Thursday, December 4, 2014

International Bhikkhuni Day, 2014 (Part 11)

Honouring Eminent Asian Buddhist Women in the Modern Era
C. Buddhism Beyong Borders: Engaged Buddhism - Compassion in Action

3.  Malaysia – Ven Chang Heng

Orphaned at a young age, Ven Chang Heng came in contact with Buddhism at Sau Seng Lum (SSL) Petaling Jaya. Ordained at the age of 18 she went to Taiwan to further her studies in Buddhism. In 1978 she became the 3rd abbess of SSL. Under her able leadership motto “May human beings be free from suffering and may the world be peaceful.”
SSL diversified from a Buddhist temple to a compassionate community and extended its services to helping the less unfortunate in the areas of healthcare, culture and education. Ven Chang Heng set up the Petaling Jaya SSL Haemodialysis Center (1994) to provide affordable and quality dialysis services to poor kidney patients of all creeds. Starting with 6 units of dialysis machines and 4 patients, the centre now has 100 units and over 200 patients.

In 2003, SSL Haemodialysis Center was one of the first NGOs, to be awarded the ISO 900:2000 Quality Management System and Health mark Certification. The SSL Haemodialysis Center later became the Dialysis and Stroke Rehabilitation Centre. In 2004 its health services expanded to a new center at SSL Puchong.

The innovative design of the 500 arahant images in this new center is recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records and has become a tourist destination. Ven Chang Heng teaches Buddhism as “life education for the family and community.”

Recognition
In recognition of her selfless and devoted service to the community and contribution to Buddhism, Ven Chang Heng was honored with the following awards:
2001 - The 2001 Outstanding Young Malaysian Award for Humanitarian and Volunteer Service by the International Junior Chamber Association Malaysia.
2007 - Outstanding Women in Buddhism Awards, United Nations in Bangkok
2008 - Malaysian Medical Association’s 2008 Healthcare Service Award for         15 years of selfless and devoted service to the local and international                  communities.            

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