TBCM : Future trends of Buddhism in Malaysia : PEW Report 2015
TBCM
Dear Fellow Brothers & Sisters in the Dhamma,
Namo Buddhaya
Buddhist Leaders would now be aware of the future trends of Buddhism in Malaysia, especially in the light of a recently published PEW Research report.
If you are not aware of what this Research report is about, here are excerpts from this report on Buddhism over the period 2010 - 2050, which you may read in full here … http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/buddhists/ .
These two charts indicate a shrinking of the Global Buddhist population.
The chart below shows a clear decline in Buddhist population in Malaysia, from 17.7 % to 10.8%.
The Buddhist population in Malaysia actually comprises the various Chinese religious traditions, usually classified as ‘Buddhist’. This implies further that the Theravada Buddhist Community is actually very small and shrinking.
The implications of a shrinking Buddhist community are obvious, to name a few,
- Less support for Buddhist Temples and Societies, with some closing or have closed their doors especially in the smaller towns,
- Less support for our Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni Sangha,
- Less lay Dhamma speakers,
- Less candidates for the Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni Sangha, the Malaysian Sangha shrinks,
- Less Buddhist programmes and activities to support the Buddhist community.
The above is just the tip of the iceberg.
It is because of the above, that the need for Inspiring Dhamma Leaders has become critical for the survival of our Buddhist community.
To this end TBCM has been planning and organising series of leadership enabling programs with current and future leaders in mind. Your organisation and membership support is thus critical.
Further, the issue now is not what TBCM can do for the Buddhist community, but what and how you, your organisation and members can contribute & support each other, to stem the decline of our Buddhist community for future generations to continue benefiting from the Dhamma-Vinaya.
With Mettā
Compiled by
Bro. Ānanda Fong
27th Feb. 2016
Ref: Global Report at .. http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/