Work on the Earth, Rest When Below, Live when Above - TERENGGANU

 

Life After Death

There is always more to what meets the eye. With the discovery of how timber can be life giving in so many ways, even after it has lost its roots. In Terengganu, timber comes in forms of homes, mosques, furniture, decorative elements, sculptural displays and even boats. It is interesting to see how a tree that gives life when living continues to give even after it is harvested. Serving as a source of livelihood as much as an identity to those who have chosen it. 

Perseverance of Passion

We've met plenty of advocates of timbre along our journey in Terengganu. From many conservationist to businessmen, most notably is of Mr Alex Lee, the founder of Terrapuri Heritage Village. He started with how his background, growing up, actually shaped his perception of business first and then proceeds to ignite his passion for the preservation of the Rumah Melayu that is what Terrapuri Heritage Village is today. 

 Patience in Pursuit 

Langar Rindu Mosque is as poetic as its builder, Pak Su. In his devotion to God and in waiting of the time he can be reunited with his beloved wife, Pak Su is putting his all into serving the community, the cause and, very importantly, God. He has opened up during our visit as to why he is passionate and relentless in his pursuit of his projects for the community. He sang songs and poems form his soul, touching our hearts in the short moment that we were there. From his purpose to his sorrows and joy, Pak Su has lived very richly and is not afraid to show it. His bravery through his vulnerability is thoroughly admirable.

Death After Life

The philosophers Soren Kierkegaard and Martin Heidegger each discuss death, in their own ways, as a horizon that implicitly shapes our consciousness. It’s what gives future times the pressure they exert on us. 

Eventually, there is rest for the resources we exhaust as the sawdust shown above. But at what cost? Life is fleeting just as it is for the decisions we make and the things we do. The beauty in ephemerality proves to serve a greater purpose than we think. It pushes us to think and aspire for greater things that has brought humanity further than even the greatest predictions previously imagined. Hence, I am grateful for the death and the rest that serves so much as a time keeper, advancing our growth and development in, hopefully, the best possible way. 

On this trip, I understood most importantly, the art of sharing ones beliefs and ideas as humanity continues. In which the passion and perseverance in the act of sharing is relentless and, most importantly, an act of kindness. To pour out ones devotion over and over again, is very much vulnerable and selfless serving the greater good. In remembering, even subconsciously, that we are not alone; not when we're living, not even after we leave. Our expressions and beliefs that keeps us going, so generously taught from those before us, we should receive in humility and also pass on with an even greater generosity.