Foundation
Sang Kheng Si Temple (also known as Shuang Qing Si Temple) was established in 1895 during a time of political unrest in China following the First World War. During that time, the main temple sent monks southward to establish this site. Sang Kheng Si Temple was a branch of the Xi Chan Temple in Fuzhou and the Singapore Siong Lim Temple. Due to its early founding, many details remain undocumented.
In 1941, during the Japanese occupation, Ven. Shan Hui from Taiwan was appointed as the abbot of Sang Kheng Si, ensuring its survival through the difficult period. He was also appointed as the abbot of the Kek Lok Si Temple and Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery in Singapore.
In 1948, Ven. Kao Chan took residence at Sang Kheng Si Temple. Renowned for his expertise in Shaolin martial arts and geomancy, he led a significant temple restoration in 1955 before passing away peacefully in 1960 at the Singapore Siong Lim Temple.
After the Chinese Revolution of 1949, Ven. Ru Jian moved to Hong Kong and took residence at Dong Putuo Temple. In 1953, he journeyed from Hong Kong to Penang and staying initially at The Penang Buddhist Association and Mount Erskine Guan Yin Si Temple, before eventually settling at Sang Kheng Si Temple. It was here that he was appointed as abbot by the Ven. Kao Chan. Ven. Ru Jian formed many connections with devotees, and the temple flourished under his leadership. Over time, Ven. Ru Jian gained a wide following, and the temple flourished, with increasing devotion and influence. In 1979, he occupied a piece of land behind Sang Kheng Si temple and together with Venerable Hui Xiao, they founded Zhu Lin Si temple.
Venerable Ru Jian embodied humility, diligence, and deep devotion, dedicating his life to Pure Land practice and the liberation of all beings. He passed away serenely on 8 August 1999, at the age of 86, having spent 77 years as a monastic and 76 years in full ordination. In 2004, the temple leadership was entrusted to Venerable Chuan Chao, under whose guidance both Sang Kheng Si Temple and Zhu Lin Si Temple continue to thrive.
Sang Kheng Si Temple has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving spiritual and communal space, now unified with Zhu Lin Si Temple. This progress reflects the enduring support of devoted followers. With its focus on education and meditation, the temple continues to offer a sanctuary for peace and spiritual growth.
缘起
双庆寺创立于1895年,适逢中国战乱不安、民不聊生之时,福州西禅寺遂派遣僧侣南下,于马来西亚槟城建立道场。此道场既为西禅寺之下院,亦与新加坡双林寺有渊源。由于年代久远,早期发展缺乏详细记载。
1941年日本南侵时期,寺方礼请台湾善慧法师为住持,因其影响力,双庆寺、极乐寺以及新加坡光明山普觉禅寺得以免于日军破坏,功不可没。
1948年,高参法师驻锡双庆寺,擅长少林武术与堪舆学,盛极一时,并于1955年带领重修寺院。他于1960年在新加坡双林寺安详圆寂。
1953年,如俭法师自香港南渡槟城,先后挂单于槟城佛学院及白云山观音寺,继而入住双庆寺,蒙高参法师引荐,正式受任为住持。法师广结善缘,香火日盛,并于1979年发愿开山筹建竹林禅寺,由会逍法师协助创办。寺院于1985年圆满落成。
如俭老和尚一生慈悲俭朴,精进修持,朝夕礼佛,弘扬净土宗,誓愿度生无数。其教化弟子、建设道场、利乐群生,诚为一代人天师范。老和尚于1999年8月8日凌晨示寂,世寿86,僧腊77,戒腊76。2004年起,竹林寺及双庆寺由传超法师继任住持,寺务稳步发展至今。