Environmentally Friendly Buddhist Center: Sau Seng Lam in PJ

Sau Seng Lam temple in PJ Old Town

I have been frequenting the Sau Seng Lam (SSL) in Petaling Jaya over the past two years and I enjoyed going there especially on Poshada and Guan Yin Celebration days. It the place where my son Arian, took Refuge as it were by being made a god-son to Guan Yin. It's an interesting Chinese tradition which I will not dwell in at this point. The PJ temple has a small and very quite shrine hall (in spite of the crowd during those festive days) suitable for personal reflection and meditation. SSL is well known for its medical welfare work - providing traditional Chinese medicine, dialysis , stroke and recently diabetes centers to anyone beyond race or religion. There is also a mobile clinic to reach out to people who cannot come to the centers. It is also very well organized and ran with uniformed volunteers manning the respective counters. On the festive days, Sau Seng Lam (SSL) provides free vegetarian meals (usually lunch).

dialysis center at SSL

Besides being a very well organized Buddhist temple, what I admire most is the respect for the environment. The surrounding is clean. Trees and plants are found around the center. More importantly, it is the only big temple I know of that does not use disposable materials while serving the free meals. You do not see polystyrene foam strewn all over the place unlike other big temples. All the plates are ceramic, fork and spoons are metal and the cups glass - all NON-DISPOSAL. Yes, you will need to wash them after eating! I feel SSL is an excellent example of the social and spiritual practice. Sadhu to Rev Chang Heng, she has taken SSL beyond Buddhism.

Rev Chang Heng

Sau Seng Lam has a very long and interesting history. Started in 1902 with its temple in Peel Road KL, it has come a long way to where it is today - an excellent role model for Buddhist organizations. Read more about the history at http://www.sausenglam.com.my


Take a drive there the next time you are in Petaling Jaya.


Sau Seng Lam can be reached at:
7 , Jalan 1/5 , Section 1 ,
46000 Petaling Jaya , Selangor
Email : rbssl@po.jaring.my , customercare@sausenglum.org
Donation Hotline : 603-7782 7546 / 603-7782 4092
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