This essay examines the role of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism in sustaining Chinese folk religions in Singapore and Malaysia. It explores how Chinese Mahayana Buddhists assist local Chinese folk temples, often taking on roles beyond Dhamma propagation. The study investigates this phenomenon through case studies in Singapore and Malaysia, focusing on the syncretism between Chinese Mahayana Buddhism and Chinese folk culture. The study reviews the sociological definition of "Buddhism" in Singapore, highlighting the syncretic blend of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs. It also examines the historical syncretisation of Mahayana Buddhism in China, including the localization of figures like Avalokiteshvara. The essay further explores the role of Chinese monks as caretakers of Chinese folk temples, particularly during colonial times. The research questions address the motivations behind monks' involvement, the influence of Buddhist associations on Chinese folk temples, and the extent of Buddhism's impact. The methodology includes a literature review and fieldwork studies on temples with Buddhist monks or elements. Case studies include Lian Shan Shuang Lin Cheng Huang Temple in Singapore and Cheng Hoon Temple in Melaka. The former, managed by a Buddhist monastery, showcases a blend of Taoist and folk deities with subtle Buddhist influences. The latter, with Avalokiteshvara as the main deity, demonstrates a strong Buddhist influence, despite the presence of Confucianism and Taoism. The paper also examines Soon Thian Keing Temple, an independent Taoist temple employing Buddhist 1 monks, and the Xian Tian Dao Sect, a Chinese folk religious sect seeking legitimacy through the Singapore Buddhist Federation. The analysis reveals that Buddhism's inclusive and flexible nature, its soft power in expansion, and the shifting identities of Chinese monastics contribute to this phenomenon. The paper concludes that Chinese Mahayana Buddhism plays a significant role in sustaining struggling Chinese folk temples. Further research questions include the origins of specific temple involvement and the extent of syncretisation's impact on Buddhist doctrines. Keywords: Chinese Buddhism, Chinese religions, Singapore, Malaysia, syncretisation
Ari Ari (Wed,) studied this question.