Buddhism And Taoism Case Study

Historical Overview

The opening up of Malaya physically by the British colonists on the economic frontiers in the 19th century in areas of tin mining and rubber planting did not appeal to the local Malay population who were keen in fishing and farming. The struggle for labor force resulted in active promotion of economic migrants and also traders into Malaya from China, India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

Buddhism and Taoism

In the 19th century, the Chinese constituted the largest and most valuable group acting as traders, masons, smiths, carpenters, planters and shopkeepers on the island. Early in date, the Chinese specialised in the trade and production of tin. Some emigrants from the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong involved themselves in pepper

They were all considered as Chinese temple even though many were the mixture of Taoist temple rather than Buddhist Temples. Another huge temple besides Kek Lok Si was built in 1800s, which is the Kwan Inn Teng in Penang. Even the umbrella body for all Chinese Temple, which is the Malayan Buddhist Association consists of Buddhist and Taoist temples. Taoist practice had flourished as the result of increasing Chinese settled in Malaysia. There was increasing awareness in distinction between Taoism and Buddhism in 1990s. During that time, A Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia was established to provide clear identity for Taoism as one of the religions in Malaysia. Since many of Taoists also worship ancestors and Bodhisattva and these beliefs have traditionally enjoyed a peaceful coexistence, it causes obscured delineation between them. There are also some Chinese salvationist religions that has been well established in East Malaysia and Thailand. These religions include Wuweiism, De religion and Zhengkongism that was popular among Hakka people for stopping people from taking opium before World War

From a popular belief, a holy man chose a spot nearby the waterfalls for a shrine dedicated to Murugan. By the early 1800s, the shrine has been the important site for Thaipusam celebration, which is a festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. The Balathandayuthapani temple has gone through some major renovations. This is done as the requirement of the Hindu religious tenets, where renovations must be done for every 12 years cycle. As the number of worshippers and devotees increased over the years, the Hindu Endowments Board planned to build a new temple to accommodate more visitors, especially during the Thaipusam celebration.

On 29 June 2012, the grand consecration ceremony of the newly completed Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani temple was held. This temple that costs about 10 million ringgit is said to be the largest Murugan temple outside India.

Beginning with British colonization, Penang boasted a tradition of religious tolerance; all races could practice their respective religious faith and social stability in a multi-racial society was thus