About us
Aloka Foundation is a non-profit organisation incorporated in 2002 to establish and operate retreat centres and carry out activities to promote educational, humanitarian and spiritual activities for the well being and happiness for all Malaysians of any race, creed or religion.
Aloka Foundation’s initial project is Alokarama (meaning ‘place of light’), an eco-holistic retreat centre in the district of Tampin in Negeri Sembilan, near the foothills of Gunung Ledang. Alokarama hosts healthy mind and body weekend retreats and workshops.
Other Aloka Foundation projects that have brought a multitude of benefits to many include Green Thumbs (herbal and eco-farming), Good Heart (compassionate care) and Open Arms (hospitality service).
To further inspire, train and nurture individuals to be the Light of Aloka to reach out and be of service for the welfare and the many Aloka Foundation is embarking on several new humanitarian projects.
Vision
To kindle the light of wisdom in individuals to walk the Noble Path and be of service for the welfare and happiness of the many.
Guiding Principles
The principles guiding the work of the Aloka Foundationare:
Compassionate love – Starting with thoughts of loving-kindness for all beings, our thoughts manifest as compasssionate action to relieve the sufferings of others, paving the way for the reduction and eradication of the root cause of suffering.
Simplicity – A simple and healthy lifestyle provides the basis for cultivating higher values of life, such as sincerity, respect, humility, contentment and gratitude.
Harmony – Leading a peaceful, non-violent and eco-friendly way of life, the community supports each other, including the elderly, sick and needy.
Equity – Promoting well-being for all, irrespective of age, gender, belief and culture.
Dhamma in service - Working for the happiness and security of others helps Aloka Foundation members develop joyful, balanced and skilful minds, laying the foundation for an enlightened community of young and old.
Spiritual Patron
The late Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera
The late Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda was our founding spiritual patron. He had been a great source of inspiration and motivation for the establishment of Aloka Foundation and Alokarama for the welfare and happiness of the many. Our spiritual director, Venerable Mahinda is a pupil of his.
Spiritual Advisor
Venerable Mahinda
Venerable Mahinda, who founded Aloka Foundation, is also the Spiritual Director of the Foundation.
Venerable Mahinda, born in 1949 to a Chinese Peranakan family in Malacca, was ordained in 1976 under the tutelage of the late Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera. He undertook basic Buddhist studies and training in Sri Lanka and practical Buddhist meditation under several masters in Sri Lanka, India, Burma and Thailand. He has travelled to more than 30 countries to spread the peace message of the Buddha.
Since 1976, Venerable Mahinda has been conducting the annual Novitiate Programme at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Assisted by Sister Sumitra, Venerable Mahinda has also been conducting meditation retreats in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia prior to the establishment of Alokarama.
Advisor
Yang Berhormat Dato’ Hon Choon Kim, Deputy Minister of Education.
Board of Directors
Projects
Alokarama
Patrons of Alokarama
1. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Victor Wee , Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism;
2. Yang Berbahagia Dato' Tan Cheng Swee , a founding MCA leader who was formerly an MCA Vice President and Treasurer General and who is now serving as the Melaka MCA Adviser; and
3. Yang Berbahagia Prof Dato' Dr. Daniel Chan , a Professor in Medical Health Science, who is a consultant physician in naturopathy with expertise in health farm.
This retreat center for body, mind and eco cultivation is the maiden project of Aloka Foundation. Located on a 20-acre orchard near Asahan in Tampin district at the southeastern corner of Negeri Sembilan, bordering the state of Johore and Malacca. It is within walking distance to the foothills of the legendary Gunong Ledang or Mt Ophir, the highest mountain in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
Alokarama has facilities for retreats, leadership programmes and workshops that focuses on the healthy development of the body and mind. A herb garden with many varieties of herbs growing very well represents the pilot for a herb farm that will be developed.