Page 94 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

6.4 Concluding Remarks

The world has changed and the social ecology that shapes the Chinese everyday life has
changed. Based on the above discussion, the social ecology that shapes TCR is not healthy.

The Chinese religious worldviews have changed and their everyday religious encounters
have exposed them to various religions that are seen as more relevant and able to fit into the
contemporary Chinese religious worldviews. The other religions (the non-TCR) are also

adapting to the Chinese religious needs and in a position to replace the functions that used
to be performed by TCR. However, aside from Buddhism, the other TCR – Taoism and

Chinese folk religions have yet to respond accordingly. Perhaps, these religions are adhering
to Taoist’s principle of non-interference and letting the Chinese decide based on their wishes.
However, this perspective is not really abiding by the principles of Tao that says everything

must flow according to the flow of nature. The world has changed, and the nature of
Chinese’s religious worldview has changed too. If they choose not to react to the changes,
they are against the flow of nature and consequently their religions will decline. Therefore,

steps must be taken to revitalize their religions. The revitalization begins with the various
TCR organizations. The Buddhist movements have been relatively successful in revitalizing
Buddhism but the other TCR organizations have not really initiated any impactful actions

towards this direction.

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