Page 87 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

many Taoist organizations do not have full-time Daozhangs who can assist in maintaining
and growing Taoism in Malaysia, unlike Christian or Islam organizations. Mr TA agreed with

this point. Based on observations during the focus group discussions, all the other TCR
organizations do not have full-time personnel. Most of the committee members are not full-
time. They have other jobs and will assist their organization as and when they are free. Some

of these organizations are also led by laymen who are trained in Buddhism or Taoism.

5.5.1.3 Conventional and ritualistic activities. Most of the organizations within this category
are implementing activities that are now seen as conventional and ritualistic. In the eyes of

present-day society, some of these rituals are branded as superstitious and illogical. Mr JW
said, “We actually don’t have many activities. We merely provide a space for worshippers to
pray.” Mr LE gave a similar answer when asked about the activities conducted by his temple.

He said, “We mostly provide the public a place to pray. We do organize shen dan (festival to
celebrate the birthday of a deity) too”. Such feedback reflects conventionality. These
organizations do not have plans to enrich their activities that show they are adapting to the

Chinese ‘intellectualized’ religious perspective.

5.5.1.4 Little intention to actively promote religion. Many TCR organizations are passive and
do not actively promote their religions. Most of them emphasize the concept of zhi ran (be
natural). They subscribe to the non-interventionist approach. This point was mentioned by

Mr. TH. He said, “Taoism does not actively recruit its followers. We maintain an open
approach in dealing with the issue, followers can choose to leave the religion, it is totally

different from the non-TCR approach.” This view is echoed my Mr JW. He said, “We keep a
very open-minded attitude towards the followers, if you want to come, we always welcome
you. But, if you want to leave, we will not stop you also.” This attitude, though is deeply rooted

within the teachings of TCR, is non-productive. In fact, this attitude has caused non-TCR to
have the opportunity to convert the Chinese (Hall 2006).

5.5.1.5 Financial constraints. Most TCR organizations do not have the financial resources to
initiate long term plans to revitalize their religions. Mr JW’s organization is currently struggling

to find a new premise for his temple while Mr LE’s temple looks dilapidated. Based on these
observations, these organizations are financially incapable of initiating any plan to revitalize
their religions.

5.5.2 Revitalized TCR organizations

On the contrary, some TCR organizations appear to be more organized and have the
capacity to either participate in or lead revitalization efforts. These organizations have the

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