What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how Chinese Mahayana Buddhism supports and sustains Chinese folk religions in Singapore and Malaysia.

May 22, 2026Open Access

The deity's keeper: A study of the role of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism in sustaining Chinese folk religions in Singapore and Malaysia.

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This essay examines the influence of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism on folk religions in Singapore and Malaysia, indicating cultural interdependence.

The aim is to explore how Chinese Mahayana Buddhism supports and sustains Chinese folk religions in Singapore and Malaysia.
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.
Examination of the sociological definitions of Buddhism and its syncretism with folk beliefs.
Buddhism's influence significantly sustains struggling Chinese folk temples.
The presence of Buddhist elements in temples demonstrates a strong syncretic blend of beliefs.
Monastic involvement indicates shifting identities and cultural roles within the temple context.

Ari Ari (2026) studied this question.

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This essay examines the influence of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism on folk religions in Singapore and Malaysia, indicating cultural interdependence.