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Nirvana re-enactment
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 7:46 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 1250
My favorite picture so far. He literally fell into a deep, blissfully peace-filled state of profound meditation. He seemed so believable to me :)
Haven up there
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 7:02 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 125
A giant-sized lantern of baby Buddha.
Fo Guang Shan official float
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 8:16 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 400
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.
Clasp your hands and pray
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 7:49 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 560
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 :)
Is this safe?
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 7:47 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.8, ISO Equiv.: 560
Some last minute checks to ensure everything goes smoothly.
The long wait
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 8:17 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 1600
Villagers waiting for the parade to start.
Super mom
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 8:21 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.2, ISO Equiv.: 1600
A four in one wheeler. Just squeeze in :)
Sea of people
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 8:20 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.8, ISO Equiv.: 1600
The village was packed to the brim with people enjoying the float parade. Villagers from all walks of life came out in full force to support this event. I love the atmosphere with crowds of people all having a great time. It's such a cool atmosphere, everyone is happy and friendly.
Did you noticed anything odd in this picture? Nobody wears helmet at 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom. None of them!
Lord Shiva
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 7:42 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 220
Shiva is 'shakti' or power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. Hindus recognize this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities. Source: About Hinduism
1 Malaysia Parade
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 7:34 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 200
A beautifully decorated Indian float, affixed with decorative bulbs, carried the statue of Lord Shiva and some of the temple's committee members.
The Lanterns
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 7:15 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
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
Bathing of baby Buddha
Location: 仁嘉隆, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th May 2010 (Thursday), 5:10 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 1100
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
-->Pretty girl
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...")
-->Cute red candle
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.
--> Time to relax a bit
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.
-->Baby Buddha
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.
-->I'll follow you
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.
-->Walk in peace
Overall, it was a simple parade. But the beautiful colours and wonderful people makes it an unforgettable experience.
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Last updated 18th June 2010 (3:19 a.m.)
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅 - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
The thumbnails are screenshots. Click links to download the maps.
Map and directions to Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom (JPG Format)
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)
Map And Directions to Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom (PDF Format)
Map 1 (1 page, PDF file, 212 kb)
Map 2 (1 page, PDF file, 276 kb)
Map 3 (1 page, PDF file, 389 kb)
Map 4 (1 page, PDF file, 234 kb)
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.
Note: All files are hosted in MediaFire. Official maps are courtesy of http://www.fgs.org.my/
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅 - Contact Details:
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
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅 - FAQ:
(1) 馬來西亞佛光山 Fo Guang Shan Malaysia (reg. under : Persatuan Meditasi Fo Guang Shan Selangor ) is one of the many branches of Fo Guang Shan (“FGS”) throughout the world.
Fo Guang Shan in Chinese literally means “the Mountain of Buddha’s Light”. FGS is an international Buddhist Order founded by Ven Master Hsing Yun in 1967 with the headquarter in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. It operates 62 branch temples in Taiwan, and 98 throughout the rest of the world.
(2) FGS Dong Zen Temple represents the hub of a Buddhist centre in the South East Region. FGS Dong Zen is situated at Jenjarom, Kuala Langat in the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan. The land area covers 22 acres. Since the opening of the monastery in 1994, it has created a new avenue for tourism for local tourists and it also acts as an important cultural and educational center.
(3) FGS Dong Zen Temple is solely managed by Fo Guang Shan Malaysia. Guided by the objectives and principles of Fo Guang Shan, the Malaysian chapter expanded considerably. To date there are seventeen Fo Guang Shan centres in Malaysia, namely Klang, Ipoh, Sentul, Sekinchan, Telok Panglima Garang, Seremban, Bahau, Petaling Jaya, Penang, Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Cheras, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu etc.
Note: FAQs about FGS Dong Zen are taken from FGS Dong Zen Facebook. Get the latest updates from here.
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅 - Google Maps:
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅 - Thing To Do/See:
- Main Prayer Shrine (Wooden Buddha, Brass Wall Paintings)
- Lumbini Garden
- Buddhist Art Gallery
- Relic Centre
- Venerable Master Hsing Yun's One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition
- Annual Chinese New Year Deco
- Garden of Zen
- Giant Hanging & Wishing Bell
- Taste authentic vegetarian food
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅 - YouTube Video:
Let the parade begin! Video taken with my hand phone camera
Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple 佛光山东禅 - Read More & Useful Links:
- http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/mzb/mzb06.htm (Manual of Zen Buddhism)
- http://hinduism.about.com/od/lordshiva/p/shiva.htm (About Lord Shiva)
- http://www.palyulph.org/teachings.htm (About bathing Baby Buddha)
- http://tinyurl.com/yz8777e (Jenjarom road to serendipity, Article by NST)
- http://tinyurl.com/yl7kw2b (The temple that changed Jenjarom, TheStar)
- http://tinyurl.com/yemhol2 (Read all my blog posts about FGS Temple)
The baby buddha is very cute! Good to know it means he will unite heaven and earth! Your first time nightlight photography turned out great! Images are clear and sharp, can't see too much noises. I was going to say that none of the riders had helmet on.. This is a great event with lively atmonsphere!
wow :) nice!!! this reminds me the parade i had enjoyed in penang last year... and the lanterns of the baby buddha and guan yin are stunning :) fo guang shan's float also great and i heart the first picture - also your favourite picture LOL
ops i cant pour water over the buddha this year >< and also next year... sigh...
Lovely shots nevertheless. Vesak is big in Singapore too but we don't have a float procession. Huge pavillions are set up and well-known monks invited to give teachings. The rituals are the same but the kampung here has a wonderful atmosphere.
Oh I miss Wesak Day!
I used to walk around the temple in my kampung holding a candle and then bathed the Little Buddha.
There was a Wesak Day celebration in London a few years ago but then that was it. Maybe they're running out of funds?!
I am away from London this weekend and will be back next Monday. So I will correct my Malay mistakes when I get back.
oh thought I've commented days ago.. must be my internet connection problem..
Just wanna say, that the baby budhha is very "baby-like" HAHA sooo cute! Actually most of the time, I use the largest aperture for my camera (f/3.5). What f no. do u normally use under normal light condition? I think I m still not good with using the right aperture.
I love the first photo! A very nice shot with the perfect angle. Are all those little monks a real monk?
Do you use tripod for all your shots? 3000 people! I love visiting places like this but the crowd really hold me back.
It's so amazing that you're able to find so many versions of map to the temple. A very helpful post for those who're looking for the information of this temple.
great coverage of the event!... still yet to visit this temple... the celebrations seem to be quite elaborate here.. when i saw the first photo... i was really wondering if it was a statue or not.
Hi all! Sorry for my late replies. Let me start off with...
micki,
I've always asked myself the meaning of Baby Buddha and the symbolic bathing during Buddha's day. Did a bit of research and I found my answers :)
I'm starting to LOVE night photography and 'live' events despite being a little demophobic. Definitely LOVE the vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
fufu,
Thanks for liking Fu! I'm going to enjoy 2011 Wesak Day Parade in Penang. I believe it's grander and livelier over there.
Roger,
What? Singapore do not have Wesak Day floats??? Any particular reasons? I think it's merrier with parades and floats :)
Roger always 'balik kampunng' to discover our Malaysia's hidden gem :)
londoncaller,
Honestly, I've never hold candles, flowers or bath the Baby Buddha. I'm a secular humanist...just not into these rituals.
What? No more Wesak celebration in London??? Londoncaller should spearhead the annual Wesak celebration. Make it alive again :)
Traveling again? Lucky you!
eunice,
Yep, definitely looks like the real thing. I guess the temple's committee members ensured every little detail were taken care of.
Agree with you - higher aperture for sharper night focus. I always set my camera to Aperture Priority Mode and let it autmatically select the best shutter speed for proper exposure. Also, a tripod is a must have item to obtained the sharpest low light photos. But, it's rather difficult setting up a tripod on a moveable event like this.
Under normal light condition? I would use Auto settings, let the camera do the calculation :)
Shelyn,
Thanks for liking! Which little monk? Are you referring to the thumb sized pics? Those are fake props :)
No tripod. All shoot on the spot :) Difficult to move around with tripod. I was scared at first upon seeing sea of people on the main road. LOL! But, it's quite OK. Just gel in and mix with the crowd. Quite fun, actually.
I took those maps from FGS official portal. But, I gave credits to them in small prints :)
lechua,
Thanks! Loads of activites and celebration at Jenjarom. This temple was declared as one of the many tourist attractions in Jenjarom.
That's a real teenager portraying Buddha's nirvana moment. He was trying out different pose. I managed to snap it before he shifted to another pose.
Cheers to all! One of my longest reply. PHEW!
Very beautiful! You have an interesting travel article about Malaysia. It is make me searched cheap flights and want to go Malaysia as soon as possible :). Thank you for the information about this country
I would just like to say that I love the photo of the Fo Guang Shan official float. I love the display of colors and the lighting used was just about right. I also had the opportunity to "experience" Wesak day a few years back and it was actually enlightening. I wish I could go to another Wesak Day celebration in the future.