Inclusive Spirituality: The Bodhisattva Kuan-yin as Moral Exemplar and Self-Cultivation in a Malaysian Dharma House

• DOI: 10.20495/seas.4.3_581
• Publication Date: 2015-12-31
• Authors: Arthur Chia
• Keywords: Bodhisattva; White (mutation); Malay; Dharma

(ProQuest: ... denotes non-USASCII text omitted.)IntroductionI readily agreed to join in the Vesak1) day procession that was be held on a weekend evening of May 2008. No prior registration required nor forms filled. I just needed show up at Maha Vihara Buddhist temple Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, joining my friends from Kuan-yin Contemplative Order (KYCO)-a lay organization. They stood out their crisp all-white attire, looking fresh and clean. There were 11 them KYCO evening. Kiat,2) one most active members coordinator for this outing, happy see me there delighted had worn white polo shirt as well. Someone group pointed dark blue cap said with good humor, You look like you are UMNO. It stark reminder recent watershed general election March 2008, which seen biggest loss ruling Malay party-UMNO-in its history (although party still maintained precarious majority).3) perturbed by insinuation, because UMNO is not only country but also an exclusively dominantly ethnic political party, comment reminded uncomfortably place outsider.The atmosphere festive we marched along 10 km route weaved through city Lumpur. However, mood subdued somber, contrast joyous singing easy camaraderie amongst other marchers. Kiat proposed contemplate sufferings world dedicate merit generated march those who suffering. Although physically arduous secretly found it enjoyable, invoked effort spiritual struggle sorts, dedicating all beings-humans non-humans well others.Going home night, mind occupied image these Chinese middleclass English-speaking devotees dressed marching solemnly, celebratory Vesak procession. outfit marker purity virtue, demonstrated visually relationship between body's corporeality morality.4) Kiat's reference suffering seemed set things certain perspective-suffering central Buddhism, where depicted solution sought end suffering5)-but his call world's moral empathy, prompting something depends intellectual practical disciplines (Asad 1993, 62).I am moved friends' actions they seek themselves help beings. By doing so manifest compassion but, more important, spirit inclusiveness universalism. Their grounded aspirations necessarily realized (protective) powers acquired meditation disciplinary practices normally accrue magical monks and/or masters Thai, Laotian, or Burmese Buddhism (Houtman 1997; Cook 2010; McDaniel 2011). Instead, followers aspire toward transformation selfcultivation accomplishment morality exemplary life conduct charismatic gifted adepts.This paper seeks describe some experiences, examining self-cultivation inclusive spiritualism give rise situating religious universalism emerges cultural historical context redemptive societies-a tradition established late imperial era China exploded during early twentieth century into cities spread Southeast Asia.Kuan-yin Order: Inclusive SpiritualismThe arguments emerge fieldwork conducted 2008 2009 observed firsthand activities carry order fulfill realize Bodhisattva Vow6) have undertaken. …