Page 81 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

Ten focus group discussions were held. Four were held in Peninsular Malaysia, three in
Sarawak and another three in Sabah. The TCR organizations were represented by their

committee members. Out of the ten committees, five are temple committees, three Buddhist
movements, one Taoist association while another one is a new Chinese religious movement.
The researcher spent approximately one and a half hour on each discussion. In this research,

to protect the privacy of the discussants, the names of the discussants and the organizations
they represent will not be fully revealed.

5.2 Defining Traditional Chinese Religions

As mentioned in Chapter One, Chinese Malaysians are not homogenous in their religions.
Most of them claim they are practicing TCR while some practice the non-TCR. This research

would like to find out the views of TCR organization leaders on the meaning of TCR. The
researchers would like to know the type of distinctions the leaders will make when defining
TCR. It is important to find out their views on this matter since the main aim of this research

is to examine the organizations’ responses to the issue of conversion. Several themes
emerged from the focus group discussions. The themes are:

5.2.1 TCR having long been practiced by the Chinese

One of the features of TCR is that they must have been practiced by the Chinese in ancient
times and have been proven in Chinese historical records. As mentioned by Mr. TH (Taoist

Association), Taoism is one such religion. He said, “Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu, about
2500 years ago in China. Later on, Master Zhang Daoling developed the religion. Gradually,
due to the differences in the interpretation of Tao, many schools of thought emerged, such

as the Quanzhen school and the Zhengyi schools. In this context, Taoism is definitely a
traditional Chinese religion.” Madam RS from Buddhist Movement A concurred with this view.

In her opinion, Buddhism is a traditional Chinese religion. Although the religion originated
from India, the religion has been adapted to the Chinese civilizations. The adaptation for
nearly 2000 years has made Buddhism a Chinese religion.

5.2.2 TCR shaping the Chinese way of life

Besides having to be embedded in Chinese history, to be known as a TCR, a religion must
play a major role in shaping the Chinese way of life. This point was brought up by Mr TA, one

of the leaders of Buddhist Movement B. According to Mr TA, “Taoism, Confucianism and also
Buddhism can be considered as TCR since their core values shape the Chinese culture

deeply.”

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