ASEAN Records is proud to officially recognise Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si for achieving:
First and Largest Jade-Inlaid Relief Wall Mural Depicting the Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism
(355.74 m² measuring 36.3 m long and 9.8 m high, 420 sculpted figures across three thematic zones, completed 2018)
Located within the Main Shrine Hall of Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si in Johor Bahru, the monumental jade-inlaid relief mural presents the principles, teachings and development of Humanistic Buddhism through an extensive composition of religious figures, historical scenes and cultural symbolism.
Measuring 355.74 m², the artwork combines large-scale jade craftsmanship with Buddhist cultural expression, creating a distinctive visual representation of Humanistic Buddhism within Southeast Asia.
A Monumental Expression of Humanistic Buddhism
Spanning 36.3 metres in length and 9.8 metres in height, the mural known as the “Illustration of the Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism” (人间佛教行化图) occupies a prominent position within the Main Shrine Hall of Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si.
The composition incorporates 420 sculpted figures across three thematic zones, presenting Buddhist imagery alongside scenes reflecting the development and practical application of Humanistic Buddhism.
Its imagery encompasses Buddhist worlds, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, disciples and other figures, while also portraying the work of Fo Guang Shan in areas including education, Dharma propagation, environmental advocacy, disaster relief and community service.
Elements representing Malaysia are also incorporated into the artwork, including the hibiscus, Malaysia’s national flower, connecting the mural’s Buddhist narrative with its Malaysian setting.
Crafted from More Than 20 Varieties of Natural Coloured Jade
Beyond its dimensions, the mural is distinguished by the materials and craftsmanship involved in its creation.
The artwork was produced using more than 20 varieties of natural coloured jade, carefully selected and inlaid to form its figures, landscapes, architectural elements and symbolic imagery.
With a reported total weight of approximately 42 metric tonnes, the mural required an extensive production process involving hand-drawn design, computer modelling, mould creation, carving, detailed sculpting, decoration, polishing and final assembly.
The work took approximately two years to complete, bringing together dozens of craftspeople in a large-scale collaborative artistic undertaking before its completion in 2018.
Preserving Buddhist Art, Culture and Education
The mural embodies the principles of Humanistic Buddhism promoted by Fo Guang Shan and its founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, particularly the integration of Buddhist teachings into everyday life and society.
Through its extensive visual narrative, the artwork reflects Fo Guang Shan’s four major objectives: promoting Buddhism through culture, fostering talent through education, benefiting society through charity, and purifying the human mind through spiritual practice.
Its placement within Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si also complements the temple’s wider role as a centre for Buddhist faith, education, culture, meditation and community engagement.
By bringing these principles together through monumental jade artistry, the mural serves simultaneously as a religious artwork, cultural narrative and educational medium for visitors.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
ASEAN Records recognition was officially presented on 26 September 2026 at Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, during the temple’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.
The recognition was received on stage by Venerable Ru Bin, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan (Malaysia) Hsingma Si, representing the temple’s leadership and its continued efforts in preserving and promoting Humanistic Buddhism through culture, education, and religious art.
The presentation was witnessed by YB Ling Tian Soon, Johor State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Health and Environment.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the recognition, Venerable Ru Bin, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan (Malaysia) Hsingma Si, shared:
“Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si was made possible through the collective efforts and support of many people over the years. This recognition is therefore not only about the scale of the jade mural, but also about the many causes and conditions that came together to make Hsingma Si what it is today.
Through the Illustration of the Propagation of Humanistic Buddhism, we hope visitors can appreciate Buddhist art while also understanding how Humanistic Buddhism is practised through culture, education, charity and service to society. We are grateful for this ASEAN Records recognition and for everyone who has contributed to this meaningful journey.”
Continuing to Share Culture with the Community
Witnessing the presentation, YB Ling Tian Soon, Johor State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Health and Environment, highlighted the wider cultural role of Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si:
“Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si is not only a place of faith, but also an important place for promoting culture. This recognition of its monumental jade mural is something worth celebrating, and it gives us another meaningful cultural attraction to introduce to both local visitors and visitors from neighbouring countries.
We hope greater awareness of Hsingma Si and its cultural features can encourage more people to discover Johor and appreciate the diversity of cultural and religious heritage found in the state.”
About Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si
Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si is a Buddhist cultural, educational and spiritual centre located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, serving communities in Southern Malaysia and neighbouring Singapore.
Its origins in Johor Bahru trace back to Buddhist initiatives established during the 1990s. Following years of planning and development, construction of the present temple officially commenced in 2014, and in June 2015, Venerable Master Hsing Yun named the temple “Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si.”
Designed as a multifunctional Buddhist cultural and educational centre, Hsingma Si includes a Main Shrine Hall, classrooms, art gallery, library, cultural spaces, meditation facilities and other community-oriented spaces.
Through religious practice, education, arts, cultural programmes and community activities, Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si continues to promote the principles of Humanistic Buddhism in Malaysia and the wider region.
For more information, visit:
https://fgs.hsingmasi.org/hsingmasi/
