The eclectic world of beliefs of the Chinese in Brunei

Subscribing to eclecticism of religious beliefs, the Chinese minority in present-day Brunei remained committed to their world of beliefs comprising a symbiotic combination of Confucianism, folk Daoism, and (mainly Chinese Mahayana) Buddhism. Drawing from the three belief traditions and philosophies, referred to as Chinese Folk Religion or Shenism, the practical-minded and ever pragmatic Chinese adhered to the combined teachings, way of life, and moral principles. Ancestral worship (Confucianism), daily prayers and rituals to a pantheon of deities (folk Daoism), and devotion to the philosophical dictates and living practices of the Buddha (Buddhism) form part and parcel of the belief regime of the Chinese in Brunei. At the same time, a small number of Chinese had converted to Islam becoming Muslims, while others embraced Christianity. Yet the converts, Muslims and Christians, lived in harmonious coexistence with their non-Muslim and non-Christian families, relatives, and friends. Here, we begin an overview of the said Chinese eclectic world of beliefs, including the various customary practices in the context of Brunei. The three officially registered Chinese temples are visited sharing some background of their history, architectural form and design, and religious activities of devotees. Interfaith marriages, especially between Chinese and Malay Muslims, are examined. Ethnic Chinese sustainable coexistence as a minority non-Muslim community with Brunei’s national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB, Malay Islamic Monarchy) is discussed in terms of adaptability and accommodation.