Commemorate the death anniversary of Venerable Jing Xian

The 22nd day of the 10th lunar month marks the commemoration of Venerable Jing Xian.
On November22, 2024 at 10am, Than Hsiang Temple held a grand Offering before the Guan Yin statue at the Da Bei Dian. After that the devotees, led by the monks, proceeded to the Ancestral Hall to chant Sutras and transferred the merits in front of Jing Xian’s memorial tablet.

Venerable Jing Xian was born in Kuala Lumpur and had the surname “Lee”, who was then known as “Sister Loh Hua”. The Process of establishing the Tham Wah Wan Temple (TWW) was arduous. The three laywomen even had to carry bricks themselves.

In the 111th issue of Than Hsiang E-News published on December 16, 2007, the founder Of Than Hsiang Temple, Venerable Wei Wu, wrote about his encounters with Venerable Jing Xian. He recounted visiting Tham Wah Wan Temple (TWW) before his ordination, where he addressed her as “Sister Pin Xian”, her secular name at that time.

Sister Pin Xian was known for her care and hospitality. Whenever visitors stayed At the TWW, she would personally cook meals for them, even when hosting a large group. Her signature dishes included spring rolls and handmade flour cakes.

The Three laywomen of TWW were welcoming to all, offering hospitality to both local and foreign monks. Renowned Buddhist monks such as Venerable Yin Shun and Elder Da Neng also stayed at the TWW during their visits to Malaysia, with Venerable Da Neng even giving a Dharma talk there.
When the “Metta Free Clinic” group was newly established, Sister Pin Xian generously donated several thousand Malaysia Ringgit from her saving to support the initiative.

After Venerable Wei Wu ordained, he once conducted a nationwide Dharma Talk tour with a team of volunteers. They stayed at TWW and conducted teachings at the Wisma Buddhist opposite TWW. Inspired by the tour, a group of young people interested in welfare work formed a welfare group there. Sister Pin Xian even allowed them to freely use the TWW as a base for their activities.
Later, one of the three laywomen passed away, leaving Sister Pin Xian and the Senior head of TWW. Since the Senior Head of the temple resided in Penang, they decided in 1994 to transfer the management of TWW to Than Hsiang Temple.

Shortly thereafter, Sister Pin Xian became a Buddhist nun, taking the Dharma name as Venerable Jing Xian. Due to her age, she chose to spend her later years at Than Hsiang Temple.

Even at her old age, Venerable Jing Xian continued her cooking and would occasionally prepare her signature spring rolls and flour cakes for devotees at the temple. She was diligent in her practice, never missed the daily morning and evening chanting sessions, which she conducted in the traditional manner, including reciting the Shuragama Mantra during morning chanting.
After completing her daily practices, Venerable Jing Xian would go to the Da Yuan Dian to bow before Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and dedicated the merits to all sentient beings.

She was also known for her frugality and attentiveness. She would promptly turn off lights or fans that weren’t switched off when nobody was using them. Besides her regular donations to the “Metta Free Clinic”, she also supported the International Buddhist University with financial contributions.

Venerable Wei Wu described Venerable Jing Xian as compassionate and generous, always caring for others. Her selflessness and loving nature were exemplary for future generation. From her early days as a lay practitioner to her ordination as a nun, she maintained her simple devotion, faithfully practicing Buddha recitation and traditional disciplines.

Venerable Wei Wu reflected that Venerable Jing Xian’s action taught others to “be kind to people and care for others”. Her life exemplified the Buddhist teaching of cultivating compassion, bringing happiness to others and alleviating their suffering. Her frugality and generosity remained an inspiration for all.

Venerable Jing xian passed away peacefully on December 1, 2007, at 5:20a.m., at the age of 81.

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