Buddhism in Singapore
Encyclopedia
As of 2010, 33.6% of Singaporeans identified themselves as Buddhist. Adherents of Buddhism are mostly of the Chinese majority ethnic group, although small minorities of Sinhalese
and Thai Buddhists do exist as well.
Mahayana Buddhism is the most prevalent form of Buddhism in Singapore
. Sizeable communities following other traditions include Theravada
and Tibetan Buddhism
. The representative organization of Buddhism in Singapore is the Singapore Buddhist Federation.
Youths in Singapore who want to learn Buddhism and lead Buddhist lifestyles can join youth groups such as the Youth Ministry of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
, Singapore Buddhist Mission Youth, WAY (Wat Ananda Youth
), The Buddhist Fellowship, NUS Buddhist Society, NTU Buddhist Society, Singapore Polytechnic Buddhist Society, Nanyang Polytechnic Buddhist Society, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Buddhist Society, Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Firefly Mission, YBC (Young Buddhist Chapter), 3GEMS (Buddhist guided tours) and many more youth groups.
The Singapore census includes detailed data on religion and ethnicity. Figures on Buddhism in 1980 shown that 27% of Singaporeans are Buddhists, up to 31.2% in 1990 and 42.5% in 2000. It is also noted that there is a significant increase of interest in the Buddhist teachings (Dharma
), practices, and customs (i.e chanting, meditation, and offering formality). With a younger and more informed population, Buddhism is seen as the most viable religion in Singapore. However, there was a drop to 33.6% in the 2010 census.
from Buddhist monasteries. Similar trends are also witnessed in countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand.
school, Theravada
school, and Tibetan Buddhism
have acquired sizable followings. Monks from Sri Lanka
, Thailand
and other South-eastern countries have come to teach their form of the Dharma
to the Chinese in Singapore. As a result, a number of Theravada
and other Buddhist temples like the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
have sprung up in recent years.
In recent years, due to the increasing publication of Buddhist books, the appearance of internet sites in English, the availability of modern Buddhist music as well as courses conducted in English, more and more English-speaking Chinese, especially the younger Singaporeans, are joining Buddhist circles. A forerunner of these developments, in the early twentieth century, was the largely Chinese-supported but English-language Buddhist mission and school run by the Irish Buddhist U Dhammaloka
. As a nation of immigrants, majority from mainland China, Buddhism in Singapore inevitably took the form of Chinese Mahayana perspection. Therefore practitioners of Chinese Mahayana remain the majority of the Buddhist populations in Singapore. However, the rise of Thai Buddhism in Asia, which denomination rests on the oldest school of thought of Theravada Buddhism, there is a strong proliferating trend of averting to this intrinsic form of Buddhism. The Japanese Buddhist organization, the Soka Gakkai International
, has many members, in Singapore
. It is registered as the Singapore Soka Association
. It has taken part in National Day Parade
, Chingay Parade
, inter religion dialogue, cultural, art and educational seminars, and humanitarian relief, such as during and after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The Singapore members of the Soka Gakkai are mostly those of Chinese descent. Another sect of Buddhism that is seen making slow inroad into Singapore is Tibetan Buddhism
that seems to benefit from the writings of western monks and writers (e.g., the Dalai Lama
, Thubten Chodron
, Tenzin Palmo
). Zen
Buddhism has also gained its prominence and footholds in Singapore, partly due to the tradition of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism in Singapore.
Singapore's Buddhist temples and religious circles are highly organized and very often have a connection with foreign religious organizations, especially in China, Taiwan, Thailand, the USA, the UK, Sri Lanka, etc. Many foreign Buddhist associations and temples have also established branches in Singapore to propagate Buddhist teachings and activities. For instance, Fo Guang Shan
(from Taiwan), one of the largest Buddhist organizations in the world, together with Buddha's Light International Association
, has a branch in Singapore (Buddha Light Singapore), tasked with propagating Zen
Buddhism practice， the teaching of dharma and bodhisattva
path. Buddhist temples and associations are spread all over Singapore, ranging from small to large.
The largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple in Singapore is Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
, whilst Thai Theravada Buddhism is represented by an equally prominent temple, the Wat Ananda Metyarama Temple. These temples hold many Buddhist activities such as chanting, meditation, retreats, and Dharma
talks, as well as offering Buddhist courses on Dharma
and meditation, very often attended by thousands of devotees and adherents of the respective lineage.
Religious liberty in Singapore has also provided a conducive environment for the development of varying Buddhist practices. Furthermore, as with Taoism, Buddhism is taking a turn into a new vista with the elevation of educational levels amongst followers and devotees, where more are seen to indulge in spiritual practices and self-enhancement such as meditation, practicing mindfulness, studies and understanding of religious history and etc. with proper altar set up at home for paying homage to Lord Buddha.
Several Buddhist youth groups organise activities such as camps, Dharma
lessons, meditation
classes, fellowship and community services for the young. They include kmsYM, the Youth Ministry of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
, the Youth Group of Singapore Buddhist Mission, WAY (Wat Ananda Youth
), Buddhist Fellowship, 3GEMS, a group of youths offering guided Buddhist tours around major temples in Singapore and Dharma In Action set up by a group of Buddhist enthusiasts to promote the learning, understanding and practice of life-style Buddhism in modern societies.
Sinhalese people
The Sinhalese are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group,forming the majority of Sri Lanka,constituting 74% of the Sri Lankan population.They number approximately 15 million worldwide.The Sinhalese identity is based on language, heritage and religion. The Sinhalese speak Sinhala, an Indo-Aryan language and the...
and Thai Buddhists do exist as well.
Mahayana Buddhism is the most prevalent form of Buddhism in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. Sizeable communities following other traditions include Theravada
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
and Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
. The representative organization of Buddhism in Singapore is the Singapore Buddhist Federation.
Youths in Singapore who want to learn Buddhism and lead Buddhist lifestyles can join youth groups such as the Youth Ministry of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery , is located at 88 Bright Hill Road at Bishan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore.-History:...
, Singapore Buddhist Mission Youth, WAY (Wat Ananda Youth
Wat Ananda Youth
Wat Ananda Youth was formerly known as the Ananda Metyarama Buddhist Youth Circle.In 2006, on its 40th Anniversary, AMBYC decided to reinvent itself to appeal to the youth of the 21st century...
), The Buddhist Fellowship, NUS Buddhist Society, NTU Buddhist Society, Singapore Polytechnic Buddhist Society, Nanyang Polytechnic Buddhist Society, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Buddhist Society, Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Firefly Mission, YBC (Young Buddhist Chapter), 3GEMS (Buddhist guided tours) and many more youth groups.
History
The presence of Buddhism in Singapore was evident during the Srivijayan times. In line with ancestorial practices, many of the Chinese inhabitants also mix in Taoism and Confucianism to Buddhism. By virtue thereof, there is a strong trend blending towards Thai Buddhism, especially amongst the younger generation Singaporeans, which is seen to bear cultural similarities for its ability in encompassing Chinese culture and practices as represented in Taoism. Buddhism as represented by Theravada Buddhism, the oldest Buddhist school of thought, is seeing a potent growth in Singapore in the past decade.The Singapore census includes detailed data on religion and ethnicity. Figures on Buddhism in 1980 shown that 27% of Singaporeans are Buddhists, up to 31.2% in 1990 and 42.5% in 2000. It is also noted that there is a significant increase of interest in the Buddhist teachings (Dharma
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
), practices, and customs (i.e chanting, meditation, and offering formality). With a younger and more informed population, Buddhism is seen as the most viable religion in Singapore. However, there was a drop to 33.6% in the 2010 census.
Traditions and ceremonies
There has been an effort to distinguish certain customs and practices in both Buddhism and Taoism as folks traditions and practices by a minority group of people. The majority of adherents of these faiths, however, are unaware of such distinctions. This is to be seen in the vagueness of identification distinction amongst the followers of the faiths. As such, many so called "Buddhists" are actually adherents of Chinese folk traditions who visits temples of Chinese folk traditions for worship rather than learning the DharmaDharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
from Buddhist monasteries. Similar trends are also witnessed in countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Traditions
The MahayanaMahayana
Mahāyāna is one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice...
school, Theravada
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
school, and Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
have acquired sizable followings. Monks from Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
and other South-eastern countries have come to teach their form of the Dharma
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
to the Chinese in Singapore. As a result, a number of Theravada
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
and other Buddhist temples like the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is one of the most prominent and widely visited Buddhist temples in Singapore, often referred to as the Temple of 1,000 Lights. It features a 15-meter high statue of a seated Buddha, which weighs nearly 300 tons, as well as many smaller Buddha images and murals...
have sprung up in recent years.
Buddhism in modern Singapore
U Dhammaloka
U Dhammaloka was an Irish-born hobo turned Buddhist monk, atheist critic of Christian missionaries, and temperance campaigner who took an active role in the Asian Buddhist revival around the turn of the twentieth century....
. As a nation of immigrants, majority from mainland China, Buddhism in Singapore inevitably took the form of Chinese Mahayana perspection. Therefore practitioners of Chinese Mahayana remain the majority of the Buddhist populations in Singapore. However, the rise of Thai Buddhism in Asia, which denomination rests on the oldest school of thought of Theravada Buddhism, there is a strong proliferating trend of averting to this intrinsic form of Buddhism. The Japanese Buddhist organization, the Soka Gakkai International
Soka Gakkai International
is a lay religious movement within Nichiren Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism derived from the teachings of the thirteenth-century Japanese monk, Nichiren Daishonin....
, has many members, in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. It is registered as the Singapore Soka Association
Singapore Soka Association
Singapore Soka Association or SSA is the Singapore affiliate of Soka Gakkai International SGI is a 12 million strong multi-ethnic Buddhist association in 190 countries and territories globally promoting and practicing the Nichiren school of Mahayana Buddhism.-Early years:Founded in 1967 and...
. It has taken part in National Day Parade
National Day Parade
The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore's National Day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore's independence that is usually held at the Padang , the National Stadium, various decentalized venues all over...
, Chingay Parade
Chingay Parade
The Chingay Parade is an annual street parade held in Penang, Malaysia and Singapore as part of Chinese New Year festivities. The term Chingay itself originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Penang, which is a phonetic equivalent of the Chinese words "妆艺", which means "a decorated miniature...
, inter religion dialogue, cultural, art and educational seminars, and humanitarian relief, such as during and after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The Singapore members of the Soka Gakkai are mostly those of Chinese descent. Another sect of Buddhism that is seen making slow inroad into Singapore is Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
that seems to benefit from the writings of western monks and writers (e.g., the Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The name is a combination of the Mongolian word далай meaning "Ocean" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "teacher"...
, Thubten Chodron
Thubten Chodron
Thubten Chodron is an American Tibetan Buddhist nun and a central figure in reinstating the Bhikshuni ordination of women. She is a student of H. H...
, Tenzin Palmo
Tenzin Palmo
Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a Tibetan Buddhist nun in the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school. She is an author, teacher and founder of the in Himachal Pradesh, India...
). Zen
Zen
Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism founded by the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. The word Zen is from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word Chán , which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word dhyāna, which can be approximately translated as "meditation" or "meditative state."Zen...
Buddhism has also gained its prominence and footholds in Singapore, partly due to the tradition of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism in Singapore.
Singapore's Buddhist temples and religious circles are highly organized and very often have a connection with foreign religious organizations, especially in China, Taiwan, Thailand, the USA, the UK, Sri Lanka, etc. Many foreign Buddhist associations and temples have also established branches in Singapore to propagate Buddhist teachings and activities. For instance, Fo Guang Shan
Fo Guang Shan
Fo Guang Shan is an international Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monastic order based in the Republic of China , and one of the largest Buddhist organizations. The headquarters of Fo Guang Shan, located in Kaohsiung, is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. The organization itself is also one of...
(from Taiwan), one of the largest Buddhist organizations in the world, together with Buddha's Light International Association
Buddha's Light International Association
The Buddha's Light International Association , commonly known as BLIA, is a Buddhist monastic and lay organization. BLIA was established by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1992...
, has a branch in Singapore (Buddha Light Singapore), tasked with propagating Zen
Zen
Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism founded by the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. The word Zen is from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word Chán , which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word dhyāna, which can be approximately translated as "meditation" or "meditative state."Zen...
Buddhism practice， the teaching of dharma and bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
path. Buddhist temples and associations are spread all over Singapore, ranging from small to large.
The largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple in Singapore is Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery , is located at 88 Bright Hill Road at Bishan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore.-History:...
, whilst Thai Theravada Buddhism is represented by an equally prominent temple, the Wat Ananda Metyarama Temple. These temples hold many Buddhist activities such as chanting, meditation, retreats, and Dharma
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
talks, as well as offering Buddhist courses on Dharma
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
and meditation, very often attended by thousands of devotees and adherents of the respective lineage.
Religious liberty in Singapore has also provided a conducive environment for the development of varying Buddhist practices. Furthermore, as with Taoism, Buddhism is taking a turn into a new vista with the elevation of educational levels amongst followers and devotees, where more are seen to indulge in spiritual practices and self-enhancement such as meditation, practicing mindfulness, studies and understanding of religious history and etc. with proper altar set up at home for paying homage to Lord Buddha.
Several Buddhist youth groups organise activities such as camps, Dharma
Dharma
Dharma means Law or Natural Law and is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion. In the context of Hinduism, it refers to one's personal obligations, calling and duties, and a Hindu's dharma is affected by the person's age, caste, class, occupation, and gender...
lessons, meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
classes, fellowship and community services for the young. They include kmsYM, the Youth Ministry of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery , is located at 88 Bright Hill Road at Bishan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore.-History:...
, the Youth Group of Singapore Buddhist Mission, WAY (Wat Ananda Youth
Wat Ananda Youth
Wat Ananda Youth was formerly known as the Ananda Metyarama Buddhist Youth Circle.In 2006, on its 40th Anniversary, AMBYC decided to reinvent itself to appeal to the youth of the 21st century...
), Buddhist Fellowship, 3GEMS, a group of youths offering guided Buddhist tours around major temples in Singapore and Dharma In Action set up by a group of Buddhist enthusiasts to promote the learning, understanding and practice of life-style Buddhism in modern societies.
Buddhist monasteries and temples
- Kong Meng San Phor Kark See TempleKong Meng San Phor Kark See TempleThe Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery , is located at 88 Bright Hill Road at Bishan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore.-History:...
- Wat Anada Metyarama Temple
- Siong Lim Temple
- Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya TempleSakya Muni Buddha Gaya TempleThe Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is one of the most prominent and widely visited Buddhist temples in Singapore, often referred to as the Temple of 1,000 Lights. It features a 15-meter high statue of a seated Buddha, which weighs nearly 300 tons, as well as many smaller Buddha images and murals...
- Buddhist Fellowship
- Burmese Buddhist Temple
- Palelai Temple
- Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling 甘丹东顶渡悲林
- Thekchen Choling Tibetan Buddhist Temple
- Singapore Buddhist Lodge
Dharma Centres
- Vipassana Meditation Centre
- Firefly Mission
- The Dharmafarers: Sutta Translation project
- Wat Ananda Youth
- kmsYM - programmes for Buddhist youths
Tertiary Youth Groups
- National University of Singapore Buddhist Society
- National Technology University Buddhist Society
- Singapore Management University Buddhist Society
- Singapore Institute of Management Buddhist Bhavana
- Singapore Polytechnic Buddhist Society
- Nanyang Polytechnic Buddhist Society
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic Buddhist Society
External links
- Singapore Buddhist Federation
- Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
- Bibliography of Buddhism in Singapore
- Singapore-Dharmanet
- Statistics Singapore
- Singapore's Buddhist directory
- Buddhactivity Dharma Centres database
- Singapore Buddhist Mission
- Singapore Buddhist Mission (Youth)
- Buddhist Fellowship
- Buddhist Fellowship Youth
- Singapore Polytechnic Buddhist Society