Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple Malaysia
Background of Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple (or FGS Dong Zen) represents the hub of a Buddhist centre in the South East Region. FGS Dong Zen is situated at Jenjarom, Kuala Langat in the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The land area covers 22 acres. Since the opening of the monastery in 1996, it has created a new avenue for tourism for local tourists and it also acts as an important cultural and educational center. The meaning of “Dong Zen” Literally translated in Chinese, “Dong” means “East” and “Zen” means “The tranquil mind”. As a phrase, it means “the tranquil mind in the east”, representing the hub of a Buddhist centre in the South East Region. The objectives of Fo Guang Shan are:- 1. To foster talent through education 2. To propagate the Dharma through cultural activities 3. To benefit society through charity 4. To purify human minds through cultivation practice.
Every Chinese New Year the temple puts on a Lantern & Flora Festival and the whole place is transformed into a glittering wonderland of red lanterns, digital lights, illuminated gardens and colourful displays for kids and adults.
There are 18 statues of Arhats and 33 statues of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva which, I believe are stages to progress though on the road to Buddhahood.
Its vast and peaceful compound comprises a main shrine that houses a giant Buddha statue, Waterdrop Teahouse, Lumbini Garden, Sutra calligraphy hall, the Dong Zen Institute of Buddhist Studies, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, exhibition halls containing artifacts and relics, audiovisual rooms, meditation and dining halls and a vegetarian restaurant.
The temple also organizes short monastic retreats, meditation camps, prayer services and regular Dharma talks.
The FGS Dong Zen Temple is well-known for its elaborate Lantern and Flora Festival, a kaleidoscope of digital lights, lanterns and flotillas that illuminate the temple grounds during the annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which last 15 days.
In 1999, the temple was listed as a religious tourist attraction by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and in 2003, was the recipient of the “Outstanding Scenery Award” from Selangor’s Tourism Development Board.
Fo Guang Shan Malaysia is one of the many branches of Fo Guang Shan (“FGS”) throughout the world. FGS is founded by Ven Master Hsing Yun.
Fo Guang Shan is the largest Buddhist order in Taiwan having been established by Master Hsing Yun in 1967. Since then branches have opened all over the world and it aims to promote Buddhism through its educational programmes and good deeds.
Fo Guang Shan has following inside it.
- Souvenir Corner.
- Main Shrine with a large seated Buddha statue.
- Lumbini Gardens with orchid displays, fish ponds and models of famous Buddhist sacred places in India.
- An Art Gallery with artefacts exhibition, a calligraphy hall and a Relics Shrine.
- Fo Guang Shan Education Exhibition.
- Kiddyland.
- A Tea House.
- A wishing pool and more.