马大子午线
"Meridian" is one of the subgroups of the University of Malaya Buddhist Society, dedicated to spreading the Dharma through music. It was originally known as the "Ferry" Buddhist Music Group, officially established in 1989 at Xiangyun Study Center—one of the four Buddhist hostels at the university. The name "Ferry" symbolizes guiding lost souls to the shore of enlightenment, reflecting its mission to promote Buddhism through the creation and performance of Buddhist songs. At its inception, the group consisted of five members.
By chance, the "Ferry" Buddhist Music Group was renamed Meridian. The term "Meridian" refers to the imaginary north-south longitudinal lines on a globe, used for navigation. This name symbolizes the group's role in guiding people toward the right path in life through Buddhist music. Interconnected meridians form a complete circle, representing the fulfillment of one's original aspirations. Thus, Meridian also carries the meaning of wholeness and completion. Staying true to its mission of spreading Buddhism through music, Meridian is dedicated to nurturing talents in Buddhist music composition and performance through various training and practice opportunities. Additionally, it seeks to collect, organize, and promote Buddhist songs to further the Dharma through music.
After its establishment, Meridian actively conducted Buddhist music classes and shared Buddhist songs at various events organized by the University of Malaya Buddhist Society. In the 1990/91 academic year, Meridian held its first Buddhist Music Camp at the Brickfields Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, receiving an encouraging response. The group continued organizing similar camps in 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2004. Additionally, in 1995, it hosted the Inter-University Buddhist Music Exchange Camp to enhance participants' understanding of Buddhist music. Every year, Meridian also organizes Malam Irama Bodhi, a Buddhist music appreciation night. Through different themes and performance styles, this event allows attendees to experience the truth, goodness, and beauty of Buddhism through melodies and lyrics, while also serving as a platform to showcase Meridian’s original Buddhist compositions. By 1993, Meridian had established regular weekly or biweekly gatherings to strengthen the bond among its members and enhance their understanding of music, Buddhism, and Buddhist song performance techniques.
Meridian’s mission of spreading Buddhism through music extended beyond the University of Malaya campus. The group collaborated with the UM Buddhist Society’s Miao Xi Dharma Propagation Team to perform the Zen Lamp Suite, composed by Venerable Ji Cheng and Chow Kam Leong, at the Kajang Jing Miao Buddhist Society, receiving high praise. Meridian was also invited to perform Buddhist songs at the Path of Nation-Building for Youth exhibition held at Lot 10, a well-known shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. On January 7, 1994, the group hosted the Pure Stream Accompanies You Buddhist Song Presentation Concert at the Kuen Cheng Girls’ School auditorium in Kuala Lumpur, marking its first public showcase of 16 original compositions by UM members. In December 1995, Meridian organized its first Inter-University Buddhist Music Exchange Camp, featuring renowned Singaporean producer Yang Cheng Bao as a guest mentor. Participating groups included the UPM Buddhist Society (now UPM Bodhi Buddhist Society), UTM Buddhist Society, Vajra Buddhist Society, and Bodhi Workshop. Additionally, Meridian members frequently engaged in exchanges with high school Buddhist societies, Buddhist music groups, and Buddhist music practitioners to share and promote Buddhist music. They also took part in performances at the Praise to the Tathāgata Buddhist Music Dharma Assemblies, specifically in the Threefold Learning: Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom and Faith, Aspiration, and Practice series.
Over the years, Meridian has created and collected more than a hundred original Buddhist songs from the University of Malaya. A major milestone was reached in 2006 with the recording and release of the Dharma Sound, Pure Stream album, which featured ten selected representative works. This album helped UM’s Buddhist music compositions reach a wider audience, further advancing the mission of spreading Buddhism through music.