Buddhism in Singapore?

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Luke
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Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Luke »

I haven't heard anyone on this forum discuss Buddhism in Singapore yet.

So what is the Buddhist scene like in Singapore? Is it thriving? Are there any monasteries there? Can foreigners ordain as monks/nuns there? etc.
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Luke
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Luke »

I also remember reading that the great lama Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche died when his plane landed in Singapore and that he felt a special connection to the place. He often led the million mani retreat there (I think he also may have started the event, but I'm not sure).

http://drubwangrinpoche.preciousteaching.org/
greentara
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by greentara »

There's a well known Theravadin Monk called Dhammika living in Singapore, he's originally from Australia and I've heard him talk off and on over the years. I suspect Singaporean Buddhism could be quite middle class and perhaps a bit bland but then again I could be wrong.
plwk
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by plwk »

phpBB [video]


A Handful of Leaves: Singapore Census 2010 – Understanding what it mean for Buddhism in Singapore
Buddhism in Singapore: A State of the Field Review
SGForums: Buddhism: Wisdom Bliss
Dhamma Musings: Bhante Shravasti Dhammika
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Hope the above is of any use...
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Astus
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Astus »

Here's a virtual tour of a monastery, as an example of traditional Chinese Buddhist structure, in Singapore: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/temple/temple.html
1 Myriad dharmas are only mind.
Mind is unobtainable.
What is there to seek?

2 If the Buddha-Nature is seen,
there will be no seeing of a nature in any thing.

3 Neither cultivation nor seated meditation —
this is the pure Chan of Tathagata.

4 With sudden enlightenment to Tathagata Chan,
the six paramitas and myriad means
are complete within that essence.


1 Huangbo, T2012Ap381c1 2 Nirvana Sutra, T374p521b3; tr. Yamamoto 3 Mazu, X1321p3b23; tr. J. Jia 4 Yongjia, T2014p395c14; tr. from "The Sword of Wisdom"
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Luke
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Luke »

Thanks for the links, plwk. The video was interesting. The Singapore Census article shows that Buddhism seems to be in decline in Singapore and that the younger generation there is giving it up. That's sad, but this seems to be the trend in many Asian countries these days (such as in Mongolia).
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Kim O'Hara
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Kim O'Hara »

Piya Tan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piya_Tan is another leading teacher in Singapore.

:namaste:
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Dodatsu
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Dodatsu »

Luke wrote:I haven't heard anyone on this forum discuss Buddhism in Singapore yet.

So what is the Buddhist scene like in Singapore? Is it thriving? Are there any monasteries there? Can foreigners ordain as monks/nuns there? etc.
I'm a Buddhist from Singapore though currently living and studying in Japan. There are monasteries and temples of all the 3 major traditions, 75% of the population is ethically Chinese so the majority of temples and centers are predominantly Chinese Mahayana but there are also a big number of Theravada and Vajrayana centers. Most of the tertiary institutions also have Dharma circles likew National University of Singapore Buddhist Society etc but compared to 2 decades ago, the membership in these circles has gone down, mainly due to the withdrawal of religious education in schools that was done in the 80s to early 90s. Most younger people are either non-religious or Christian but many of the temples also have youth groups, some very vibrant (like Buddhist Fellowship and Bright Hill Monastery). As for the population census, do take it with a pinch of salt because during the last census done a decade ago, many of those who believe in Chinese Folk Religion(s) also called themselves "Buddhists".
Contemplating the power of Tathagata's Primal Vow,
One sees that no foolish being who encounters it passes by in vain.
When a person single-heartedly practices the saying of the Name alone,
It brings quickly to fullness and perfection [in that person] the great treasure ocean of true and real virtues.
- Shinran Shonin
Son of Buddha
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Son of Buddha »

Dodatsu wrote:
Luke wrote:I haven't heard anyone on this forum discuss Buddhism in Singapore yet.

So what is the Buddhist scene like in Singapore? Is it thriving? Are there any monasteries there? Can foreigners ordain as monks/nuns there? etc.
Most younger people are either non-religious or Christian
how did that come about?
and what is being done to educate the youth about Buddhism?
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Luke
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Luke »

Dodatsu wrote: I'm a Buddhist from Singapore though currently living and studying in Japan.
That's cool. What do you think are the main similarities and differences between the two countries?
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Dodatsu
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Dodatsu »

Son of Buddha wrote:
Dodatsu wrote:
Luke wrote:I haven't heard anyone on this forum discuss Buddhism in Singapore yet.

So what is the Buddhist scene like in Singapore? Is it thriving? Are there any monasteries there? Can foreigners ordain as monks/nuns there? etc.
Most younger people are either non-religious or Christian
how did that come about?
and what is being done to educate the youth about Buddhism?
Non-religiosity amongst youth is common everywhere, not only in Singapore. As for Christianity, well, it basically boils down to the mega-churches and peer influence, the latter playing a very big role actually. I actually became a Buddhist also due to peer influence (was baptized Anglican/Episcopal as an infant). Some of the Buddhist centers that have youth groups do organize Buddhist camps during the June and December school holidays to reach out to other youth but it cannot be still cannot be compared to the mega-churches that put in more time, money and effort.
Contemplating the power of Tathagata's Primal Vow,
One sees that no foolish being who encounters it passes by in vain.
When a person single-heartedly practices the saying of the Name alone,
It brings quickly to fullness and perfection [in that person] the great treasure ocean of true and real virtues.
- Shinran Shonin
Son of Buddha
Posts: 1123
Joined: Wed Dec 21, 2011 6:48 pm

Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Son of Buddha »

Hey Dodatsu

Do you plan on going back to Signapore and laying down some Jodo Shinshu roots there?
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Dodatsu
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Dodatsu »

Son of Buddha wrote:Hey Dodatsu

Do you plan on going back to Signapore and laying down some Jodo Shinshu roots there?
Yes
Contemplating the power of Tathagata's Primal Vow,
One sees that no foolish being who encounters it passes by in vain.
When a person single-heartedly practices the saying of the Name alone,
It brings quickly to fullness and perfection [in that person] the great treasure ocean of true and real virtues.
- Shinran Shonin
Son of Buddha
Posts: 1123
Joined: Wed Dec 21, 2011 6:48 pm

Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by Son of Buddha »

Dodatsu wrote:
Son of Buddha wrote:Hey Dodatsu

Do you plan on going back to Signapore and laying down some Jodo Shinshu roots there?
Yes
Good to hear
Are you becoming a Jodo Shinshu priest?or are you going to start your own pureland Sangha there based on Shinrans teachings?
plwk
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Re: Buddhism in Singapore?

Post by plwk »

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