The Penang Syariah High Court today allowed an application by Muslim convert Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah aka Tan Ean Huang to renounce Islam and officially revert to her Buddhist faith.
This is no doubt a landmark case but I was wondering what's the connection between praying to Tua Pek Kong and Thi Kong in declaring oneself a Buddhist? Only this morning during a meeting with a State Exco in charge of non-Muslims places of worship that I try to impressed upon the Christian YB that Buddhist temples do not includes Tua Pek Kong and Dato Kong etc. Now, will the good YB thinks I am pulling his leg when he read this breaking news.
I also hopes the lady remembers to recite the Ti-Sarana to affirm her commitment as a Buddhist. During Buddha's time, a General Siha who was a Jains, was asked by the Buddha to recite Buddham Saranam Gacchami thrice to ensure he knows and understands his intention to take the Triple Gem as his refuge. Only after General Siha recited the Ti-Sarana that the Buddha accepts him as a follower.
While many will take this landmark case as a sign of freedom of religious practice, what's the impact on Buddhism? Does it means anyone can walk in and out of Buddhism as they wishes? And implying Buddhists also prayed to many deities and also "chiak too bak"?
1 comment:
That always happen when a Chinese is not other religions! It's seen we still have a long education ways to go to change that !
Post a Comment