Inclusive Spirituality

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

Bibliographic Data

ID20250773
AuthorsArthur Chia (0000-0001-5870-8755, Nanyang Technological University, corresponding author), Arthur C K Chia Arthur C K Chia
Year2015
Volume4
Issue3
Pages581-603
Publication date2015-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSoutheast Asian studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2186-7275 • E-ISSN: 2423-8686
PublisherCenter for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.20495/seas.4.3_581
OpenAlexW2310840074
LanguageEN
References cited20

Based on an ethnographic study of a lay Buddhist organization in contemporary Malaysia called the Kuan-yin Contemplative Order (KYCO), this paper looks into the inclusive spiritualism KYCO engenders by situating the organization and the religious universalism from which it emerges in the cultural and historical context of "redemptive societies"—a religious tradition that was established during the late imperial era of China and exploded during the early twentieth century into the cities and spread to Southeast Asia. While the ongoing racial politics and simmering religious tensions in Malaysia limit what followers of KYCO can realistically hope to achieve in terms of realizing a more peaceful and equitable existence, these perennial issues and challenges do not stop them from pursuing the ideals of the Bodhisattva—one who out of compassion delays her/his own salvation until all others have been saved from suffering

Archaeology · Bodhisattva · Buddhism · Dharma · Malay · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Asian Studies and History · Education and Islamic Studies · Gender Studies · History · Law · Philosophy · Religious studies