The land that Kuan Im Tng Temple (Joo Chiat) currently resides on was donated by the decreased trustee Zheng Jintai’s mother back in 1919. The founder of the temple was Master Lee Nan Shan, who also founded the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Waterloo Street.
The initial temple was very small in size, and surrounded by coconut plantation. In 1972, the temple underwent renovation. In 1988, the temple was further expanded to
accommodate to the growing numbers of followers. It was halfway through this construction project that something unexpected happened. Master Wu Shen He, who was the abbot then passed away suddenly without any signs in 1989 on the Amitabha’s Birthday. Present Abbot Cheu Yok Beng subsequently took over the reconstruction project,
till completion with the combined efforts of the followers. The temple held an inaugural ceremony on the 2nd of June, 1991.

Teacher Cheu
In 1990, Teacher Cheu Yok Beng (top) officially took over as the Abbot of the temple and was awarded PBM in 2003 for his contribution to the benefits of the community and people through charity works and grassroots activities
 

A Fusion of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism

The first thing that strikes you upon entering the temple is the impressive statue of Cundi Bodhisattva (right). Being one of the many reincarnations of Goddess of Mercy, the statue provides the main centre of “attraction”, drawing masses of worshippers to the temple.

Although Goddess of Mercy is generally associated with Buddhism, it doesn’t mean that Kuan Im Tng Temple (Joo Chiat) is a place of traditional Buddhist worship.

Instead, it upholds a unique three in one combination consisting of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, capturing and consolidating capturing and consolidating the essence of these three religions into “Xian Tian Sect.”

What then are the exact elements preached in this fusion of
religious beliefs?

They are:
  • To cultivate the mind and body through Taoist philosophies;
  • To accumulate merits and good karma through recitations of Buddhist mantras; and
  • To apply Confucian etiquette in everyday lives.