Hopes for health and happiness on CNY eve

Malay Mail
Nurfadhilah Jalaludin
Friday, February 4th, 2011 06:21:00

DEVOTION: Ong (second from right) leading the prayers at the temple

JENJAROM: The 1Malaysia spirit was evident at the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen (FGS Dong Zen) temple here with three lanterns in the form of rabbits hoisted to represent the three major racial groups within the country.

Apart from celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, the temple reminded all of the need to preserve the earth with the theme "The Garden of Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" amid the backdrop of a giant lantern of the world.

Launched by former Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat at the stroke of midnight, thousands of devotees then joined him and his family for prayers.

Chief of the Shrine, Venerable Jue Cheng, 51, of Johor Baru, said the temple adopts a recreational approach to encourage the younger generation to visit the temple.

Yiaw Yeong Huei, 20, of Klang, said he visits the temple every Chinese New Year.

"I came to make my wish in front of the Da Xiong Bao Dian deity and hope I will get good grades in my exams."

Another devotee, Soo Mei Yan, 24, prayed the floods down south will subside as many of her relatives live there. "I wish for my family's health and safety this Rabbit year."

Dorris Ng, 26, said: "I came here to make my wish for my family's health."

Every year, more than 20,000 people come to the temple on Chinese New Year eve. Activities include holding a lantern and a flora festival till Feb 20 as well as many programmes highlighting Chinese culture, arts, religious and education. Among them are Dharma talks, cultural shows, a photography contest and a costume parade.

Lanterns, courtesy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, the Taoyuan province in Taiwan and the Buddha Memorial Hall, are also on display.

Admission is free and open from 10.30am to midnight. For more information, contact 03-31911533.