Introduction

Hello and ‘Lei Hou’: that’s ‘hello’ in Cantonese, one of the most widely spoken Chinese dialects in Malaysia.

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple was built over a century ago. The four founding fathers of this temple, Chan Sow Lin, Chan Xin Xi, Chan Chun, and Chan Zhai Tian, ​​were also among the early pioneers of Kuala Lumpur. Do you notice that they all have the same last name Chan?

The See Shu Yuen Chan Clan Association is an association for the ‘Chan’ clan. People with the surname Tan, Chan, and Chen belong to this clan, since the Mandarin character of these names is the same. Chan is a very common Chinese surname and many of them come from Guangzhou in China. There is an ancestral temple of the Chan family in Guangzhou, and this one is inspired by him. That’s why you see similar Cantonese architecture and art. Work began in 1896 and took ten years to complete.

Also think of it as a club for people who came from the same province in China. When the Chinese immigrants came to Malaysia, it was very difficult for them to adjust to this new and foreign land. That is why clan associations are important, because they provide immigrants with contact with people who speak the same language, as well as contact with their relatives in China. The clan association also looks after its general welfare.

The association also houses a temple, which is the subject of this article.

From the outside you will not miss the green and red façade. In fact, the temple is sometimes referred to as The Green Temple. Look from left to right, especially at the roof line, and you will see the elaborate ornaments that decorate the temple. Painstakingly detailed, they tell stories from ancient China and Chinese mythology.

Just before entering the temple compound, there are two pillars with blue caps. To admire the front facade of the temple, go all the way to the left. These are the famous terracotta figurines that tell the ancient history and mythology. These carvings and sculptures are elaborate and fascinating. There are also the same captivating carvings on the far right of the front façade.

inside the temple

Don’t forget that in Malaysia, religious places are not tourist spots, but actual religious places used by believers to worship. If you see some worshipers deep in meditation or prayer, be as discreet as possible.

On the doors, high on the left and right, you can see two gray stone lions. The stone lions are believed to protect the temple from demons. The Chinese characters below them very loosely translate to blessings of welcome.

There is another pair at eye level, and this time they are white. At first glance one may think that they are the same, but take a good look at their legs and you will see that they are different. Guardian lions are always made in pairs, one female and one male. The one on the left is the female guardian lioness, and she has a cub in her right paw, which represents the circle of life. The one on the right is the male guardian lion, and he has his left paw on a globe to represent his “pulse of the earth” sentiment. Symbolically, the woman guards those who live within, and the man guards the temple structure.

On the stone walls there are some Chinese characters, which is a typical feature of Chinese architecture. At the top, there are four large Chinese characters. Unlike English, Chinese words are read from right to left and top to bottom. The four words read ‘Chen Shi Shu Yuen’, which means ‘Chan Clan Study Hall’. The Chan clan, if you remember, occupies this clan association. There are small characters on each side of the words. They tell you the name of the writer and when it was written. In Chinese calligraphy, or Chinese writing, writing is not just writing. It is an artistic skill, and each piece is a work of art. Think of Michelangelo or Leonardo Da Vinci painting a masterpiece and signing the corner of the work. In fact, it is said that a writer’s personality is reflected in his writing. On the right and left side of the door are more Chinese characters. They are too poetic to translate, but they mean vaguely, “light radiates from honor, and may wisdom never die.” This type of greeting is important in Chinese architecture, and each temple has its own unique greetings. If you have the opportunity to visit other Chinese temples, ask the locals to translate these wise words for you.

As you walk through the red gate, the first thing that catches your eye is the richly ornate carvings of a golden box above your head.

To the left and right are altars for the deities that guard the gate.

On the left, next to the sanctuary, there are two plaque inscriptions; one red and one white. And to the right, next to the sanctuary, there are also two inscriptions on plaques, both black. Think of them as a sort of Hall of Fame, where the great and outstanding members of the Chan clan receive recognition for their contribution to the advancement of the clan. They could have built schools, preserved their heritage, donated large sums of money, or anything that would help the Chan clan.

On the red pillars on both sides there are even more Chinese characters. What do they say this time? Again, a bit too poetic to translate, but they are reminders to the current generation not to forget their ancestors. The Chinese remember their ancestors through a unique tradition called ancestor worship. They would place images or inscriptions over their ancestors and offer food and incense sticks as a way to seek their blessings. It is similar to the Catholic practice of seeking intervention from saints, honored people who have passed away. In many Chinese homes you can see photographs and inscriptions of the deceased on the altar next to the gods. In fact, right here, in this temple, is where the current generation of chans worship their ancestors.

In the open courtyard there is now a shop selling many interesting Chinese souvenirs, and by that I don’t mean cheesy tourist souvenirs, but excellent teas, ceramic teapots and many other interesting traditional items. Chinese teas have their own grades, just like wine. There is a Chinese saying, when describing good tea, that good tea has such a strong fragrance that it sticks to your cup after you have finished drinking. On the right is an exhibition hall that shows many interesting cultural presentations, such as Chinese calligraphy. And in front, there is the main sanctuary.

From the center of the courtyard, the roofs of the buildings surrounding the courtyard can be clearly seen. The first thing that will catch your eye is the open space concept. Many do not realize that the patio is inside the building and not outside. This is a very typical feature of Chinese architecture, and many temples are built like this. The courtyard is surrounded on all sides by building units. This is often referred to as the ‘skywell’ concept because the roofs form a small opening into the sky. You may also notice that the width of the building is more important than the height and depth, giving the width of the building a visual impact. The ceiling design uses the Kwang Tung ceramic style, which uses undulating waves as a motif.

Directly opposite is the main hall called De Xing Hall. I will explain each section from left to right. On the left are four photographs of the early founding fathers. They are the first important members of the Chan clan. Next to the photos there is a room. There are black and white photos of deceased Chan family members. Here, the Chinese perform the ancestral cult. There are row after row of names written on yellow paper. They are the names of the dead. The Chinese believe that life continues after death and that the dead can influence the fate of the living. Therefore, the faithful pray that their ancestors bless them with good luck and protect them from evil. Others do it out of filial piety, which is highly emphasized in Chinese culture.

On the left wall, you will see pieces of wood in red, orange and yellow. They are an ancient epistle, written by an unknown person to remind his relatives that the deceased will always be watching over the living, guiding and protecting them. This is yet another reminder to the current generation of the importance of ancestor worship.

On the altar on the left, there will be a golden sanctuary with more images of the deceased. In front of them on the table are five porcelain vases. On the towering golden pillar, there are Chinese characters, loosely translated as a blessing to this divine place, that its name would be as sweet as a fragrance, and this place would shower wisdom and talent.

Moving to the main altar, you will see a magnificent golden sanctuary. This is the resting place of the stud, as the sign says. The three statues are those of the Emperor Shun Chung Hua Master, the later ancestor Chen Hu Man Master, and the honorary Kai Zhang Ruler Chen Yuan Guang Master. On the table, there are two paper servants. The paper servants are usually burned, along with coins believed to be used in the afterlife, also known as hell banknotes. There are many other modern paper folds such as cars, houses, televisions, telephones, etc., as it is believed that the dead receive them when burned. There are also five majestic vases on the table.

Above the middle vase is a dancing lion. A dancing lion is believed to invite prosperity and drive away evil spirits.

On the next towering gold pillar are words of praise for this temple and a reminder that to prosper, you must remember your ancestors.

At the end, on the altar to your right, there are more photographs of the deceased. The layout is similar to the one on the left.

Next to it will be the same red, orange and yellow plank design. These are again reminders of the importance of the ancestral cult.

The next four images are more images of prominent members of the clan.

There is a room on the right side of the temple. There are many exhibitions there, such as Chinese tea displays, calligraphy demonstrations, and painting techniques.

We have reached the end of the Chan Clan Association See Shu Yuen temple guide. There is a guest book near the right altar if you wish to leave your comments.