Teochew Gong Tek Funeral Rituals: Staging the Yulanpen Sutra

Teochew Gong Tek Funeral Rituals: Staging the Yulanpen Sutra

7 min read
It is believed that the performance of the story from the Yulanpen Sutra or Mulian Saves His Mother from Hell during the gong tek ritual helps the soul of the dead to journey safely and quickly towards rebirth, or to Western Paradise, the auspicious and heavenly world where Amitabha Buddha resides.
by Prof. Dr. Tan Sooi Beng &  Tan Yng Ling
When Goodbye Is Not the End

When Goodbye Is Not the End

6 min read
“Amazing Grace”, was written in 1779 by John Newton, who spent the first 20 years of his life faced with hardships after his mother passed away when he was six. Later in life, Newton faced many near-death experiences, and this, he documents in this hymn.
by Hazel Lim
Flashes in the Dark: Learning to Protect Fireflies

Flashes in the Dark: Learning to Protect Fireflies

5 min read
As part of this year’s World Firefly Day celebration on July 5, researchers, families and firefly enthusiasts had gathered in Bukit Kiara to spot these rare insects. It is also a way for researchers to connect science with public curiosity and encourage community-led biodiversity conservation.
by Liani MK