Metta Lodge  

From Johor Bahru Directory

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The Metta Lodge in Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru

Sign at main entrance of Metta Lodge, Johor Bahru

Metta Lodge is a Buddhist association in Johor Bahru that was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies on 7 January 1982. Its motto is "Pariyatti Patipatti Pativedha", meaning "Study, Practise, Realize". Metta Lodge has its own premises at No. 26, Jalan Rengas, Taman Melodies.

2.   Aims and objectives: The main aims and objectives of Metta Lodge include the following:

1. To study and promote Theravada Buddhism and Buddhist culture;
2. To foster and develop the qualities of truth, loving kindness, and compassion;
3. To encourage and promote the practice Buddhist meditation in order to achieve mental peace and calm;
4. To offer proper advice and guidance in the practice of the Buddha's teachings;
5. To offer spiritual assistance to any Buddhist, whether members of Metta Lodge or otherwise, in times of difficulty;
6. To liaise with all Buddhist organizations in promoting the Buddha's teachings; and
7. To cultivate religious harmony, while undertaking the practice of the Buddha's teachings.

3.   Activities: Programmes and activities are organized for both adults and children:

1. Lessons, and discussions, as well as talks and sermons by both monks and lay teachers on the Buddha's teachings are conducted regularly. Free e-Dhamma lessons are also available at Metta Lodge Public, hosted by Yahoo! Groups. Sunday dhamma classes also are conducted for members' children to inculcate essential moral and spiritual skills and values to help them cope with their daily life and to prepare them for adulthood.
2. Holidays camps for children and adolescents are organized regularly where participants can have fun learning and playing together by putting their own leadership and organizational skills to good practice.
3. Traditional practices like offering of alms food and requisites to the Sangha (Community of Monks) are observed on a regular basis at the vicinity of the Taman Sri Tebrau market.

Brief history

Metta Lodge was initiated by a few lay Buddhists who were eager to learn and practise the Buddha's Teachings more diligently. During its first five years of existence, it did not have its own premises and had to move from one house or rented premise to another. In 1987, Metta Lodge finally acquired its own permanent premises, a double-storey bungalow, in Taman Melodies.