Historical BackGround – Adapted from chenghoonteng.org.my
Cheng Hoon Teng was founded in the 1600s by the Chinese Kapitan Tay Kie Ki alias Tay Hong Yong. During the Portuguese and Dutch eras, Kapitans were appointed chiefs or headmen of the various ethnic communities. In its early years, besides serving the community's religious needs, the temple also functioned as the official administrative centre and a court of justice for the Kapitans. Besides Kapitan Tay, other prominent Kapitans included Li Wei King, Chan Lak Kua and Chua Su Cheong. Kapitan Chua was responsible for rebuilding the temple in 1801 while the Kapitans and Teng Choos after him contributed towards the aesthetic and structural additions of the building. In 1824, the British abolished the Kapitan system and the leader of the Temple, now known as "Teng Choo", assumed some of the Kapitan's responsibilities. Subsequently, a Board of Trustees was formed to look after the temple. The pioneers included included Tun Sir Tan Cheng Lock, who also initiated the Temple’s unique incorporation under an act of Parliament {Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Incorporation Ordinance 1949}. To the locals, the temple is also known as Kebun Datok (Gods' Garden) and Kwan Yin Teng.
The Exercise
An excursion was carried out by a group of Fengshui enthusiasts auditing the said temple using the following methodology: -
SanHe – Yang Gong Method
Incoming Dragon at QIAN, establishing QIAN JIA DING, wood frame. Water exit at WEI, establishing HAI MAO WEI, wood frame. Mutually prosper. Temple is classified as fire industry. Wood frame producing in. Sitting between KUN SHEN Mountain, considered being minor death and emptiness line, a norm for most Chinese temple alignment. Having incoming at QIAN (prosper) and Huge Gate Star at JIA (growth), the income of the temple is ever flourishing, until today.
SanHe – Assistant Star Water Method
Incoming at Qian, Huge Gate at JIA Mountain with water mouth at WEI conform to the 5 ghost carry treasure structure, as propagated. However, this may be untrue based on the actual Assistant Star Water Method, which is not to be disclosed.
SanYuan – XuanKong Purple White
LI WEI HUO was the GUA plucked compliance to its nature as a temple. Notice the fire element pillar rising above the roof. Commission during 1600, approximately middle period 5. Sits Kun 2, prosperity strive. Huge Gate at JIA 3, palace controlling out. Strength of Zhen palace allowed star 2 to be positive thus able to generate income and prosperity.
Ar. David Yek Tak Wai
