KUANTAN: Nestled within a 6ha plot of private land off Jalan Sungei Lembing near here is the famed Lao Zi temple.
Every year, close to 100,000 visitors drop in here to pay homage to the founder of Taoism.
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Impressive: The head of the dragon from where visitors will emerge after their walk. |
Visitors are taken on a guided tour inside the dragon, going in through its tail and coming out from its mouth.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk the 823m path.
Written on the walls are a 5,000- word scripture, known as the “Book of Tao and its Virtues.”
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A pair of longevity and prosperity tortoises in the temple. |
He said visitors would be asked to make a wish and touch the dragon’s pearl, strategically perched in front of its majestic head.
“The dragon sculpture cost a whopping RM550,000 derived from my father’s personal savings and public donations.
“Work started in 2000 and was completed after three years,” he said in an interview.
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New attraction: Wai Pong showing the 18-levels of hell which he will erect in the temple’s premises by August next year. |
Among the other attractions are the sculpture of Lao Zi measuring 7m high, a fish pond surrounded by 12 animals from the Chinese zodiac, brass image of the Goddess of Mercy dating back to the Ming dynasty, a wishing bell, a pair of longevity and prosperity tortoises, a pair of “Earth” dragons, images of the 18 Lo Hans (arhats) and the prosperity Buddha.
There is also a beautiful landscaped garden with fruit trees, rocks inscribed with words of wisdom and a house of antiques.
Most of the antiques are of Chinese origin comprising porcelain wares, ancient stone carving, brassware and other rare artefacts.
Fook Weng said most of their visitors were tour groups on a day-trip to Kuantan, adding that they sometimes had tourists from Singapore during weekends.
According to the temple’s founder Kui Wai Pong, 70, the origin of Taoism and Confucianism could be traced back to the Zhou dynasty (1122 to 221 BC).
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Attention to detail: One of the many sculptures in the temple. |
After witnessing the decline of the Zhou dynasty, Lao Zi departed on an oxen to travel westward.
In response to a request from Yinxi – a guardian of the Western Pass – Lao Zi wrote a book in two sections dealing with Tao religion.
In later times, the book became the most important scripture of Taoism and hence, Lao Zi was widely regarded as the founder.
Wai Pong dedicates his time and resources to looking after the temple with his eldest son Fook Weng.
Occasionally, he travels to Thailand and Myanmar for religious activities and to scout for Chinese herbs, leaving his son to take charge of the temple’s affairs.
Wai Pong has been a sinseh and a medium, providing guidance and advice to followers over the past 50 years.
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Must-see: Some of the antiques in the temple. |
“My next aim is to build an image of the 18 levels of hell at a cost of RM360,000,” he said, adding that he had already raised the money and was awaiting for the material from China to commence work by August next year.
He said the image of hell was to remind the people to do good as they would have to pay for their bad deeds in the “other world.”
Wai Pong said although the temple was located in a secluded area, many people would congregate in the premises for religious activities held at least twice a year.
For more information on the temple or to arrange for a guided tour, contact Fook Weng at 019-948 2020 or 016-936 2629.
Original article from The Star, written by SIMON KHOO
