As of 2006, 56% 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. This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

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. Relief image of the bodhisattva Guan Yin from Mt. ... Theravada (Pāli: थेरवाद theravāda; Sanskrit: स्थविरवाद sthaviravāda; literally, the Way of the Elders) is the oldest surviving Buddhist school, and for many centuries has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka (about 70% of the population[1]) and continental Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of southwest... Tibetan Buddhism (Simplified Chinese: 藏传佛教) is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ...

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. Srivijaya (-jaya meaning success or excellence) was an ancient kingdom on the island of Sumatra which was to influence much of the Malay Archipelago. ... The Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) in Singapore was built in 1824 and declared a national monument in 1973. ... Orang Laut are a group of Malay people living in the Riau Islands of Indonesia. ...

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).

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. As there is still much ignorance among Singaporeans, 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. AvalokiteÅ›vara or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit, lit. ... For the Chen Dynasty empress whose Buddhist nun name was Guanyin, see Empress Shen Wuhua. ...

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. According to Buddhism, there is a cycle of death and rebirth that can be transcended by the practice of the Eightfold Path. ...

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. Relief image of the bodhisattva Kuan Yin from Mt. ... Theravada (Pāli: थेरवाद theravāda; Sanskrit: स्थविरवाद sthaviravāda; literally, the Way of the Elders) is the oldest surviving Buddhist school, and for many centuries has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka (about 70% of the population[1]) and continental Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of southwest... Tibetan Buddhism (Simplified Chinese: 藏传佛教) is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ... Theravada (Pāli: थेरवाद theravāda; Sanskrit: स्थविरवाद sthaviravāda; literally, the Way of the Elders) is the oldest surviving Buddhist school, and for many centuries has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka (about 70% of the population[1]) and continental Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of southwest... 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. ...

Buddhism in modern Singapore

The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple on Race Course Road is often referred to as the Temple of 1,000 Lights.

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. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 440 KB) Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 440 KB) Sakaya 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. ... The 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso (1876-1933). ... Venerable Thubten Chodron is an American Tibetan Buddhist nun and a central figure in reinstating the Bhikshuni (tib. ... Tenzin Palmo at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, September, 2006. ... Tibetan Buddhism (Simplified Chinese: 藏传佛教) is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ...

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. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

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). This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

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

To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Siong Lim Temple is the common Hokkien name of the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery (Chinese: 莲山双林寺), literally Twin Grove of the Lotus Mountain 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. ...

Dharma Centres

• Vipassana Meditation Centre
• Firefly Mission

External links

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

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.