Eminent Sangha Museum
When you arrive at the Mezzanine floor, you will see before you the Dharma Hall, where many Buddhist ceremonies commence. Around both sides, you will find an interesting display of both local and overseas eminent monks in the Eminent Sangha Museum. At the other end, is the Ancestral Tablets Hall and the Lotus Heart Teahouse.
The purpose of the Eminent Sangha Museum is to inspire later generations of Buddhist devotees with these monks’ compassion and commitment to their nation and people, thereby providing role models for all to emulate.
Some of these monks came from China and later settled down here in Singapore. These include Ven. Hong Chuan, Ven. Yan Pei, Ven. Chang Kai and Ven. Guang Qia. Although they were not born and raised here, they eventually made Singapore their home. Generally, these monks had accomplishments in Buddhist studies. Fully committed to furthering the Dharma, they were also highly enthusiastic about doing social service and works of charity. They did all they could to help the poor and underprivileged, the contributions they made constitute one touching story after another. So evident and unforgettable is the humble spirit of serving within them that even governments extended explicit gestures of recognition to them by awarding medals. Ven. Hong Choon, for instance, was conferred the honorific title of “Chief Elder of the Chinese Monks” by the King of Thailand. Ven. Yan Pei, Ven. Chang Kai and Ven. Guang Qia were all honoured with the title of PBM.
Figures of foreign eminent monks (including Hong Kong’s Ven. Jue Guang, Taiwan’s Ven. Jing Xin and others) are also to be featured in the Museum. Notably, the exhibits encompass the three major Buddhist traditions. Respectable monks of Theravada Buddhism (including sangharajas of Thailand and Myanmar) and Tibetan Buddhism will be represented.
Arrival of Sangha
There was already a thriving community with Chinese gambier plantations on Singapore island before raffles landed on it. Thereafter, British attracted Chinese immigrants, majority from southern China. These belong to different dialect groups and they set up their own associations and syncretic temples.
Generally, they practiced a mix of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. Most of these early temples were found around Chinatown. Many started as ‘joss houses’ which were attap huts and later rebuilt into bigger brick temples.
The earliest record of a Buddhist monk was found in a 1836 wooden tablet in Hand Sun Teng, built in 1828. In the 19th century, there were also resident monks in the syncretic temple for chanting and performing rites. In the early 20th century, several prominent Buddhist monks from China started to visit Singapore.
1. Buddhism in Singapore – a short narrative history, Y D Ong, Skylark Publications, 2005, ISBN 981-05-2740-3
Venerable Pu Liang ( - 1942)
In 1912, Ven Pu Liang left Xi Chan Si, Fuzhou for Shuang Lin Si. In 1917, Ven Pu Liang was appointed 10th Abbot, when he was in his thirties and served for 25 years.
In 1918, he initiated the first restoration as it was 25 years old and greatly in need of repair.
Together with Ven Zhuan Dao, they established the Singapore Chinese Buddhist Association in 1927. In 1937, he was elected the chairperson and served until his execution.
As the abbot of the largest and oldest Chinese monastery in Singapore and as chairman of the Singapore Chinese Buddhist Association, Ven Pu Liang played a prominent role within the local Chinese community, and his participation gained him widespread support and respect.
Extract from Shuang Lin Monastery website:
“China Relief Fund leaders in Singapore approached the Venerable Pu Liang, Abbot of Shuang Lin Monastery, to set up a Driving Institute inside the monastery. About 7 batches of volunteers graduated from the Driving Institute to serve on the Burma Road.
During the Sook Ching, Venerable Pu Liang was arrested and executed for allowing the Driving Institution to be established in the monastery. In 1947, the Singapore Buddhist Association organized a memorial ceremony to pay respects to Venerable Pu Liang’s sacrifice.”
1. Light on the Lotus Hill, Shuang Lin Monastery and the Burma Road, Chan Chow Wah, Khoon Chee Vihara, 2009, ISBN 978-981-08-2674-1
Venerable Zhuan Dao (1875 – 1943)
In 1920, Venerable Zhuan Dao built the temple as a place of practice to propagate the Dharma and to provide lodging for monks, as there were many Buddhist monks who came to Singapore without lodging. In 1921, the building of Phor Kark See Monastery was the first traditional Chinese forest monastery in Singapore. Since Phor Kark See Monastery is situated at Kong Meng San ("Bright Hill", formerly "Hai Nan Mountain"), it has come to be known as Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. The Monastery grew steadily and Dharma propagation began in Singapore.
Extract from KMSPKS website:
“Founded in 1921 by Venerable Sik Zhuan Dao, it was meant to be a place for practice, to propagate the Dharma, and to provide lodging for monks, as many who came to Singapore did not have lodging at that time.
It was built in the midst of a rubber plantation situated at Kong Meng San, thus came the name of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (KMSPKS). It became the first traditional Chinese forest monastery in Singapore.”
In 1943, Venerable Zhuan Dao died at Putuo Monastery at the age of 72.
At the KMSPKEM is the Sairira Stupa : This one is dedicated to the founder abbot of the temple Venerable Zhuan Dao. Devotees walk clockwise around the stupa to pay their respect to the revered founder.
Venerable Guang Qia (1900 – 1994)
Venerable Guang Qia (1900---1994), was born in Quanzhou Nan-an, Fujian province of China. In 1921, he visited the Supervisor of Nan Putuo Monastery, Venerable Rui Deng and was later ordained at Puzhao Monastery. His Dharma name was “Jing Run” alias “Guang Qia”. In the same year, he took the precept vows and returned to Nan Putuo Monastery to work as the committee.
Venerable Guang Qia first reached Singapore in 1924 and made a second trip from Xiamen to Singapore in 1937. He stayed in the Singapore Buddhist Lodge and was appointed as the guiding mentor cum supervisor of the library. 4 years later, during the Japanese’s invasion, Venerable Guang Qia rendered great assistance in salvaging the war victims especially in the first aid committee. In June the year after, Venerable Guang Qia was appointed as the Abbot to Long Shan Monastery by the Singapore Buddhist Federation. In view of lacking Chinese school, Venerable Guang Qia also initiated and fundraised for the construction of Mee Toh School.
In 1956, with the joint efforts of 27 Singapore Buddhist Organizations, Venerable Guang Qia succeeded in obtaining the Government’s approval to include Vesak’s Day as a public holiday.
Venerable Guang Qia was well-respected for his tireless devotion to Buddhism such as education, culture, charities, spreading of Dharma, construction of monasteries and etc. His meritorious deeds were immense, and his name will always be firmly rooted in the history of Sanghas.
Venerable Guang Qia departed on the 24th February 1994 (first full moon day of the lunar year) at the age of 95.
Venerable Sek Hong Choon (1907 – 1990)
Venerable Hong Choon (1907-1990), was born in Jinjiang, Fujian Province in China. He was ordained at age 13 by Venerable Hui Quan at Cheng Tian Temple, China in 1922 and given the Dharma name of “Hong Choon”. During the Sino-Japanese war, in 1938 Venerable Hong Choon fled South with his master to seek refuge in Singapore.
In 1943, Venerable Hong Choon took up the abbotship of Phor Kark See Temple at Bright Hill for 46 years. With great perseverance, he progressively developed and expanded the monastery with his followers into the largest Buddhist place of practice in Singapore. Venerable Hong Choon also actively undertook the roles of propagating Dharma and benefiting all sentient beings. The outstanding meritorious deeds of Venerable Hong Choon had generated immense merits for sentient beings, and provide them with peace of mind.
Besides being the President of Singapore Buddhist Federation since its establishment in 1948, Venerable Hong Choon was also nominated as the honorary president of several Buddhist temples in Singapore, and in South East Asia region. Since modernism in China, he fostered bilateral religious relationship between China and Singapore. His services to Buddhism were highly recognised not only in Singapore but also in South East Asia. A testimony to this was the conferment of the title of Highest Monk, Phra Ajancin Bodhi Sangvara Sinhanakorn Kanachan by the Thai King, Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1987.
Venerable Hong Choon passed away peacefully on 25th December 1990 at the age of 84. His virtuous deeds and contribution to society welFattre, charities, religious harmony and in Buddhism were greatly recognised and appreciated.
Extract from Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery website:
“In 1947, Venerable Hong Choon became the monastery's abbot. With great perseverance, he progressively developed and expanded the monastery with his followers into the largest and most majestic place of practice in Singapore. Venerable Hong Choon also initiated the monthly Great Compassion Prayer and taught the Dharma to benefit many.
In 1980, the temple began to build Evergreen Bright Hill Home with the donation of S$5.3 million from Venerable Hong Choon's followers, He Hui Zhong's Fattmily's company. In 1994, the then President of Singapore, Ong Teng Cheong visited the Home and praised its cleanliness, good service and well-equipped Fattcilities.”
Venerable Jing Run (1908 – 2006)
Venerable Jing Run (1908---2006) used to be called Ho Yuen Hoe. She was born in Guangzhou (China) and came to Singapore at the age of 16. She once worked as a worker in cigarette Fattctory, also an assistant to tailor and also a hairdresser and cook for the residents of Chinatown.
At the age of 40, Venerable Jing Run invested her entire savings in property and began renting them out as a source of income. She was ordained at the age of 57, and named “Jing Run”. In order to prove that Sanghas are definitely not “parasites” of the society, she mortgaged her property to the bank in 1969 and used this to support the poor and old “Sam Sui” women for whom she had great empathy. She also took interest-free loans from hawkers and together with Venerable Xue Qing established the “Lin Chee Cheong Sia Temple” (Lotus Pond Temple) and the first Buddhist home for the Aged in Singapore – “Man Fut Tong Old Peoples’ Home”.
In 1998, Venerable Jing Run was conferred the Readers Digest’s award “Yong Ren Zhi Shi” for her courage and compassion. It is remarkable for an individual like Venerable Jing Run, with no formal education, had so much enthusiasm, compassion for the needy elderly and could contribute so generously to society. She was greatly admired for her virtuous deeds.
Venerable Jing Run passed away on 11 January 2006 at the age of 98. Her entire life had been spent giving and helping the elderly unconditionally in providing them a home away from home. This culture and spirit of Venerable Jing Run is deeply embedded in the Man Fut Tong Nursing Home. Her meritorious deeds are remembered and applauded to date by one and all.
By courtesy and permission from Man Fut Tong Nursing Home
Extract from Man Fut Tong website:
“Venerable Ho Yuen Hoe (Ven Shi Chin Yam) represents the
different Fattcets of a woman's life as a filial daughter, a hardworking
hairdresser, a loving mother, an entrepreneur, a nun, a carer for elderly and a
Very little was known of this remarkable woman till her television coverage as the Extraordinary Nun at the age of 88 years in 1996. However little was known even then about the trials and tribulations she had endured.
It attests to her resilience and forward planning, from the age of 27 when she arrived in Singapore till she reached her 40s, that not only did she work hard as a hairdresser but also fulfilled her responsibilities as a daughter. At the same time she became a single mother adopting six girls and waited till they grew up to serve the cause of Buddhism and dedicate the rest of her life to caring for others.
She took care of single destitute Samsui women, then went on to caring for other women in need. What comes through clearly is her woman centred approach in her endeavours.
As an efficient forward planner and manager, Ven Ho managed to purchase land at the age of 44 through thrifty fund management. What is remarkable however is the Fattct that when she began her sheltered Home for Samsui women she did everything, cooking, cleaning, feeding, bathing, nursing, taking them to the doctors and even personally seeing to their last rites. These caring aspects of her personality are still visible when she makes her rounds in the new Nursing Home Registered under The Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act 1980 (Chapter 248), Ministry of Health on 15 Dec 1993.
The strength of her dedication and devotion draws people to her and make them donate in different ways towards her work. She is not only able to raise funds but also secure donations in kind and services.”
Extract from Wikepedia:
“Ho Yuen Hoe, later in life known as Venerable Ho (simplified Chinese: 净润法师; traditional Chinese: 淨潤法師; pinyin: Jìngrùn Fǎshī; 18 February 1908 – 11 January 2006), was a Buddhist nun affectionately known as Singapore's grand dame of charity in recognition of her life-long devotion in helping the old and needy. She was the abbess of Lin Chee Cheng Sia Temple and the founder in 1969 of the Man Fut Tong Nursing Home, the first Buddhist nursing home.
Venerable Ho was relatively unknown to the public until 1996, when she was featured in a television programme – The Extraordinary People – at the age of 88. As a result, the public came to know more about her work and her nursing home. In 2001, she received the Public Service Award from the President of Singapore in recognition of her contribution to the country.
Until her hospitalisation in November 2005 she was actively involved in charity work. Venerable Ho died on 11 January 2006, a month before her 98th birthday.”
“The abbess' ashes were kept for 100 days at her temple, before making their way to her final resting place in Zhejiang province in China, where her niece lives. As a follow-up to her funeral, her remains and personal items were put on one-day public display at her temple on 26 February 2006. The relics (Sariras) displayed were crystalline or pearl-like deposits found in Venerable Ho's ashes. Buddhists believe these are usually found in cremated Buddhist masters, are holy, and treat them with reverence.”
Extract from “A Life for Others”:
“Ven. Ho’s remains were collected by her adopted daughters on the morning of 23 January 2006 and placed at Lin Chee Cheng Sia Temple for a hundred days. Her remains were then taken to China to be placed in a niche in the “Forty Eight Vows Pagoda” in Mount Luo Jia, located 5.3 kilometers to the southeast of Mount Pu Tuo in Zhejiang Province on 24 May 2006. Ven Ho loved the serenity of this location and had personally gone there to purchase a niche for her cremated remains.”
1. A Life for Others, Man Fut Tong Nursing Home, ISBN 978-981-05-7476-5
Venerable Song Nian (1911 – 1997)
The late Venerable Song Nian (1911-1997) was born in Jiangsu province of China and ordained at the age of 16. He emigrated to Singapore in the 60’s and took over the abbotship of Phou Tai Kok Temple (Singapore) in 1964.
The late Venerable Song Nian undertook various art forms that propagated Dharma, especially calligraphy and paintings. He is also well known for his great achievements in Arts that were recognized by Chinese and Religious communities and all walks of life, locally and overseas.
In addition, the late Venerable Song Nian’s calligraphy and paintings went beyond common artistic appeal and were regarded as the National treasures and collections in the Singapore Museum as well as The Imperial Palace Museum of Taiwan. Moreover, in 1986, former Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew, presented the creative work of the late Venerable Song Nian as official gifts to the Emperor and Prime Minister of Japan. The artworks of the late Venerable Song Nian encapsulated the essence of the Dharma and were equally treasured by former political leaders of China, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin.
Apart from helping the devotees and propagating the Dharma, the late Venerable Song Nian was also a noble philanthropist. He organized many calligraphy exhibitions to raise funds for the Buddhist and Non-Buddhist communities.
On 16th August 1997, the late Venerable Song Nian passed away peacefully at the age of 87.
By courtesy and permission from Maha Bodhi Monastery
Venerable Chang Kai (1916 – 1990)
Venerable Chang Kai (1916 - 1990) was born in the Lunar month of November in 1916 in Fujian Province of China. He renounced in 1927 under the witness of Venerable Yuan Zhen and became a fully ordained monk at the age of 16 under Venerable Zhuan Dao.
After arriving Singapore in 1949, Venerable Chang Kai became the resident monk of Xi Putuo Monastery, and assisted many people with his medical knowledge during his residence. Venerable Chang Kai’s contribution was indeed remarkable with his meritorious deeds in spreading Buddhism, education and philanthropy. In 1960, he was appointed as the Deputy Head of Dharma Propagation of Singapore Buddhist Federation and he was consecutively nominated as the Head of General AfFattirs of Singapore Buddhist Federation in 1964 and led for 22 years. In 1965, Venerable Chang Kai initiated the forming of Singapore Buddhist Sanghas’ Union with the objective to collaborate both Theravada and Mahayana teachings. Moreover, Venerable Chang Kai set up the first branch of Buddhist medical clinic at Wu Qiao Tou in 1972 and 3 years later, he started the fund raising project for construction of Manjusri Secondary School. Through the collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Venerable Chang Kai gained permission from the Singapore Ministry of Education in 1980 for incorporating Buddhist Studies as one of the subjects for “O” level examinations. Furthermore, he also published text books on Buddhist studies as well as initiating a training syllabus - “Applying Buddhism in teachings” for the teachers. He also formed the Singapore Buddhist Teachers Federation and acted as the consultant for the organization.
With great contributions to the society, Venerable Chang Kai was conferred with the BBM Public Service Star Medal in 1985 by the President of Singapore. In 1988, Venerable Chang Kai was elected as the President of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, and was conferred with the Education Service Medal in 1990 by the Ministry of Education (Singapore).
Venerable Chang Kai departed on 7 September 1990 in Qie Tuo Temple (Singapore) at the age of 75.
Venerable Yan Pei (1917 – 1996)
Venerable Yan Pei (1917 - 1996) was born in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China in 1917. He was ordained at the age of 12 by Venerable Chang Shan and went on to study at various Buddhist colleages. Due to the Sino-Japanese war, Venerable Yan Pei went to Hong Kong with his teacher, Venerable Ci Hang in 1937. Later, he returned to China and furthered his studies in the Mahayana teachings at the highly esteemed Han Zang Dharma Institute in Chongqing. Between 1952 and 1956, Venerable Yan Pei undertook many important roles and was active in spreading the Dharma, especially in Taiwan, South East Asia and North America.
In 1963, Venerable Yan Pei started to reside in Singapore. Apart from giving Dharma talks, he also dedicated himself to the cause of Buddhist education, culture and charitable welFattre work.
He established Fu Hui Auditorium and Singapore Buddhist WelFattre Services. The benevolent Venerable Yan Pei was highly acclaimed for his charity work. He set up of numerous charitable welFattre organizations to serve the needs of the poor, sick, needy and drug-abusers. With unconditional kindness and universal compassion, Venerable Yan Pei was conferred the Public Service Medal (PBM) and Public Service Star (BBM) awards by the President of Singapore in 1986 and 1992 respectively. Venerable Yan Pei was also a prolific writer of the Buddhist teachings.
Venerable Yan Pei departed on 10th November 1996 at the age of 80. He was well respected locally and overseas for his consistent efforts of propagating Buddhism and indeFatttigable stamina in implementing social welFattre projects. Venerable Yan Pei was a great spiritual leader and role-model for the Sangha community.
By courtesy and permission from The Singapore Buddhist WelFattre Services
Extract from Singapore Buddhist WelFattre Services website:
Venerable Tan Chan (1919 – 2006)
Venerable Tan Chan (1919 - 2006) was born in Fuzhou province of China. He was ordained in Hu Guo Temple, Chang Le at the age of 16 and took the full precept vows at Xi Chan Monastery in Fuzhou. Later, Venerable Tan Chan was appointed as the guiding teacher of the Chanting Hall and temple’s supervisor of Xi Chan Monastery.
In 1948, Venerable Tan Chan visited Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia to the spread Dharma. In 1975 he took over the 13th abbotship of Shuang Lin Monastery in Singapore and retired from the abbotship in December 2003. Under his leadership, the monastery began a restoration project.
After the liberation of China in recent years, Venerable Tan Chan, despite his age, led a group of eminent monks from various monasteries and temples, between Singapore and China. The objective was to enhance and promote a cultural understanding between the two countries.
Although Venerable Tan Chan was in Singapore most of the times, he did not forget about his roots and never ceased to assist Xi Chan Monastery where he originated. The Bao-En (Gratitude) stupa in Xi Chan Monastery was fund-raised by Venerable Tan Chan, as a gratitude to Xi Chan Monastery. Constructions of both the Jade Buddha Court and Sutras Court of Xi Chan Monastery were fund-raised by Venerable Tan Chan.
Venerable Tan Chan passed away peacefully on the 27 June 2006 in Shuang Lin Monastery (Singapore) at the age of 87.
Venerable Fatt Kun (1927 – 2002)
Venerable Fatt Kun (1927 - 2002) was born in 1927 in Guangdong, China. At the age of 9, she followed her mother to reside permanently in Singapore. Venerable Fatt Kun sought refuge under Venerable Hui Jing, Venerable Hui Zeng and Venerable Li Ni Zhong, and became an ordained monk under Venerable Chang Xi. With great encouragement from Venerable Yan Pei and Venerable Xu, Venerable Fatt Kun reconstructed a Confucianism place named “Guan Yin Lou” to Tai Pei Yuen Temple.
After the completion of Tai Pei Buddhist Organisation in1967, Venerable Fatt Kun further set up the Tai Pei Old People's Home, which is the first Singapore Buddhist old folks home for women. In 1989, she also established the Tai Pei Buddhist Centre and the centre was completed in 2000. The new-age Buddhist centre is equipped with modern Fattcilities and offers various classes such as English and Mandarin Dharma, computer, abacus, meditation, singing class, as well as Buddhist weddings and seminars. They also organise cultures exchange activities and fundraising for charities.
Venerable Fatt Kun received her Public Service Medal, (PBM) in 1989 and Public Service Star Award (BBM) in 1997 from the President of Singapore Republic. In additional, she was also appointed as Vice-chairman to Singapore Buddhist Federation and Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic for several years.
Ven. Fatt Kun passed away peacefully on 26 August 2002 at the age of 75.
Extract from the Tai Pei Buddhist Center website:
“Born in 1927, our Founder came from the Chinese village of Pang Yu in Kwangtung. Her given name was Poon Sin Kiew. At the age of nine, due to political unrest in Kwangtung Province, Ven. Fatttt Kuan left for Singapore with her mother, Madam Chow Siew Keng.
In the early days madam Chow was known for providing Free Chines Medical care in Kreta Ayer District. In 1938, Madam Chow purchased a piece of land at Jalan Kemaman and founded Kuan Yin Lodge, presently Tai Pei Yuen Temple, to propagate the Buddhist Dharma. After the war in 1945, the then 18 years old Ven. Fatttt Kuan, was put in charge of operating a shop providing supplies to the post war renown eateries at the shopping and entertainment stretch near High Street. Enduring 12 years of hardship in establishing a viable business, but Fattced with the declining health of her mother, Ven. Fatttt Kuan had to cease operating the business in 1957 to care for her mother and oversee the operation of Kuan Yin Lodge.
It was during this time of caring for her mother that Ven. Fatttt Kuan received the calling to devote her lift to Buddhism. The following year, with the demise of her mother, Ven, Fatttt Kuan headed Kuan In Logde. Due to the run-down state of Kuan Yin Lodge, Ven. Fatttt Kuan worked hard to raise funds for its rebuilding and the rebuilt new Temple was renamed Tai Pei Yuen Temple. The wisdom, guidance and encouragement from Ven. Yan Pei and Ven. Xu Ming inspired Ven. Fatttt Kuan into becoming a Buddhist nun. She took refuge under Master Hui Sing and Master Hui Jing. Ven. Fatttt Kuan made the aspiration to receive ordination under Venerable Chang Xi, and walk the spiritual path of propagating the Buddha's teachings to beniefit all sentient beings. In 1966, Ven. Fatttt Kuan received precepts from Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery.
With the completion of the Temple rebuilding in 1967, Tai Pei Yuen conducted 3 days of intense prayer sessions drawing participation from many Buddhist devotees.
Progressively, from 1957, Ven. Fatttt Kuan undertook the task of fund raising for the construction of Tai Pei Old People's Home, Which is the first Buddhist Women-Nursing Home for the needy in Singapore.
In 1985, Tai Pei Foundation was established as a Charitable Organisation to propagate Buddhism. Tai Pei Foundation bought over the Kwang Fu named it Tai Pei Buddhist Centre to house a Child-Care Centre, conduct Dharma classes for the community with the goal to interest our young in Buddha's Teachings.
With the passage of time, the structure of the building deteriorated beyond repair, resulting in the need for rebuilding.
Through the help of our friends and devotees, fund raising in the form of charity Fattirs, auctioning of donated calligraphies, art pieces and antique furnitures together, with a Thousand People Charity Dinner event led to the realization of a Ground breaking Ceremony for the rebuilding of Tai Pei Buddhist Centre in 1998.
With the completion in year 2002, of our new building, Tai Pei Buddhist Centre provides Chinese and English Dharma classes, supports Internet Access to the wealth of Buddhist Literature and invite international and local venerables to conduct Dharma Talks. It is our founder's aim for Tai Pei Buddhist Centre and provides the general public with an avenue for Buddhist learning. Especially for the younger generation, many of whom are not exposed to traditional temple setting, our modernized place of learning servers as an evident to the young that Buddhist institutions progress with time and can provide an ambience that is conducive to learning Buddhism.
In 1989 recognizing our founder's public service, the PBM was conferred on her by the president of the Republic of Singapore. For her unyielding community efforts, out founder was conferred the title of BBM, in 1997.
For several terms, our founder served as Vice President of both the Singapore Buddhist Federation and the Singapore Buddhist Free Clinics.
In the winter of year 2001, our founder made a pilgrimage to Da Yu Shan Boon Lian Ch'an Temple in Hong Kong and become a disciple of Elder Venerable Master Chu Hui, inheriting the lineage of the Cao dong tradition.
In the midst of preparation works for the opening of our Tai Pei Buddhist Centre, our founder succumbed to exhaustion and passed away peacefully in her sleep on the 26th of August 2002. Members of our Buddhist Congregation and the Public were saddened by the news of our founder's sudden demise.
By modeling after our founder, with "perseverance" and always lending a hand to others in need, we can uphold our devotion to our country through charitable deeds and honoring our founder's conviction to further Buddha's teachings. In our journey through self discovery of Loving Kindness, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity we will keep the spirit of our founder alive in us. Like our founder, in leading a responsible and fulfilling life, we propagate racial harmony and community well being in our joint efforts towards building a more Progressive and Prosperous Nation. “
Venerable Long Gen (1921 – 2011)
Venerable Long Gen (1921-2011) is born in 1921, Jiangsu province of China. He renounced at the age of 10, and received ordination at Mount Bao Hua in Nanjing at the age of 22. In 1949, he left Wuchang to Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and in 1956 from Hong Kong to Taiwan. Besides propagation of Dharma, when Venerable Long Gen was in Penang in 1960, he began the publication of Buddhist collateral in Malaysia and Singapore.
In 1964, Venerable Long Gen stayed in Ling Feng Pu Ti School, Singapore, and gradually relocated the Nanyang Buddhist bookstore from Penang to Singapore. Thereafter, he settled down in Singapore.
With unwavering determination, Venerable Long Gen is devoted to promote Buddhist culture extensively especially in Singapore and Malaysia. In November 1973, Venerable Long Gen was appointed as the Abbot of Leng Foong Prajna Temple and continued to propagate the Dharma for the liberation of all sentient beings.
Venerable Long Gen also undertook his duties in the Singapore Buddhist Federation for numerous years. In 1984, when he headed the general afFattirs department, Venerable Long Gen dynamically implemented a series of promotion for developing Buddhism such as organizing of Dharma classes and seminars, publications and etc.
In July 1994, Venerable Long Gen took on the Abbotship of Buddhist Federation. He is well respected with his tireless contributions towards the general benefits of society.
By courtesy and permission from Leng Foong Prajna Temple
Venerable Miao Hua (1922 – 2009)
Venerable Miao Hua (1922 - 2009) is born in 1922 in Fuding Province, Fujian. He was ordained in 1935 by Venerable Chuan Jin from Xi Chan Monastery. In 1938, Venerable Miao Hua took the precept vows from Xi Chan Monastery under preceptor, Venerable Yong Xin.
Venerable Miao Hua was appointed as the Abbot of “Er Fu Temple” in Saigon, Vietnam and undertook the abbotship for 15 years. In 1960, Venerable Miao Hua established “Wan Fo Si” (Million Buddha Monastery) in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon, Vietnam) and became its 1st abbot. In 1960, he was invited by Venerable Bai Sheng to attend the 1st World Chinese Sanghas Conference and there he was appointed as the Deputy Secretarial Chairperson. Thereafter, Venerable Bai Sheng passed on his Dharma doctrines to Venerable Miao Hua in “Wan Fo Si”, where he became the 47th Dharma successor of the Caodong sect. During the same year, Venerable Miao Hua also established “Di Zang Monastery” in Taipei (Taiwan) and “Miao Hui Monastery” in California (USA).
In May 1979, Venerable Miao Hua left Vietnam and arrived in Long Shan Monastery, Singapore; Venerable Miao Hua belongs to a sect which was under the Long Shan Monastery. Thereafter, Venerable Miao Hua was invited by Venerable Guang Qia (former abbot of Long Shan Monastery) and took on the role as the Supervisor to the monastery; during which he was also a member of board of committee to Mi Tuo School. In 1979, Singapore Zhi Gui Buddhist Society was entrusted to Venerable Miao Hua. In 1988, he was involved in the major re-construction of Hong Shan Monastery in Xiamen, Fujian. Since Venerable Miao Hua resigned from Long Shan Monastery in 1992, he has been handling the monastic duties of Zhi Gui Buddhist Society.
Venerable You Tan (1908 – 1993)
Venerable You Tan (1908-1993) was born in Anhui province of China, and he was greatly inspired by Buddha and His teachings in his early days. In 1929, at the age of 21, he was ordained in Qing Yun Monastery at Ermei’s peak. In 1932, he took the precept vows in Yong Quan Monastery at Mt. Shigu under preceptor, Venerable Xu Yun. Thereafter, Venerable You Tan studied in Wuchang Buddhist Institution and Buddhist libraries; he was diligent in practicing the Dharma and aspired to salvage all sentient beings.
With great devotion, Venerable You Tan also took on several important dharma duties in Hong Kong. In 1947, he proceeded to Singapore and undertook the abbotship of Beeh Low See Buddhist Temple; in 1990, he became the 22nd Chairperson of Singapore Buddhist Federation.
Venerable You Tan departed on 30th July, 1993 at the age of 86. He was well-respected especially for his tirelessly practice of the bodhi way of enlightenment and diligent observation of Bodhisattva disciplines. He was indeed a role model to all sentient beings and was significantly praised by Venerable Beow Teng for his virtuous, immense meritorious deeds, and noble dedication in the path of Bodhi way.
By courtesy and permission from Beeh Low See Buddhist Temple
Venerable Zhuk Mor (1913 – 2002)
Venerable Zhuk Mor (1913 - 2002) was born in 1913, in Zhejiang province of China. He was ordained by Venerable Bai Sheng in 1924 and took precept vows under preceptor, Venerable Di Xian from Tiantai. Venerable Zhuk Mor excelled in Buddhist studies and established a profound knowledge vastly.
During the Sino-Japanese war in 1937, Venerable Zhuk Mor fled to Macau and began to preach of Dharma. He was the publication Chief Editor for the books, “The Awareness One” and “Shining Lamp”. In 1954, Venerable Zhuk Mor was engaged as a mentor for the Pu Ti College in Penang as well as a lecturer of Pu Ti Secondary School. Five years later, he formed and led the Malaysia Buddhist Federation. Venerable Zhuk Mor was appointed as the President to the Federation and held the title for many years. He then set up and headed the Malaysia Buddhist College in 1969.
In July 1997, Venerable Zhuk Mor was conferred with DMPN (the highest title a Datuk can hold) by the Governor of Penang as recognition for his massive contribution to the Buddhist community. At the age of seventy, he went to Xi San Hui Dharma Hall (Penang) and Xi Fo Yuan Lin (Singapore) to continue to preach of Dharma.
Venerable Zhuk Mor passed away peacefully on February 2002 in San Hui Dharma Hall at the age of 90. Since 40 years of his tireless religious effort, Venerable Zhuk Mor was greatly respected for his virtuous deeds.