An understanding of the beliefs and practices of mahayana buddhism : |ba case studi of a contemporary chinese mahayana buddhist community in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

Abstract

As a country which is composed of plurality of religions, the dilemma of religious diversity cannot be avoided in Malaysia. People of different religions and races may have demonstrated a commendable ability to accommodate each other as co-operation and tolerance are often slogans in the context of national integration. Regrettably, misunderstanding, differences of opinion and prejudices have tarnished the national integration agenda among Malaysians. In this regard, maintaining the harmonious relationship within the multi-religious community of Malaysia is important for the stability and progress of the nation state. This study is undertaken to look into beliefs and practices of a contemporary Chinese Mahayana Buddhist community in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor with a view of finding ways of promoting inter-religious harmony in Malaysia, bearing in mind the crucial role and position of the Chinese community in the Malaysian politics and economy. This research aims to make a modest contribution to the inspiring vision of inter-religious harmony by highlighting the spiritual and ethical similarities between Islam and Mahayana Buddhism, notwithstanding the major doctrinal differences between the two religions. The similarities found between Islam and Mahayana Buddhism produce acknowledgement and respect of one another on both sides. The findings of this study show that Islam and Buddhism share a lot of similarities on various aspects related to values and practices, such as on their devotion to the essence of religion, the practice of morality which focuses specifically on the practice of precepts, and the practice of compassion in both religions. To conclude, it is important for the majority community i.e. Muslims, to realize the existence of some common values in the other religious communities in contemporary Malaysia. Therefore, the way the Buddhist community in Malaysia practises their religion needs to be studied objectively in order to find ways of promoting inter-religious harmony in Malaysia.