The Penang Buddhist Association, along Anson Road, was founded by a group of Straits Chinese Buddhists who desired to study Buddhism in its pure form, uncorrupted by elements of Taoism that is prevalent among the local Chinese. The association was founded in 1925. The present structure was completed in 1931 in the late Straits Eclectic style.
The PBA aims to study, practice and propagate the Dharma as well as to foster fraternity among Buddhists. Through the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, The PBA strives to achieve unity and harmony among all Buddhists irrespective of their race and traditions. The PBA supports both the Mahayana and the Theravada tradition.
The Penang Buddhist Association, 168 Jalan Anson, P. Pinang. The interior is ornately decorated with polished floor titles with lotus designs, multi-tiered chandeliers & mother-of-pearl inlaid furnishing. The high-vaulted main hall houses many images of the Sakyamuni Buddha and His 2 main Bhikkhu Disciples on one side and Amitabha Buddha, Bodhisatta Kuan Im and Bodhisatta Tai Say Chee on the other side of the Shrine Hall. The housing estate behind the Penang Buddhist Association was developed by the Association in the 1930s, hence the roads bear Buddhistic names like Dharma, Deva Pada, Bodhi and Nirvana. Its former President, Mr. Yeoh Cheang Aun, also has his name on one road near the Association.
The Penang Buddhist Association was formed to study the Buddhist Doctrine that is free from the defective influence of the local superstitions and their degrading practices. The objectives of The Penang Buddhist Association are as follows:
1. To provide facilities for the study, practice and preaching of the Doctrine of Lord Buddha.
2. To hold discussions and lectures related to the Doctrine of the Lord Buddha.
3. Spreading the Teachings of the Lord Buddha by distribution of Buddhist literature
4. Propagating Buddhism by publishing Buddhist literature.
5. Reading of Buddhist Books.
6. Organise the chanting of prayers and observance of religious practices.
7. Doing charitable deeds.
8. Working for the moral, intellectual and spiritual development of self and others.
9. Achieve unity and harmony among all Buddhists irrespective of their race and traditions.
Phone: 604-2280910
Fax: 604-2289987
EMail: pba168@streamyx.com
Website: http://www.thepba168.org
