“Did you know the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Penang stands as a beacon of Buddhist harmony?” It reflects the island’s ethos. The Malaysian Buddhist Association’s story began in 1925. Straits Chinese Buddhists founded it. They sought to preserve Buddhism. They wanted to keep it free from external influences. Taoism was one of these influences.
The Penang Buddhist Association was officially registered on February 25, 1925. Government Gazette Notification No. 441 listed the nine founders. Lee Swee Bee and Lim Chean Seang were among them. Lim Boon Chin and Lim Eu Teong also joined. Ong Boon Sin, Lim Teong Aik, Teoh Teik Thuan, Chew Eng Bang and Lim Say Eng completed the list.
Venerable Kee Tong led the association. He denounced practices like burning paper houses. He also spoke out against elaborate funeral processions. He saw them as deviations from Buddhist teachings. The Malaysian Buddhist Association maintained an inclusive approach. It welcomed speakers from Mahayana and Theravada traditions despite being predominantly Mahayana.
Initially, the Malaysian Buddhist Association lacked a dedicated building. It operated from temporary premises. By 1929, the association secured enough money. It purchased land opposite Datuk Keramat Padang through fundraising. The PBA flourished. By 1935, it was the wealthiest Buddhist institution in Penang.
Completed in 1931, the Malaysian Buddhist Association building adopted a westernised form. It is called the Late Straits Eclectic style. It fuses Chinese elements with Western ornament. It incorporates climate adaptations from the Malay archipelago.
Inside, you will find polished wall tiles and a high, pillar-free hall. Elaborate chandeliers hang. Custom-made floor tiles display the lotus image. A sizable square shrine divides the Buddhist pantheon. Amitabha gazes towards the primary entrance accompanied by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta. Gautama Buddha stands alongside his disciples Sariputra and Moggallana on the same shrine. Each Buddha figure is carved from Italian marble.
The arrangement symbolizes a non-sectarian approach. It embraces both Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Peranakan Baba Nyonya designed Buddha tables surround the central shrine. They are decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays. The tables hold vases, oil lamps and Buddhist statues.
The Malaysian Buddhist Association epitomizes original Malaysian Buddhist temple architecture. It blends Straits Chinese influences with a non-sectarian approach. This embraces both Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Outside stands the famous PBA pagoda. This seven-storied structure symbolizes the 7 factors of Enlightenment. A moat surrounds the pagoda. Koi fish swim in the pond. A Bodhi tree grows to the right of the pagoda. Its original sapling came from Sri Lanka. In the rear, visitors can pay homage to the Bodhisattva Guanyin. This is amidst a picturesque Chinese garden.
The Malaysian Buddhist Association was renowned for philanthropy. It supported charitable causes. In the 1950s, a youth section was established. It coordinated activities for younger members. In 1964, the PBA established its kindergarten. It offered an affordable option for childcare.
The surrounding estate reflects Buddhist influences. It is called Taman Nirvana. Roads within are named after Buddhist teachings. Today, the Malaysian Buddhist Association preserves Buddhist values. It reflects them in its architecture. It also reflects them in its service to the community. It embodies the vision of its founders. The Malaysian Buddhist Association integrates local architectural design while embracing diverse communities.