A Malaysian Photo And Travel Blog

My favorite picture so far. He literally fell into a deep, blissfully peace-filled state of profound meditation. He seemed so believable to me :)

A giant-sized lantern of baby Buddha.

The largest, grandest and most beautiful float.

Taking night photos in low light can many times be difficult. I was struggling to set the proper settings and finding my camera buttons. So far it seems doable, but not quite as easy as I initially thought.

This boy was feeling very uncomfortable trying to face the crowd. His mom (in blue blouse) asked him to clasp his hands together and pray. He was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs :)

Villagers waiting for the parade to start.

The baby Buddha is made to stand straight up with his right hand pointing at heaven and with his left at the earth, and he exclaims: "Above the heavens and below the heavens, I alone am the honoured one!" Source: Manual of Zen Buddhism

According to Buddhist legend, when Buddha was born, he pointed his right hand up and left hand down to announce that he will unite heaven and earth. Hence, a standing Baby Buddha figure with the same mudra is placed on the altar for the ceremonial bathing.

As we pour water over Baby Buddha, we pray fervently that our body, mind and speech be purified and that all our defilements and impurities be cleansed so that all sentient beings may advance in their spiritual development. Source: Palyulph

I'm scared of driving back to Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Buddhist temple (佛光山东禅) at Jenjarom, Selangor. I adore this temple. LOVE IT SO MUCH! But I'm terrified of the distance and also its remote location. It's pretty hard to find this place. I wanted to see 2010 Wesak Day Float at 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom desperately! I'm a day person. So this was my very first night photography outing. LOL! I didn't know what to expect. It was all new to me :)

As expected, it was another dreadful ride all the way to Jenjarom. I lost my way again. It was getting late. I do not want to miss the parade. So, I flagged down a motorcyclist and asked for directions. An old lady (perhaps 70 years old) was riding pillion on her grandson's motorbike.

I asked "Makcik, kalau nak ke Jenjarom, pusing kiri ke kanan?"

(English: "Do I have to turn left or right?")

She said "You boleh pusing balik atau keluar dan masuk kanan, kiri dan...."

(English: "You could turn back or turn right and then left...")

I was sitting there clueless scratching my head as to what I need to do next. I tried to understand her directions but they were too confusing. When I explained my predicament she immediately sprung into action to help me. She instructed her grandson to show the way. So, I followed that bike. I was breathing a huge sigh of relief. I tailed them for more than 15 minutes. At one point, I suspected we're getting nowhere! Well that's frustrating.

Finally, the boy stopped his bike and points to a dilapidated road. He asked me to drive across that lousy road. OK! My worries didn't stop there. The condition of the road had not improved, causing more anxiety and fear. I drove slowly to avoid punctures.

Luckily, the directions are correct. PHEW! It was relieving knowing that I finally found the place. Jenjarom is a sleepy village far, far away from Kuala Lumpur (KL). Villagers were riding motorbike without wearing helmets. I drove slowly to avoid hitting them.

At first, I was dumbfounded. The temple was eerily quiet. No sign of Wesak Day Float! I was getting worried again. Is this for real? A worker informed me the parade starts from 7:30 p.m. Only one float was visible at the temple. WHAT? Only one??? You got to be kidding me!

By 6:45 p.m. people begin trickling into this Buddhist temple. The excitement started to build up! Suddenly, I heard some loud Indian songs. Indian devotees were pulling an interesting float. WOW! This Indian float was A.W.E.S.O.M.E! It was equipped with surround speakers. The high priest sat on the float and ensures God Shiva was properly decorated with fragrance flowers. I was mesmerized with the beauty and grandeur of these floats. A hurricane of sounds, smells and color.

Next, a lorry full of lion dancers and drum beaters arrived. By 7 p.m. the floats were almost ready to line up with the parade. I was really excited!!! It starts when the organizers gets green light to proceed. It was almost 8 p.m. It was my first time snapping in the dark. I was messing with my camera buttons trying to find the best settings. It was a difficult task. I cannot even see the buttons properly.

I've spent at least 30 minutes walking from one float to another. It was exciting and a bit surreal being here in person. I enjoy every second and minute that I spend with them.

By 8:10 p.m. the parade started moving out. There were hundreds of villagers waiting at the main road. Close to 3 000 people have shown up at Jenjarom to support the parade. It was a sea of people with little orange lights in their hands. Traffic came to a standstill as the massive crowds circled around the village.

It was hot and stuffy. I was sweating profusely. I followed the parade for almost 1 km before heading back to my car. I decided to call it a day. I need to wake up early the next morning to visit Buddhist Maha Vihara National Wesak Day open House in Brickfields.

Overall, it was a simple parade. But the beautiful colours and wonderful people makes it an unforgettable experience.

Good news to all my readers. You may get the latest updates from my official Facebook page. Click HERE. Please join me and 'like' my page.

A wall carving depicting Buddha sitting atop a big lotus flower.

In Buddhist iconography, Buddha is often represented on a pink lotus. The lotus symbolizes purity of the body, speech, and mind as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. Source: Wikipedia

I can see arrows flying all over Buddha. Is Buddha under 'attack? Can anyone help me decipher this piece of art?

A follower mourning over the death of Buddha. Click here to view similar image (Paranirvana of the Buddha) at ZenYouMitsu Temple (善養密寺), Setagaya, Tokyo. LINK

In Buddhism, parinirvana (Sanskrit: परिनिर्वाण) is the final nirvana, which occurs upon the death of the body of someone who has attained complete awakening (bodhi). It implies a release from the bhavachakra, Saṃsāra, karma and rebirth as well as the dissolution of the skandhas. Source: Wikipedia

After asceticism and concentrating on meditation and Anapana-sati (awareness of breathing in and out), Siddhartha is said to have discovered what Buddhists call the Middle Way—a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. Then, sitting under a pipal tree, now known as the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, he vowed never to arise until he had found the Truth. Source: Wikipedia

Another mesmerizing picture.

An excellent masterpiece from Grace Choong Ai May - a Penang-based Malaysian artist. Grace Choong has so far held 7 solo art exhibitions since 1990. She has also participated in 100 over groups exhibitions in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, Britain, Brazil, U.S.A. etc.

Simply beautiful. I captured this photo in the main praying hall. I saw many devotees kneeling and praying. I do not want to 'disturb' their prayers. So, it's a quick shot.

A beautiful representation of Guanyin the goddess of compassion. Often she will be holding a rosary in one hand, a symbol of her devotion to Buddhism and its tenets. She will also have either a book (The Lotus Sutra, which refers back to her origins), or a vase, which symbolizes her pouring compassion on to the world.

Never underestimate the power of knowledge!

This picture reminds me of some quotable quotes from Bertrand Russell (18 May 1872 – 2 February 1970) - a British, philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, socialist, pacifist and social critic.

There are many beautiful statues in the Lumbini Garden.

Lumbinī (Sanskrit: लुम्बिनी, "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. Source: Wikipedia

This statue is HUGE! As big as a grown up adult.

One Buddhist legend from the Complete Tale of Guanyin and the Southern Seas (Chinese: 南海觀音全撰; pinyin: Nánhǎi Guānyīn Quánzhuàn) presents Guanyin as vowing to never rest until she had freed all sentient beings from samsara, reincarnation.

Despite strenuous effort, she realized that still many unhappy beings were yet to be saved. After struggling to comprehend the needs of so many, her head split into eleven pieces. Amitabha Buddha, seeing her plight, gave her eleven heads with which to hear the cries of the suffering.

Upon hearing these cries and comprehending them, Avalokitesvara attempted to reach out to all those who needed aid, but found that her two arms shattered into pieces. Once more, Amitabha came to her aid and appointed her a thousand arms with which to aid the many. Source: Wikipedia

Currently, I'm still 'trapped' in Klang Valley. I decided to publish this post for one good reason. Lately, I've been checking the statistics of my blog readers using sitemeter.

I've been analyzing the overall data; especially the search engine keywords that lead visitors to my blog. Here is a list of recurring keywords:

There is a big number of new visitors searching for these info. So, I decided to update my previous post and write another new post about FGS Dong Zen temple. I'm a 'banana'. I speak and read no Chinese words. I rely on Google Translate to find some useful info about directions, opening hours and CNY 2010 celebration programs at FGS Dong Zen temple.

Lucky me! I've found the official maps to the temple in JPG and PDF format. In addition, I also stumbled upon the English version of FGS CNY 2010 portal. Remember to check out all the useful details at the bottom.

An acrylic masterpiece by Grace Choong. I'm not an art person. But I was mesmerized by Grace's acrylic artworks. You may view her collection of work at the art gallery in FGS temple. I spent almost one hour admiring her amazing work. I believe she is a well traveled person just like fufu. Some of her paintings depict the beauty of Venice, China, Cambodia and many other places. SIMPLY AWESOME!

A large 'golden' statue of Buddha in the main prayer shrine. This statue is BEAUTIFUL! The entire shrine is so GOLD!

If you look closely, you'll see a mini swastika on Buddha's chest.

In Buddhism, the swastika signifies auspiciousness and good fortune as well as the Buddha's footprints and the Buddha's heart. The swastika is said to contain the whole mind of the Buddha and can often be found imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha images. It is also the first of the 65 auspicious symbols on the footprint of the Buddha. Source: Religionfacts

A large-sized statue of a sitting Buddha at the temple's Lumbini garden.

The main prayer shrine in FGS Dong Zen is breathtakingly beautiful! I felt eternal peace and calmness. All my worries, all my anxieties and all my problems are gone :)

There is a huge wooden Buddha in this sacred shrine. The four walls of this shrine are decorated with gigantic brass paintings. These wall paintings depict episodes from Buddha life story and is beautifully carved by master artisans. The carvings and artwork are AMAZING! I was standing right beneath the paintings admiring the finer details. This shrine is a MUST-SEE attraction in FGS.

After asceticism and concentrating on meditation and Anapana-sati (awareness of breathing in and out), Siddhartha is said to have discovered what Buddhists call the Middle Way—a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.

He accepted a little milk and rice pudding from a village girl named Sujata, who wrongly believed him to be the spirit that had granted her a wish, such was his emaciated appearance.

Then, sitting under a pipal tree, now known as the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, he vowed never to arise until he had found the Truth.

After 49 days meditating, at the age of 35, he attained Enlightenment. Source: Wikipedia

A funny looking statue of a monk at one of the beautiful gardens in FGS Dong Zen Temple. I would love to see this statue walking :)

Earlier, I asked fellow bloggers, readers and friends to guess my latest trip. Check out their guesses here 'Where Is MYLO?' fufu said it is an Indian temple, Carmen and David both think mylo is holidaying in Thailand and 1ondoncaller believes I was in Burma. Darn! Nobody gets the correct answer :)

This Buddhist temple at Jenjarom, Selangor is famously known as Fo Guang Shan 佛光山 (FGS) Dong Zen Temple. FGS Dong Zen is arguably the BEST Buddhist temple in Malaysia. I've always wanted to visit this temple. Hundreds of thousands of devotees come here from all over the world throughout the year to seek Buddha's blessing and peace of mind.

It is not as big and grand like Kek Lok Si temple in Penang Island. But then again, this temple has its unique charms and attractions. It's a place of unrivaled beauty. The best time to visit Dong Zen Temple is during the annual Chinese New Year. Additional lanterns are mounted and floral fests, floats, cultural exhibitions are staged. I hate dealing with big crowds. I avoid them as much as I can! So, I decided to visit this temple early :)

I've read so many news articles about this temple - the glamour, the deco and the unique collection of historical Buddha relics. But, I’ve always missed out this place. Perhaps...the name of this place J.E.N.J.A.R.O.M sounds like a foreign and faraway place to me.

Few days ago, I stumbled upon another two full page article about FGS temple in the New Straits Times paper. When I looked at the pictures, my heart was pounding hard and fast! I got this sudden adrenaline rush. I was excited and very pleased!! I really need to see this place!

Three days ago (21st January 2010), I decided to visit this place. I rely on Google Maps for precise directions. Sadly, it was a harrowing two hours drive from Kepong. The morning rush hour traffic at Subang and Shah Alam interchange was C.R.A.Z.Y! After the highway, I was driving along some remote kampung roads. Lorries and heavy duty vehicles were all over the place. These BIG MOMMAS are so slow! Just like SLOTH!

And to make matters worse, the road surface was full of potholes. At many stretches, the road cave-in due to immense pressure from heavy vehicles. It was a stressful and bumpy ride. According to Google Maps, I need to turn left to Jalan Rajawali to proceed to Jenjarom. I was searching high and low for this road.

Some drivers were tailing dangerously at the back of my back. They were cutting and zooming in and out. CRAZY A**! Do they notice the signboards? This is a remote area with maximum speed limit of 30 km/hr! Malaysian drivers...they remind me of the following phrase 'koon chee hooi tau toi' (translation: rushing for reincarnation).

Okay...back to the story. There is no Jalan Rajawali. I got lost on some shanty town and drove aimlessly for the next 30 minutes. Later, I found some mini blue signboards directing drivers to make numerous turns to Jenjarom. FINALLY! I reached Jenjarom. I heaved a huge sigh of relief. I stopped my car at the side of the road and asked for directions from some 'pakciks' (translation: old man).

I asked: "Pakcik, mana dia Tokong Cina FGS Dong Zen kat Jenjarom?"

He said: "Tokong mana?"

I repeated myself again.

He answered: "Sini ada dua tokong. Satu besar, satu kecik"

I asked: "Tokong besar?"

He answered: "Pandu terus masuk gerbang Cina"

Okay, I drove pass through a big Chinese archway. I was looking for helpful signboards. But there is none. So, I stopped my car again and asked directions from a Chinese hawker (selling Char Siew and BBQ Chicken Rice). I was asking in Cantonese and he was answering in Mandarin. I said FGS Dong Zen multiple times (in Cantonese). But, he does not understand. What a BUMMER! Really 'Chicken & Duck Talk' (雞同鴨講)

Finally, something crossed my mind.

I said "I'm looking for that temple that will be beautifully decorated during CNY!"

He said: "Oooooh! Drive for another 800 m and turn right. You SUPPOSED to say 佛光山"

SIGH! I don't speak any Mandarin. I noticed 99% of the Chinese in Jenjarom speak in Mandarin. Finally, after two hours of stressful ride, I arrived at FGS Dong Zen Buddhist temple. This place is HUGE! It has multiple parking bays with more than 500 parking slots. I quickly walked to the guarded entrance. The gate was partially closed. OMG! Please don't tell me the temple is CLOSED!

A uniformed guard emerged from a sophisticated CCTV control room. He was standing right in front of the entrance.

I asked: "Can I come in?"

He answered: "OH YES!"

The moment I entered this temple, I felt eternal peace and calmness. I always had this feeling whenever I visited the house of worship. Indeed a strange feeling for a non-believer and a humanist like me.

The exterior and interior settings of this temple are really amazing!!! Ooops...this post is way too long. Remember to catch Part 2 for more travelogues. I'll be talking about my very first Buddhist lesson, the sacred shrine, Lumbini garden and many more. Stay tune!

Map 1 (1 page, JPG file, 384 kb)

Map 2 (1 page, JPG file, 373 kb)

Map 3 (1 page, JPG file, 350 kb)

Map 4 (1 page, JPG file, 318 kb)

Fo Guang Shan Malaysia,

PT2297, Jalan Sg. Buaya,

Sg. Jenjarom,

46 200 Kuala Langat,

Selangor Malaysia.

Daily Opening Hours:

Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tel: 603 - 3191 1533, 603 - 3191 4304

Fax: 603 - 3191 1467

Official portal: http://www.fgs.org.my/

Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/fgsmy

FGS Dong Zen Temple is located in Jenjarum, a small town located between Klang and Banting. It is about 30-minute drive from the Carey Island roundabout and about 45 minutes from Subang Jaya.

A breathtaking brass wall painting adorning the sacred shrine.

mylo....Where are you? Try and guess my latest trip :) Okay...here are some clues: