Dhamma Malaya Photos
Dhamma Malaya (Malaya means sandalwood in Sanskrit) is 35km inland from Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang, on the east coast of Malaysia. The centre comprises 20 acres on a small breezy hill, surrounded by the palm and fruit trees of Gambang Plantation.
The centre was constructed in 2006-2007. This photo from that time shows the newly planted oil-palm trees that surround the centre.
Nearby wetlands attract many types of birds. Other small animals occupy the native trees in the grounds of the centre.
The centre has a simple symmetrical layout with Asian style pyramid roofs on the main buildings.
The reception area provides good shade, especially when there is a teens course group in action.
The dining hall has shady verandas and is joined by a covered walk to the reception area. It serves healthy vegetarian food. This photo is from 2008 when many trees were newly planted.
Paths lead from the dining area to the student rooms.
Accommodation for students is in simple but private rooms with attached bathrooms. The rooms are in blocks of 8 or 10.
Inside the single rooms, a comfortable mattress and fan are provided.
In the middle of the course site is a mini-hall which is used for smaller group meditation and discourses.
Inside the mini-hall modern audio/video equipment is provided for evening discourses
Managers are accommodated close to the students to be on call
A central garden path under the shade of durian trees leads up to the male and female teachers' residences and interview room.
The student paths also lead past the teachers area up to the main meditation hall.
Gardens surround the paths near the hall.
The main hall has wide 3 metre verandas, and is linked by covered walkways to rest areas for breaks.
The main hall verandas are protected by hedges
The hall seats up to 150 people. To ensure a cool and pleasing environment, there are marble floors, louvre windows, and a vaulted ceiling for maximum ventilation.
There is a separate area at the back of the main hall with multi-lingual facilities for up to 24 languages.
Beyond the main hall is the meditation cell building which was completed in 2014, for use by experienced students.
The spacious two-storey building is air-conditioned for comfort.
Inside the building are 74 individual meditation rooms built in a circular arrangement
These small rooms are for secluded and serious practice
The most recent accommodation block is higher on the site near the cell building. Built on the male side, it increases student capacity to 48 men.
The female accommodation area caters for 60 female students.
Part of the men’s walking area overlooks a lake.
The water tower on the men’s side gives a good view of the main buildings