Tao in the Indian Community of Johor Bahru

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the grace of Heaven, the virtues of our Holy Teachers, Grand Senior Elder, Senior Elder, and the mercy of our Tao Transmitting Masters for giving me the opportunity to share Tao in the Indian community.
My name is Murali Subramaniam. I received the great Tao on my birthday at Jia De Temple on 15th March 2017. I was introduced by Lecturer Florence Choo. I was told this was my life’s purpose and journey. My two children received Tao two days later. I am proud to say, “My family is a Tao family!”

A Life-Changing Holy Sermon
Johor Bahru first held a holy sermon in Tamil, an Indian dialect, in 2014. Lecturers were invited from India including: then-Lecturer Velmurugan (now a Tao Transmitting Master), Lecturer Ganapathy, Lecturer Revathy, Lecturer Kandasamy Amaravathi and Lecturer Geetha. I attended the Tamil holy sermon at Nibong Tebal in Penang on 20th May 2017. I attended the sermon there because my family holiday was planned for 26-30th of May, and I would not have been able to attend the Johor Bahru sermon that was to be held on the 27th and 28th.
The sermon made me realize the purpose of my life. I returned home, cancelled the holiday, and asked my elder son to attend the sermon in Johor Bahru, because it was more valuable than a vacation. Afterwards, I introduced many Indians to receive Tao and attend sermons. There are 2-3 Tamil holy sermons held yearly, with more than 300 Indian brothers and sisters receiving Tao every year in Johor Bahru. We support the sermons organized by the Johor Bahru, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Tao Societies, including one in the Malay language. With Heaven’s blessings and Tao Transmitting Master Chan’s merciful support, our Indian community formed a holy sermon team.

Multilingual Tao Study Classes
We attend the 5-year Tao study classes at Jia De Temple in English, Zhi De Temple and Ming De Temple in Malay with Tamil, and Mei De Temple in Malay.
Indian Tao members are encouraged to volunteer in temple. They participate in many temple rituals such as lunar offerings and Tao receiving rituals.
Classes increase Tao knowledge in our Indian communities, especially with topics like Knowing the Tao Community, Overcoming Obstacles in Tao Cultivation, and the Analects of Confucius.
Every year, many make vows to become temple volunteers, dharma preachers, assistant temple hosts, and temple hosts. Some make the vegetarian vow.

Pilgrimage Trip to Taiwan
On 5th-9th May 2019, Brother Gunanesan and I joined a pilgrimage trip to Taiwan, being the first Indian representatives from Johor Bahru.
I understood more of our Patriarch and Matriarch’s dedication in Tao propagation. I could not control my tears at Senior Elder’s resting place, realizing I had to continue Never-Resting Bodhisattva’s mission. Our Grand Senior Elder’s virtues can be seen through his simple lifestyle.
We are grateful and fortunate to be born during a time of universal Tao propagation. Without Holy Teachers’ sacrifices, many would not be able to receive Tao and know the true meaning of life. To show our gratitude, we must follow the footsteps of Grand Senior Elder and Senior Elder, cultivate ourselves, and propagate Tao.

A True Community
In Jia De Temple, there were special rituals for students preparing for academic exams. Students received their parents’ blessings by washing their parents’ feet, reflecting upon their parents’ love for them. Everyone received Tao, having been greatly touched by the filial piety act. With Heaven’s blessings, every student had excellent testing results with outstanding improvements.
We hold special prayers and sutra chanting sessions during critical times. On 21st November 2019, I had open-heart bypass surgery. Everyone prayed for me before, during, and after the surgery. Due to Heaven’s blessings and the prayers, I recovered quickly within 50 days. The doctor informed me of my full recovery and NO need for follow ups. Now, I feel great.
I appreciate every moment now because life is short - I need to cherish it. For every day of life, there is one day of brightness.  If I only have ten minutes left, but used it to preach Tao, then my kindness and merits are infinite.

The Inaugural Ceremony of Johor Bahru Tao Center
We participated in the inaugural gala on 28th December 2019. Every Jia De and Zhi De Temples’ brother and sister, regardless of ethnicity and language, participated in the “1 Malaysia Dance” performance. It showed our harmonious multiethnic culture - Malaysia Truly Asia. 
Chinese New Year Celebration
The Indian community always supported and participated in Chinese New Year celebrations, which are great opportunities to learn more about the culture. I was proud and blessed to be the first Indian Cai Shen, the Deity of Wealth.

Zoom Meetings: Learning Mustn’t Stop with COVID-19
Tao study classes are now held twice a week on Zoom, where Tao Transmitting Master Velmurugan and lecturers from India share many topics. We invite our Indian brothers and sisters from Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Klang, India, and Taiwan to join these classes.
We join in chanting sessions, hoping that the COVID-19 pandemic can be alleviated as soon as possible.

Indian Tao Leadership Team
With the mercy of Tao Transmitting Masters, we gathered Tao seniors from the Indian Tao community to plan sermons and organize leadership training. We would like to thank Tao Transmitting Master Chan, Tao Transmitting Master Albert Lim, and Tao Transmitting Master Soong for their support. We hope the Indian Tao community can be strong and competent in leading future sermons.
Thanks to Heaven, Grand Senior Elder, Senior Elder, Tao Transmitting Masters, lecturers, and senior Tao brothers and sisters. Because of you, Indian brothers and sisters have a platform to learn, cultivate, preach and practice Tao. Let us work together and fulfill our vows, which is the best way to show Heaven our deep gratitude.

Shared by Temple Host Murali Subramaniam
Jia De Temple, Johor Bahru, Malaysia