Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple Claimed

The meaning of “Dong Zen”

Literally translated in Chinese, “Dong” means “East” and “Zen” means “The tranquil mind”. As a phrase, it means “the tranquil mind in the east”, representing the hub of a Buddhist centre in the South East Region.

The history of Dong Zen

Madam Guo, a devotee of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) first donated 2 acres of land to FGS for the building of a Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Later, with the help of Madam Guo, the neighbouring owners agreed to sell their land to Dong Zen which soon has an accumulated area of 16 acres. The founder of FGS, Ven Master Hsing Yun, personally officiated the development ceremony in 24 November 1989. FGS Dong Zen was developed in 1995 and commenced usage in 1996. Now the land area covers 22 acres and has created a new avenue for tourism for local tourists and it also acts as an important cultural and educational center.

The objectives of Fo Guang Shan are:-

1. To foster talent through education
2. To propagate the Dharma through cultural activities
3. To benefit society through charity
4. To purify human minds through cultivation practice

Its vast and peaceful compound comprises a main shrine that houses a giant Buddha statue, Waterdrop Teahouse, Lumbini Garden, Sutra calligraphy hall, the Dong Zen Institute of Buddhist Studies, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, exhibition halls containing artifacts and relics, audiovisual rooms, as well as meditation and dining halls.

The temple also organizes short monastic retreats, meditation camps, prayer services and regular Dharma talks.

The FGS Dong Zen Temple is well-known for its elaborate Lantern and Flora Festival, a kaleidoscope of digital lights, lanterns and flotillas that illuminate the temple grounds during the annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which last 15 days.

In 1999, the temple was listed as a religious tourist attraction by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and in 2003, was the recipient of the “Outstanding Scenery Award” from Selangor’s Tourism Development Board.