New Transnational Connections with Taiwan

Abstract

This chapter provides a larger overview of Buddhist revitalization in Malaysia in the age of globalization that has taken on particular significance since the late 1980s. Two important organizations were selected, namely, the Fo Guang Shan and the Tzu Chi Merits Society. These two Taiwanese groups have started to bring different styles and forms of propagating Buddhism to the local Buddhist community. Fo Guang Shan attracts middle class Chinese in their activities, supporting Chinese education, and fund-raising activities. Tzu Chi has been attracting many young volunteers and housekeepers to participate in their charity and recycling projects since the early 1990s. Such developments represent the emergence of new social and political engagements at community and everyday levels.