How did Ti-Ratana begin?
The Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1895.
In the 1960s, the late Ven Dr. K Sri Dhammananda set foot in Malaysia and set up the Buddhist Missionary Society (of) Malaysia (BMSM). Until his passing away in 2006, he was the Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia. During his tenure in that position, he invited the current Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia, Ven Datuk Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana to the Buddhist Maha Vihara from Sri Lanka in the 1980s.
In 1994, Ven Datuk Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera, the current Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia (since 2007) had the initiative to set up Ti-Ratana Welfare Society and Welfare Homes, registered the society the same year and was opened in 1997, which eventually let to setting up an entirely new society, named Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society in 2000, back then headquartered in the middle of Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The society's headquarters moved thrice, to Bangsar (2002), Ampang (2006), and back to Bangsar again (2018), which has remained its headquarters ever since.
Ti-Ratana then opened several branches, in Kepong (currently inactive), Klang, Petaling Jaya, Cheras and Puchong.
In 2018, Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society branched out to a specific Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society Kuala Lumpur & Selangor, leaving the former Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society Malaysia name for future plans to open temples and centres in other states.
Ti-Ratana Penchala
Ti-Ratana Penchala is located at the heart of Petaling Jaya, close to Kuala Lumpur. Established in 2003, Ti-Ratana Penchala is deeply rooted in the Thai Forest Tradition of Buddhism and is considered an oasis for meditation practitioners in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
FAQs on the centre
Is it only for Buddhists?
While it is often mentioned, due to local legal restrictions, that our religious activities are for those who are non-Muslim, our non-religious activities such as Yoga and Art are open to all. Volunteers do not have to be Buddhist, unless it involves religious rites like carrying the Buddhist flag, Buddha Rupa or Kathina Relics.
Can I host my Buddhist community event (Dhamma Talk, etc.) at Ti-Ratana Penchala?
Yes, please contact us. If you are based in another country or state, do inform us should you require accommodation. However, it is advisable to have accommodations at a bigger temple or a hotel/homestay/Airbnb/relative's house. We are only able to provide accommodation for 2 Sangha members and 2 laypeople. There are beds for the Sangha, laypeople need to bring mattresses or sleeping bags.
Can I host my non-religious community event at Ti-Ratana Penchala?
Yes, please contact us. This will be subject to our terms and conditions that we will provide to you later.
Can I hold weekly/monthly community classes at Ti-Ratana Penchala?
Yes, please contact us. This will be subject to our terms and conditions that we will provide to you later.
How is the temple related to BMSM, BMV etc?
There is no legal relation, however, our founder and advisor, The Most Ven Datuk K Sri Dhammaratana is the current Buddhist Chief Monk of Malaysia, who is based at BMV. Due to BMV's close relationship with BMSM, and the former late Chief Rev Dr K Sri Dhammananda, we have a close relationship with them.
How is the temple related to Ti-Ratana Welfare Society?
The building is owned by Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, and our outreach centre which aids in disaster relief and children from broken homes regardless of religion is operated in collaboration with them. The whole Ti-Ratana Group is considered one Group, officially but not legally.