The temple, officially known as the Pu Xian Buddhist Association, is led by its founder, Bro. Tan Kooi Beng. "We follow the scope of Samantabhadra's aspirations and his commitment to the liberation of all beings," Bro. Kooi Beng explains, referencing the Bodhisattva's ten great vows, which form the cornerstone of the temple's mission.

Recognizing the challenges faced by many Buddhist temples in the modern era, Bro. Kooi Beng laments, "Many Buddhist temples have fallen into the trap of offering rituals and faith-based services only." In response, Pu Xian Vihara is doubling down on its efforts to make Dharma learning more engaging, particularly for youth.

At the forefront of this initiative is the integration of AI technology into Dharma education. The temple plans to incorporate NORBU (https://norbu-ai.org), a Buddhist AI Assistant developed by Malaysians, into its Dharma propagation program. Bro. Kooi Beng envisions NORBU as a "digital Pu Xian," leveraging intelligent systems and mobile technology to attract young Buddhists to the teachings.

This innovative approach marks a significant shift in the temple's strategy, which has its roots in humble beginnings. Founded in 1978 as the Jelutong Young Buddhist Society, the organization has evolved over the years, changing its name to reflect its growing scope and aspirations.

Pu Xian Temple, "smallest in Malaysia, circa 1975"

The story of Pu Xian Vihara is one of grassroots effort and perseverance. Bro. Kooi Beng, who began spreading Buddhism at the age of 15, started with a mere 27 Malaysian ringgit collected from local youth. This modest beginning led to the construction of what was dubbed "the smallest Buddhist temple in Malaysia" - a 10x10 foot structure that could accommodate only five people.

From these humble origins, Pu Xian Vihara has grown into a well-established temple, guided by four key objectives: propagating Buddhism through culture, cultivating future leaders through education, serving society through charity, and nurturing healthy minds through recreation.

As Pu Xian Vihara prepares to launch its new Dharmaduta (Dharma propagation) program and introduce NORBU to its members, it stands as a testament to the power of adaptation in preserving and spreading ancient wisdom. By embracing technology and forging strategic collaborations, this once-smallest temple in Malaysia is poised to make a big impact on the future of Buddhist education and outreach.