回顧與前瞻馬來西亞佛教：第一屆馬來西亞佛教國際研討會論文集=Retrospective and Perspective of Malaysian Buddhism: Proceeding of the 1st International Conference on Malaysian Buddhism
The development of Chinese Buddhism in Malaysia can be said to be as ancient as when Ven. Fa Xian (340-422) promulgated the Dharma there at one time on his way back to China from India through Java and the Strait of Malacca in Indonesia. Chinese Buddhism was transmitted to Malaysia at that time. Later, the transmission of Islam took the place of Buddhism. Over the recent six decades, there was firstly Master Tai Xu (1890-1947), who led a group to come to visit. Later, Ven. Yuan Ying (1878-1953) held a Full Ordination Ceremony at the Temple of Bliss at Penang, followed by venerablesone after another who passed by Malaysia but established Dharma centers. Next, Ven. Ci Hang (1895-1954) stayed permanently there to promote the Dharma; Ven. Fa Fang (?-1951) gave Dharma discourses all over the places, and Ven. Zhu Mo (1913-2002) helped establish Buddhist education.
This article narrates from three perspectives: firstly, the biographicalinformation of Ven. Zhu Mo; secondly, Ven. Zhu Mo’s writings and creative works of art; and thirdly, the influences of Ven. Zhu Mo on Chinese Buddhism in Malaysia. The methods this article adopts mainly are the collection of information, the investigation of literature in retrospect, the oral narration of history, and analysis of historical documents.
By means of academic methodology, the author attempts at a study which presents a complete view of the influences of Ven. Zhu Mo on Chinese Buddhism in Malaysia and which in particular presents the aspects of the venerable’s emphasis on the education of the monastics, the art of Buddhism, and Buddhist culture. The author, in an objective academic stance, has made use of firsthand materials to faithfully present the mental journey of an eminent Malaysian monk of Chinese Buddhism. The historical materials as organized in this paper about the historical figures of Buddhism in Malaysia should enable learners of later times to emulate the lofty spirits of eminent monks of great virtues who have made great contributions to Buddhism.
