The word 'Mahaprajna', a Sanskrit term means 'Great Wisdom'. In Buddhist learning, the accumulation of merits go hand in hand as understanding and practice are of equal importance. However, as wisdom has the ability to guide practices, there is an emphasis on the gaining of wisdom where cultivation is concerned. As such, 'Mahaprajna' was adopted as the name for the society.

The Mahaprajna Buddhist Society was established in December 1985 under a set of unique historical and religious conditions. A group of Buddhists, under the guidance of Master Hou Zhong, established TMBS. The aspiration was to initiate Buddhist missonary work in order to overcome the prevailing conditions unconducive to the growth of Buddhism.In setting up the society, we aim to achieve the nurturing of true Buddhists through Buddhist education. This would help to muster the strength needed in propagating Buddhism for the benefit of sentient beings. In time to come, the spirit of Buddhism will be well spread.In brief, TMBS can be described as a Buddhist community which aspires to walk the bodhisattva path of benefitting all living beings through Buddhist education, providing for the welfare of the Sangha, as well as upgrading the standard of lay Buddhists.