Buddhism in Singapore

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As of 2007, 61% of the Singaporeans register themselves as Buddhist by religion. Adherents of Buddhism are mostly by the Chinese majority ethnic group, although small minorities of Sinhalese and Thai Buddhists do exist as well.

Chinese 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.

Contents 1 History 2 Traditions and ceremonies 3 Traditions 4 Buddhism in modern Singapore 5 Buddhist monasteries and temples 6 Dharma Centres 7 External links 8 References

[edit] History

The presence of Buddhism in Singapore was evident during the Srivijayan times. However, as Islam spread to the local Orang Laut population in the 14th and 15th century, the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism eventually waned and almost disappeared. Buddhism's revival in Singapore is a recent trend, although many of the Chinese inhabitants also mix in Taoism and other Chinese folk religions with worship of some Buddhist figures.

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 was also noted that there is a significant increase of interest in the Buddhist teachings (Dharma) and practises (i.e Meditation).

[edit] Traditions and ceremonies

Although many people often link many folks traditions and practises to Buddhism in Singapore, it should be noted that these practises and traditions often have nothing to do with Buddhism. Many people still consider folk traditions as linked with Buddhism, although this idea of Buddhism is gradually disappearing among the locals and local medias are giving increasing attention to the true form of Buddhism in Singapore that focuses on the dharma (teachings) of the Buddha.

Folk practises was traditionally practiced among the folk Chinese. The female form of Avalokiteśvara, Guan Yin, was introduced into Chinese traditions around the 12th century. Especially in Southern China, where Taoist traditions are strong, Buddhist beliefs gradually assimilated Chinese Taoist beliefs, and Guan Yin was frequently venerated as a Taoist deity. Furthermore, the usage of joss sticks, a Taoist practice by origin, were used for religious purposes, even in the case of worshiping a non-Taoist Guan Yin.

Such Buddhist-Taoist syncretism gave many Chinese an impressions that they were of the same religion, among many Chinese Singaporeans. Such practices continued even after the Chinese immigrants came to Singapore. Buddha and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Guan Yin) were thus venerated as gods among the Chinese. However in Buddhism, gods and deities are seen as inferior to Bodhisattvas and the Buddhas, who are enlightened beings.

Especially true for the older generation, many will visit the Buddhist temples to pay homage to their ancestors on an annual basis, a tradition which is part of native Chinese practise.

The Buddhist monks recite mantras and the names of the Buddhas for the deceased and the spirits, that they may receive merit and attain more favorable rebirths in the higher realms or the Amitabha Western Pure Land. The ashes are normally sent to Buddhist temples after cremation to be stored in urns.

[edit] Traditions

The Mahayana school, Theravada school, and Tibetan Buddhism have acquired sizeable 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.

[edit] Buddhism in modern Singapore

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. As a traditional Asian religion, Buddhism seems to be spreading back from the West to Singapore, as many of the Buddhist books are written by Western monks, sangha and writers (e.g., the Dalai Lama, Thubten Chodron, Tenzin Palmo). The spread of Buddhism from the west are mainly of the Tibetan form.

Singapore's Buddhist temples and religious circles are highly organised and very often have a connection with foreign religious organisations, 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. Buddhist temples and associations are spread all over Singapore, ranging from small to large.

The largest Buddhist temple in Singapore, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, holds 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 adherents.

From the practice of many Singaporeans, there is the perception that Buddhism is only about burning joss sticks (which is actually a practice carried over from Taoism) and praying to Buddha. A typically fervent Chinese Buddhist will also learn the teachings of Buddhism, and practise the teaching in his daily life, such as meditation, practising mindfulness etc. He will also attend the various Buddhist activities (e.g., Om Mani Padme Hum Retreats, Insight Meditation) in the Buddhist circles and do volunteer work if necessary. He will normally celebrate Vesak Day and place a Buddha altar at home, paying homage to him daily. If he feels he would like to be an official Buddhist, he would normally undergo a religious ceremony in the temple known as 'taking refuge in the Triple Gem' (归依三宝).

[edit] Buddhist monasteries and temples

• Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple
• Siong Lim Temple
• Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
• Buddhist Fellowship
• Burmese Buddhist Temple
• Palelai Temple

[edit] Dharma Centres

• Vipassana Meditation Centre
• Firefly Mission

[edit] External links

• Singapore Buddhist Federation
• Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
• Singapore-Dharmanet
• Statistics Singapore
• Singapore's Buddhist directory
• Buddhactivity Dharma Centres database

[edit] References

Kuah, Khun Eng. State, Society and Religious Engineering: Towards a Reformist Buddhism in Singapore. Singapore: Eastern Universities Press, 2003.

Ong, Y.D. Buddhism in Singapore: A Short Narrative History. Singapore: Skylark Publications, 2005.

Shi Chuanfa 释传发. Xinjiapo Fojiao Fazhan Shi 新加坡佛教发展史 [A History of the Development of Buddhism in Singapore]. Singapore: Xinjiapo fojiao jushilin, 1997.

Wee, Vivienne. “Buddhism in Singapore.” In Understanding Singapore Society, eds. Ong Jin Hui, Tong Chee Kiong and Tan Ern Ser, pp. 130-162. Singapore: Times Academic Press, 1997.