A special felicitation ceremony was held at the BMICH last Sunday to honour Master Ven. Shi Fa Zhao, the Chief Abbot of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and the Golden Pagoda Buddhist Temple in Singapore, in appreciation of many years of his service to Buddhism and Sri Lanka, which was attended by the Mahanayaka Theras of all Chapters and Gangaramaya Chief Prelate Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera. This ceremony was titled “Yathiwara Prathibha Prabha”.
The ceremony also received the patronage of religious leaders and dignitaries, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Highways and Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena and several other ministers.
In a densely populated city like the heart of Singapore, the Temple of Buddha’s Tooth Temple and Museum, a haven for deep religious learning and a rich history, is dedicated to Master Shi, a revered bhikkhu who dedicated his life’s journey to seeking enlightenment, spreading compassion and improving society. It is the home of the Fa Zhaos.
Master Shi, who embarked on his life’s journey with the aim of serving humanity through self-realisation, is known as an embodiment of enlightenment, compassion and kindness.
Master Shi’s spiritual journey begins with his conversion to Buddhism in 1970. Guided by Ven. Shi Chang Heng, he was given the Dharma name Ju Huang, symbolising his commitment to attaining enlightenment and developing wisdom. Nine years later, on August 10, 1979, he entered the monastic realm at the Long Shan Si Monastery in Singapore under the patronage of Shi Mao Hua.
From then on, he adopted the Dharma name Xing Guan, meaning “Heart of Light,” and the Fa Zhao name, meaning “Lamp of Dharma.” Master Shi’s leadership and management skills have left an indelible mark on many Buddhist organisations, educational institutions and charities. Master Shi founded the Golden Pagoda Buddhist Temple in 1988 and chaired its leadership and management committee because of his vision to establish a haven for spiritual seekers.
Metta Welfare Society
His philanthropic efforts were taken beyond the temple by establishing the Metta Welfare Society in 1994. In 2003, Master Shi established the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore, one of the most important milestones in his life. Master Shi’s exceptional efforts have continuously earned him recognition and praise from respected individuals and organisations around the world. In 1992, the Supreme Council of Sri Lanka Maha Sangha gave him the title of “Sasana Keerthi Sri Sivali”. In 1996, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand recognised Master Shi’s spiritual fame and bestowed upon him the title of Chokun Phra Withetamanusit.
In 1997, the Royal Princess of Thailand awarded him the prestigious Dharma Chakra Gold Award in further appreciation of his commitment to preaching the Dhamma, and in 2000, the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar awarded Master Shi the honorary title of Maha Saddhammajotidhaja. In 2004, the President of the Republic of Singapore, S. R. Nathan awarded Master Shi the Public Service Medal Award for outstanding public service.
In 2013, the King of Thailand also appreciated his great dedication, and in December 2014, the Supreme Council of Sri Lanka’s Asgiri Chapter further recognising his role in the propagation of the Dharma and as a respected spiritual leader, honored Master Shi with a distinguished title.
Contributing to Sri Lankan religious affairs, he has provided useful support to the Sangha in 1992 and 1994 and supported the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. In 2004, he generously donated US$ 200,000 to aid the victims of the tsunami and US$ 100,000 to aid the victims of the floods in Sri Lanka in 2010. He donated S$ 125,000 for the Na Sevana Project in Sri Lanka in June 2014, and has given significant support to the Sri Jinaratna Vocational Training School in February 2021 by donating hand tools. Beyond Sri Lanka, Master Shi is also dedicated to charity work in Myanmar and Thailand.
Positive change
Continuing his mission to create positive change and uplift Buddhism, Master Shi has initiated two important projects in Singapore. The first project is the new Maitrisha School campus comprising Maitrisha School and Maitriwa Building. The effort, with an estimated cost of S$ 80 million, aims to provide state-of-the-art educational buildings that foster the holistic development of students. The pavilion is expected to be completed by mid-2027 and construction is scheduled to begin in 2024.
The second project involves the renovation of the Singapore Chinese Buddhist Association building. The renovation project, which is scheduled to begin this year and be completed in 2024, aims to revitalise the association’s headquarters by creating a space that embodies the teachings of Buddhism and fosters community participation. The estimated cost of the project is one million Singapore dollars.
Master Shi has a long, cordial and fruitful relationship with the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo under the leadership of Ven. Gnanissara Thera for almost three decades. It is one of the most beautiful bonds of the Dharma path that fulfills expectations. And because of this personal relationship, Sri Lanka also got great benefits from the relations established with countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar with the patronage of Master Shi and the Gangamaraya Temple.
Master Shi’s life journey as a bhikkhu is exemplary. His great dedication, relentless pursuit of knowledge and great efforts in promoting Buddhism and humane qualities have brought him great respect and admiration.
From establishing the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore to leading various organisations and starting charitable projects around the world, Master Shi has done a great service to the global Buddhist community.
During his stay in Sri Lanka, Master Shi participated in several religious programs at the Gangaramaya and other places of worship.
