With Wesak day around the corner, Ewe Paik Leong visits some ofthe lesser-known Buddhist sanctuaries
SAMADHI VIHARA, SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR
Located in Bukit Raja Industrial Estate, this Buddhist centre was officially opened in 2013 by the then Menteri Besar of Selangor. It consists of a Lotus Dome Shrine Hall and a separate three-storey building. Four marble statues of Lord Buddha sit inside the shrine hall. On the grounds of the centre stand two stone elephants and a replica of an Asoka Pillar. Weekly activities conducted here are the life-release ritual, chanting of puja, and teaching of Buddhist precepts and Pali language.
RUANG LIANG GONG TEMPLE, TAMAN USAHAWAN, KUALA LUMPUR
This is an ornate temple with a foliage dense front courtyard, and statues of animals and live geese running around. Dragons curl around the pillars of the temple while phoenixes perch atop its saddle shaped roof. Inside, Buddhist chanting from hidden loud speakers soothes visitors. Carp swim in a massive pond and fish food for these can be bought from the temple. A massive statue of the Laughing Buddha beside the temple is a popular spot for selfies.
CHEE WAN SAN TEMPLE, JALAN SUNGAI BESI, KUALA LUMPUR
Dedicated to the Thousand Hands Bodhisattva and Lord Buddha, this temple also houses a columbarium. It was established in 1927 and underwent expansion. Decorative plants and statues of deities fill the front courtyard. Free vegetarian meals are served on Chap Goh Meh and the 19th day of the second, sixth and ninth lunar months, which are the Bodhisattva's birthday, enlightenment day and day of renunciation respectively. Wesak Day is, of course, also observed.
SAMNAK SAMBODHI BUDDHIST TEMPLE, TAMAN DESA JAYA, KUALA LUMPUR
Founded by a monk from Yangon, this templeis probably the only Myanmar Buddhist temple in the city and is popular with migrant Myanmar workers. Installed in the original building are statues of Lord Buddha and The Goddess of Mercy. In the adjacent hall are more statues of the Enlightened One, who is flanked by two golden pyinsarupa on the walls. A pyinsarupa is a mythical hybrid animal of Myanmar comprising a lion, an elephant, a buffalo, a swan and a carp. The temple celebrates Wesak Day with chanting sessions and offering of vegetarian food.
BODHI PARK, SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR
Located at Seksyen U12, Bodhi Park consistsofa park anda prayer hall guarded by four stone lions. The park is planted with trees associated with milestones in Lord Buddha's life. For example, there are the ashoka tree (where Buddha was born), the banyan tree (where Buddha cut off his hair to signify detachment from worldly desires), the jambu tree (where Buddha first meditated), and the bodhi tree (where Buddha achieved enlightenment). Installed inthe prayer hall is a marble statue of Lord Buddha.