hindrances allowing you to be at one with nature and at the same time, provide complete freedom of movement. Feel safe in your circle of nature as you are nestled between the old quarry cliffs of Penang. Be it sitting on the grass away from the stage with loved ones enjoying the music, lying on the grass with your special someone watching the stars while the hypnotic rhythm envelops your heart, moving between groups of peers or getting right in the face of action at the stage-front, it is entirely your call on how to enjoy this memorably melodic weekend where nature and music at its best converge.

Some picture taken by a well known photographer in Penang.

Writer here would like to thanks to the following photographer as they are willing to share their picture with me and together with everyone who visit this humble blog of mine.

Million thanks to the following

Jack
Noruazumi
Alan
Xavier

Once again...Lets see everyone again in World Music Festival in year 2009 !!!

Penang Butterfly Farm

2008-05-16T09:28:00.000+08:00

Penang Butterfly Farm is consider the world #1 tropical live butterfly sanctuary. It is located at Teluk Bahang and the it is a must place to visit if your wish or would like to enjoy the friendliness of the "insect" in there.

Image source from http://www.malaysiasite.nl/

Click on the picture to view the original size

The above picture is taken by Edwin Tan

For more info, please visit Penang Butterfly Farm

Titi Kerawang

2008-05-05T22:21:00.000+08:00

Titi Kerawang, is located between Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang. To get to Titi Kerawang, it will take about 10 minute drive from Teluk Bahang Dam.

Pratically, nothing much in there, except the fact that there are 2 nice waterfall...for some refreshing bath. Well, picture says the thousand words...

Introducing Georgetown area Version 1

2008-05-03T00:23:00.000+08:00

Some picture around Georgetown + Weld Quay area

some of the houses in Jetty area

House + Jetty

Citizen

Abandon war house

Getting ready for some prayer

Old house

Kastam Building

Komtar tower view from Weld Quay area

Abandon old house

The ferry jetty in Penang

Weld Quay street

Used to be some old heritage building, but it is now kastam building

Some heritage building

The above picture was actually taken in different days, but of course since this is the starting of the blog, I'll try to update it more often.