Located in the Hulu Langat district on the fringes of Selangor state, Jenjarom is a small town that started as a Chinese New Village in the 1950s. These were settlements created by the then British colonial-ruling powers, to prevent the Malayan-Chinese populace from coming into contact (or providing help to, whether willing or not) with communists, as communist groups were at the time trying to fill a power gap created by Japanese occupation. It is therefore not surprising that the town has a large Chinese-Buddhist population.

In recent years, the place has become known for its tourism, mostly to the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zhen Buddhist Temple. Built in 1994 and spread over 16 acres of land, the Taiwan-style temple has several prayer halls and nicely landscaped gardens. It is especially popular during festival days, such as Wesak and Chinese New Year.

Entrance to the temple. There is a helpful map on the right, displaying the different sections within the temple grounds.

Well maintained front garden, featuring stone statues of Arahats and their respective descriptions.

On the right from the entrance is Lumbini Garden, a tranquil green space with more statues and decorations, flowers, small streams and ponds full of fish.

The centrepiece of the area comprise two Buddha statues – one of Buddha sitting cross legged on a lotus under aBodhi tree, the other with his warm arms spread open in a welcoming gesture.

It was under a Bodhi tree that the Buddha achieved enlightenment. The tree has beautiful heart-shaped leaves.

  

Gazebos sit next to small ponds stocked full of fish, while weeping willows bow their branches over the water and sway gently in the wind. It’s a picturesque mix of Buddhist Zen and Chinese architecture and landscaping, and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

A bit of history: Fo Guang Shan is a large Buddhist monastic order and new movement based in Taiwan; one of the country’s four major Buddhist institutions. Founded in 1967 by Hsing Yun, it promotes Humanistic Buddhism and a modern approach to religion. The branch in Jenjarom, for example, has many youth-centric activities such as Sunday dharma classes and charity events in order to attract young devotees. In Taiwan, they have over 300 branches all over the country, as well as centres around the world.

The garden not only has religious fixtures but also cultural buildings like this kampung style hut.

Next to the main prayer hall is a three storey building which houses the Buddhist Cultural Centre and art gallery. During our visit, there was an art and photography exhibition.

We paid respects to nine pieces of Buddha’s relics on the top floor (no photos allowed), before moving back to the second floor, which has a huge classroom-like setting.

All the windows were open and it was bright and airy, with neatly arranged wooden tables and stools facing a Buddha statuette. Visitors can stop by for sutra writing, which helps to calm the mind whilst spreading the teachings of Buddha.

Even if you’re not familiar with Chinese characters (like yours truly), you can just follow the faint lines printed on the paper to do the calligraphy.

My piece of sutra, which essentially tells me to be humble.

Spacious and opulent main prayer hall.

The sides of the hall are decorated with scenes of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, expertly done by hammering and shaping sheets of metal. (Above) Buddha and his disciples in the forest, surrounded by various animals.

Buddha achieving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

A brief stop to the souvenir shop which sells prayer beads, sutras, dharma books, deity statues and other items.

GETTING TO FO GUANG SHAN TEMPLE JENJAROM

Address: PT 2297, Jalan Sungai Buaya, Kampung Jenjarom, 42600 Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia

For those driving, it’s pretty easy to get there as the location is on Waze. Just head straight from the arch at the town entrance and you will see the temple on your right.

Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM

Phone: +60 3-3191 1533 

Admission: Free