KUCHING: The city will see another beautiful religious landmark after the completion of the Poh Ka Buddhist Temple’s new monastery.
The new monastery is situated just next to its 130-year-old wooden temple at No 2222, Jalan Upland, Simpang Tiga here.
The temple’s treasurer, Law Kin Hin, said the construction of the monastery started in Sep 12 last year.
“It is at 32 per cent completion now and is expected to be completed by middle of next year,” he said during a visit to the construction site, today.
He said the RM7 million monastery is three-storey high and spans across three buildings, with a total area of about 35,000 square feet and over 40 metres in height.
“It will consist of a main hall, multipurpose hall, dining hall, library, conference room, memorial hall, meditation hall, office, and resting quarters for religious mentor and devotees,” he said.
He said the construction would also include its Buddha statues; Gautama Buddha, Manjushri Buddha, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Maitreya Buddha.
“The building drawing has changed from time to time, and the architect has drafted 60 drawings,” he said.
Citing the contractor, Law said the beam column and bricklaying works will be completed in September this year, followed by roof and interiors works.
“The purpose of the monastery is to promote the teachings of Buddism.
“By offering Dharma teaching, we can inspire compassion from devotees towards each other, and thereby create a harmonious society,” he pointed out.
He mentioned the temple’s religious mentor Venerable Shi Hui Yan has been offering Dharma teaching at its temporary shelter since 2008.
“Our monastery’s building committee will also embark on a six-day five-night trip to China to visit ancient temples and to discuss the price and contractual matters for carving and building of the Buddha statues including other equipment.”
Meanwhile, Venerable Shi Hui Yan thanked the state government for its approval to build the monastery on a 0.7-acre land, and thanked the late chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for his fair and equal policies towards all ethnic groups to make the building a reality.
“We also hope the government will continue to give their support for the completion of the project,” she said.
To date, the temple is still short of RM3 million for the completion of the new monastery.
For those who wish to donate may contact Law at 016-8861188.
