Page 88 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

footings that will allow them to initiate projects and activities that are important for
revitalization efforts. Based on the data collected from these organizations, their leaders have

long-term visions and development measures (projects and activities) that are able to
proselytize their religions. Most of their activities fit contemporary expectations. Hence, in this
research they will be labelled as ‘revitalized’ TCR organizations. It is interesting to note that

most of these organizations are Buddhist movements and the have the following features:

5.5.2.1 Visible present and future plans. The revitalized TCR organizations must have
present and future plans to proselytize their religions. To do so, they will create programs

that are able to attract new believers. This feature is visible in some of the organizations. The
leaders play an important role in this matter. They must have the vision to do so. Buddhist

Movement B seems to have this feature. According to Mr TA, one of the leaders of this
movement, a well-planned TCR organization has multiple ways to recruit new believers. They
will arrange different kinds of activities for different types of believers, such as activities

related to spiritual awakening for the aged and those that attempt to get the younger believers
to be involved in charity activities and volunteerism. This opinion is also shared by Madam

LA who leads Buddhist Movement C. She said, “We do plan to keep attracting the public who
are interested in Buddha’s teachings, and expand the Buddhist belief and influence by co-
organizing exhibitions with other Buddhist associations. We have been doing this for a

decade.” These responses indicate the leaders’ vision and visible plans to proselytize their
religion.

5.5.2.2 Availability of human and organizational support. The more organized TCR do have
sufficient human and structural support. These organizations engage full-time specialists

such as monks, nuns and administration support staff to help them manage their daily
operations, events, etc. Such support is available in Buddhist Movement A which itself is a
massive international Buddhist movement. With such support, the movement will be able to

focus on their revitalization efforts. Madam RS agreed with this point. As a leader of Buddhist
Movement A, the organizational support has allowed her to be more committed.

5.5.2.3 Diversity of activities that fit contemporary expectations. The revitalized TCR

organizations organize activities that match contemporary expectations. Unlike the
conventional organizations, the revitalized organizations plan activities that benefit the
diverse needs of their members. Buddhist Movement A is a good example of such

organizations. Based on the information provided by Madam RS, her movement organizes
social services-based activities, such as providing a suicide prevention hotline. At the same

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