KUALA LUMPUR: Monks from the three main Buddhist branches in Malaysia will be leading a special blessing ceremony for those affected by the Covid-19 outbreak this Saturday at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields.

“More than 100 monks from the Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana branches are expected to participate in the prayers, ” said Malaysia chief high priest Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana.

“The special blessing service is for the departed and victims of the Covid-19 virus. As the outbreak continues to affect people worldwide, we the Malaysian Buddhist community would like to offer some assistance in a spiritual way.

“The prayers will focus on hastening the recovery of victims, the well-being and happiness of the departed, as well as hope that the disease will stop spreading, ” said Dhammaratana, adding that the event was open to all Buddhists, with more than 500 people expected to attend.

“We will be taking the necessary precautions for the ceremony such as cleaning the halls properly and having volunteers on hand to check the temperatures of the monks and devotees, ” he said.

“We also ask that devotees pray in silence and not to shake hands at the event.”

Dhammaratana, who represents the Theravada branch, announced this during a press conference that was attended by Malaysian Buddhist Asociation KL/Selangor branch chairman Ming Ji and Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia president Pek Chee Hen.

Both of the latter represent the Mahayana and Vajrayana branches, respectively.

The blessing ceremony will be held from 9.30am to noon at Asoka Hall of the Buddhist Maha Vihara here. Those who are unable to attend may join the event via the live video feed.

For details, call 03-2274 1141 or visit bit.ly/pray4covid or www.facebook.com/MahaVihara.