Other Distinguished Sangha

Venerable Guang Qia (1900---1994), was born in Quanzhou Nan-an, Fujian province of China. In 1921, he visited the Supervisor of Nan Putuo Monastery, Venerable Rui Deng and was later ordained at Puzhao Monastery. His Dharma name was "Jing Run" alias "Guang Qia". In the same year, he took the precept vows and returned to Nan Putuo Monastery to work as the committee.

Venerable Guang Qia first reached Singapore in 1924 and made a second trip from Xiamen to Singapore in 1937. He stayed in the Singapore Buddhist Lodge and was appointed as the guiding mentor cum supervisor of the library. 4 years later, during the Japanese's invasion, Venerable Guang Qia rendered great assistance in salvaging the war victims especially in the first aid committee. In June the year after, Venerable Guang Qia was appointed as the Abbot to Long Shan Monastery by the Singapore Buddhist Federation. In view of lacking Chinese school, Venerable Guang Qia also initiated and fundraised for the construction of Mee Toh School.

In 1956, with the joint efforts of 27 Singapore Buddhist Organizations, Venerable Guang Qia succeeded in obtaining the Government's approval to include Vesak's Day as a public holiday.

Venerable Guang Qia was well-respected for his tireless devotion to Buddhism such as education, culture, charities, spreading of Dharma, construction of monasteries and etc. His meritorious deeds were immense, and his name will always be firmly rooted in the history of Sangha.

Venerable Guang Qia departed on the 24th February 1994 (first full moon day of the lunar year) at the age of 95.