The Ting Wai Monastery in Tai Po has taken a unique approach to tackling high maintenance and repair costs.
The method involves no prayers or alms begging, and instead follows the same path as many Hong Kong startups.
That’s right, the monastery launched a crowdfunding program on FringeBackers, reports EJ Insight.
Founded in 1921 as “Lan Yeuk Yuen”, the monastery has suffered damage over the years from weather and termite attacks but has not undergone any major repairs since it’s establishment.
When managers attempted to conduct some reinforcement work last year in fact, the project was halted and ordered demolished by the Hong Kong’s Building Department who insisted they needed approval.
Nun Chi Ting, who manages the monastery, explained that their neighbours have also recently filed noise complaints over the ringing of bells and banging of drums, making it impossible to carry out the ceremonial duties that supplement the monastery’s income.
Ting Wai has been approached by property developers offering as much as HKD200 million for the land. Columbarium operators have also promised to renovate the buildings in exchange for urn management and columbarium operation rights.
So far the monastery has rebuffed all offers, stating that the premises should be kept peaceful and non-commercial for believers.
Instead they are looking to the benevolent people of the internet in the hope of raising HKD500,000 before the end of September. Netizens have responded resoundingly to the cause, with the FringeBacker page currently displaying more than HKD700,000 with 79 days left to go.
However, there is still some way to go, as the HKD500,000 will only cover the demolition, consultation and blue prints for the rebuild.
Solicitor Yung Jing-jing estimates that the monastery actually requires another HKD5 million to complete the big dream of a new meditation centre. Despite the obstacles in place, however, she is confident the public will step up and do their bit to preserve the monastery.
To donate to the Ting Wai Monastery, click here.
Photo: Chong Fat via Wikipedia Commons
