Dharma Drum Mountain Holds Purification and Topping-Out Ceremonies for Its New Malaysia Monastery, Envisioning a Center for Chan Meditation and Dharma Propagation in Southeast Asia

On October 31, more than 250 representatives from various sectors, members of the Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) Honorary Board of Directors, Dharma supporters, and volunteers gathered at the designated religious development site in the new township of Kwasa Damansara, Shah Alam, Selangor, to attend the purification and topping-out ceremonies for Dharma Drum Mountain’s new monastery in Malaysia.

The ceremonies were presided over by Venerable Guo Huei (果暉法師), Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain. Together, participants offered their blessings for the construction project and witnessed this important milestone in the development of the new monastery. Representatives participating in the purification ceremony included Ye Dai-cai (葉帶財), Zheng Yao-wen (鄭耀文), Construction Director Xu Lai-fu (許來福), and Deputy Director Chen Shun-ke (陳順科). Architect Xing Yi-wei (邢詒偉) and Datuk Lin Sui-shou (林綏授) took part in the installation of the ceremonial treasures and the topping-out ceremony, carrying the golden ridge beam and the Buddhist Altar Drapery. 

“Invite people to learn the Dharma, inspire people to cultivate the Dharma, and encourage people to support the Dharma through donations.” The Abbot President encouraged everyone, especially young people, to participate in the study, practice, support, and propagation of the Dharma. By bringing together the collective strength and commitment needed to build the monastery and advance Buddhist outreach, the community can help ensure the enduring presence of the True Dharma and bring its benefits to more people. The Abbot President expressed his hope that, while establishing deep roots in the local community and strengthening Buddhist education, the new monastery would gradually develop into Dharma Drum Mountain’s center for Chan meditation and Buddhist outreach in Southeast Asia, thereby welcoming practitioners from both Malaysia and abroad to study and practice the Dharma.

In response to the uncertainty brought about by rapid technological advancement, global climate change, and the increasingly fast pace of modern life, the Abbot President reminded everyone that Dharma Drum Mountain has long been dedicated to purifying the human mind and transforming society. Building a monastery, he explained, is about providing people with a place to learn and practice the Dharma. He encouraged everyone to put into practice the Four Kinds of Environmentalism advocated by DDM founder Master Sheng Yen: Protecting the Spiritual Environment, the Social Environment, the Living Environment, and the Natural Environment. By beginning with bringing peace and stability to oneself, one can gradually extend that sense of stability to one's family, workplace, and society.

According to Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Centre Malaysia, construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony in September 2024. Today, with the completion of the five-story main structure, the outline of the new monastery is becoming increasingly clear. Every stage of the project reflects the professionalism and dedication of the construction team, as well as the heartfelt aspirations of its supporters. The next phase will involve mechanical and electrical installations, partitioning, and interior finishing. The monastery is expected to be completed in 2028.

The new monastery will feature a variety of spaces dedicated to promoting Chinese Chan meditation, along with structured Dharma courses designed at different levels to meet the learning needs of people across different age groups and backgrounds. Accommodation facilities will also be provided to support meditation retreats and Dharma practice programs lasting one day or longer, thus allowing participants to immerse themselves in a spiritual way of life and apply the wisdom of the Dharma in their daily lives.
The monastery also plans to make its facilities and resources available to other Buddhist organizations with right faith and practice for their activities. In addition, it will promote international Buddhist studies programs, meditation retreats, and seminars to encourage learning, cultural exchange, and collaboration across different regions.


Original text in Chinese: 羅志豪
Photos: 陳心蘭、陳永亮、黃自實、黃貞全、葉麗芹
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown