Other Distinguished Sangha
Mahayana Sangha
Venerable Pu Liang (1880 - 1942)
In 1912, Ven Pu Liang left Xi Chan Si, Fuzhou for Shuang Lin Si. In 1917, Ven Pu Liang was appointed 10th Abbot, when he was in his thirties and served for 25 years.
In 1918, he initiated the first restoration as it was 25 years old and greatly in need of repair.
Together with Ven Zhuan Dao, they established the Singapore Chinese Buddhist Association in 1927. In 1937, he was elected the chairperson and served until his execution.
As the abbot of the largest and oldest Chinese monastery in Singapore and as chairman of the Singapore Chinese Buddhist Association, Ven Pu Liang played a prominent role within the local Chinese community, and his participation gained him widespread support and respect.
Extract from Shuang Lin Monastery website:
"China Relief Fund leaders in Singapore approached the Venerable Pu Liang, Abbot of Shuang Lin Monastery, to set up a Driving Institute inside the monastery. About 7 batches of volunteers graduated from the Driving Institute to serve on the Burma Road.
During the Sook Ching, Venerable Pu Liang was arrested and executed for allowing the Driving Institution to be established in the monastery. In 1947, the Singapore Buddhist Association organized a memorial ceremony to pay respects to Venerable Pu Liang's sacrifice."
Bibliography:
- Light on the Lotus Hill, Shuang Lin Monastery and the Burma Road, Chan Chow Wah, Khoon Chee Vihara, 2009, ISBN 978-981-08-2674-1