Buddhism In Singapore
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Buddhism is gaining wide appeal across the globe. The large international membership of the World Buddhist Sangha Council is clear evidence. There are a growing number of internet sites that offer information about Buddhism. Many companies produce music, videos, and multi-media educational material on Buddhism. Buddhism has even influenced pop culture and permeated into the psyche of the masses. In Singapore too, Buddhism has not only retained its relevance, but is gaining popularly. Between 1990 and 2000, the percentage of Singaporeans above 15 years old who are Buddhists increased from 31% to 43%, the largest increase amongst all major religions. Dharma talks in Singapore are now also conducted in English, to reach out to young Singaporeans, including professionals. Devotees today do not just visit the temples to pray. They are eager to delve deeper into the Buddhist scriptures and reflect upon their philosophical and spiritual significance
http://www.4ui.com/eart/165eart2.htm -
Yes, Buddhism is gaining popularity. Because, looking at our world today, a lot more people are seeking for more convincing answers. It's really a messy world out there.
There is one Ang Mo who told me that, if there is really one almighty, then He is not doing his job right.
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The debate should not only be a bout Buddhism vs Theism. It should also be about Buddhism vs Education.Originally posted by concerned_man:Yes, Buddhism is gaining popularity. Because, looking at our world today, a lot more people are seeking for more convincing answers. It's really a messy world out there.
There is one Ang Mo who told me that, if there is really one almighty, then He is not doing his job right. -
ask oneself also,
why am i here. where do we come from before we are born from mother's womb, and where will we go after death.
if this is our one and only life, why bother to live a meaniful life?
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You might want to read the book called " the unbearable lightness of being."Originally posted by sinweiy:ask oneself also,
why am i here. where do we come from before we are born from mother's womb, and where will we go after death.
if this is our one and only life, why bother to live a meaniful life?
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Whether if there is no life after death one will not bother to live a meaningful life; does not mean that one than live one's live based on imaginations and 2549 year old teachings when the "teachings" based on current research and studies are available? -
Originally posted by casino_king:
got link?
You might want to read the book called " the unbearable lightness of being."
Whether if there is no life after death one will not bother to live a meaningful life; does not mean that one than live one's live based on imaginations and 2549 year old teachings when the "teachings" based on current research and studies are available?[
for me, "teachings" based on current research and studies available affirm of one-life-ism.
and "teachings" based on current research and studies available is gradually proving and accordance to "2549 year old teachings". while 2549 year old teachings give a more overall picture of realities.
note:Buddhism and Science
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A group of over 10,000 earnest intellectuals once requested the Buddha to explain the manner and incidence of life and the Universe. This was followed by a series of daily lectures and demonstrations lasting three months. The Buddha's explanations were given to the complete satisfaction of everyone present.
It is most remarkable that when reduced to basic principles, many statements in the Buddhist scriptures are in line with modern scientific discoveries. Buddhism is scientific in that it combines objective observation, experiment and analysis in the spirit of free inquiry.
Buddhism is beyond Science as it can contribute to modern life by providing the moral and spiritual guide for the individual in our increasingly technological and materialistic age, showing us the path to True Happiness. As Einstein said, "Religion without Science is blind; Science without Religion is crippled." -
Originally posted by sinweiy:
pls note that Buddhist's term of reincarnation is called rebirth instead.
..., "teachings" based on current research and studies available affirm of one-life-ism.
reincarnation for hindu is when there's an eternal soul moving from one body to the next.
but for rebirth, we throw in the idea of not-self. even if there's reincarnation, this 'self' is not eternal as it seem, it keep changing and is not fixed. it's when we don't cling to an eternal soul/self, can one be free from misery/suffering.
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Yes, reincarnation and transmigration are Hinduism concepts.Originally posted by sinweiy:pls note that Buddhist's term of reincarnation is called rebirth instead.
reincarnation for hindu is when there's an eternal soul moving from one body to the next.
but for rebirth, we throw in the idea of not-self. even if there's reincarnation, this 'self' is not eternal as it seem, it keep changing and is not fixed. it's when we don't cling to an eternal soul/self, can one be free from misery/suffering.
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Some say that Buddhism is an off-shoot of Hinduism, because of similarity of concepts like rebirth and karma, but Hindu's concept of rebirth and karma vary greatly from Buddhism.
If truth is such as rebirth and karma, it does not belong exclusively to any religions. Religions merely revealed the truth for the benefit of mankind.
The Buddha said, he merely rediscovered the truths, which all along been in existence from time immemorial, and he is not the first Buddha to expound to us, there were many past Buddha's before him and there will be many future Buddha's to be. Pls note Buddha is not a prophet or a messenger of god.
He is fully enlightened, teacher of god and men. -
moreover Buddhism don't used to be a form of religion in the past. Buddhism like Confucius used to be a form EDUCATION especially in China before the Communist period.
due to modernisation, that it become known as religion. it doesn't fit the defination of religion per se.
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HiOriginally posted by concerned_man:
We cannot take the above figures as a truthful reflection. More people are converting to theistic religions and its not just young ppl. Buddhism in Spore is also facing an aged following crisis.
Compared to our neighbouring countries e.g. Indonesia, there is not as much Buddhist books and activities for children here. -
This shouldn't be a debate about Buddhism vs Education because buddhism never go against education.Originally posted by casino_king:The debate should not only be a bout Buddhism vs Theism. It should also be about Buddhism vs Education.
It should be a discussion about the Increase of Buddhism Popularity in singapore and worldwide. -
same sentiments.Originally posted by concerned_man:There is one Ang Mo who told me that, if there is really one almighty, then He is not doing his job right. -
Originally posted by concerned_man:There is one Ang Mo who told me that, if there is really one almighty, then He is not doing his job right.
on the other hand we ought to show compassion for that almighty one whom by now should have realised his mistakes. we should be more humane and think with a thinking head and apply the compassionate wisdom to the world.Originally posted by paperflower:same sentiments.
just as someone make mistakes, realise his mistakes and repenting correcting the path, we should be compassionate to him. this is the practice of forgiveness.
its too late to change the holy text cos whats done is done cannot be undone. but the consequences one really has to pay for leading the wrong mind set of living to more and more confusion and sufferings. the living chaos that is now..... -
Yes it is true more people are converting to theistic religions. Actually not theistic religions, it's only christianity in particular.Originally posted by earthling82:Hi
We cannot take the above figures as a truthful reflection. More people are converting to theistic religions and its not just young ppl. Buddhism in Spore is also facing an aged following crisis.
Compared to our neighbouring countries e.g. Indonesia, there is not as much Buddhist books and activities for children here.
A newspaper article months ago stated that the only religions that is getting converts are Christians and Buddhists. Although Buddhism is not as aggressive in getting converts as Christians its doing quite well too. But I still feel more could be done. -
see the post Buddhism's draw is no longer as a folk religionOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:Yes it is true more people are converting to theistic religions. Actually not theistic religions, it's only christianity in particular.
A newspaper article months ago stated that the only religions that is getting converts are Christians and Buddhists. Although Buddhism is not as aggressive in getting converts as Christians its doing quite well too. But I still feel more could be done. -
My feel is Buddhism works on the law of attracting than to seek converts. - "She Shou"
The main difference is that Buddhism rides along the natural flow of universal energy for growth and this is more healthy.
"Pan Yuan", even if successful, there will be side effects and not complete towards the end.
I think Buddhism growth is alright. At least I am confident that it will survive for another 9000 years.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Yes it is true more people are converting to theistic religions. Actually not theistic religions, it's only christianity in particular.
A newspaper article months ago stated that the only religions that is getting converts are Christians and Buddhists. Although Buddhism is not as aggressive in getting converts as Christians its doing quite well too. But I still feel more could be done. -
there r still quite a handful of pples who think buddhists are idol worshippers, supertitious, traditional, backward.. and so on... many asians convert to christianity under these reasons. they (not all) think that christianity is "the" for modern people..fuelled by movies, television, developed western countries with strong christian tradition and so on.. mind you, we, asians love to be modern or at least want to like view ourselves as modern... hence, in short, the mentality is modern = christian.Originally posted by concerned_man:My feel is Buddhism works on the law of attracting than to seek converts. - "She Shou"
The main difference is that Buddhism rides along the natural flow of universal energy for growth and this is more healthy.
"Pan Yuan", even if successful, there will be side effects and not complete towards the end.
I think Buddhism growth is alright. At least I am confident that it will survive for another 9000 years.
whereas in the west, buddhism is considered as advanced
As Christianity being modern, I'd say no. As I experiecned things, studied, and observed, I came to the conclusion that Christianity is nothing but a tool to control others and it out of touch with reality and scientific/technogical progress. I have/had issues stemming from those beliefs. I also will not follow a religion that believes that gaining knowledge damned all of humanity down to the last generation.
To me, Buddhism equals freedom
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Absolutely!Originally posted by paperflower:on the other hand we ought to show compassion for that almighty one whom by now should have realised his mistakes. we should be more humane and think with a thinking head and apply the compassionate wisdom to the world.
just as someone make mistakes, realise his mistakes and repenting correcting the path, we should be compassionate to him. this is the practice of forgiveness.
its too late to change the holy text cos whats done is done cannot be undone. but the consequences one really has to pay for leading the wrong mind set of living to more and more confusion and sufferings. the living chaos that is now..... -
many Asian especially the Chinese whose parents are either in one way or the other linked to Taoism and or Buddhism. But their mentality is having a simple shrine/altar mixed Buddhism with Taoism and then daily just offering incense and during festivals to offer slaughtered chicken and meat to offer to the shrine/altar deities (mixing Buddha, or KuanYin, or Taoism deities).Originally posted by earthling82:Hi
We cannot take the above figures as a truthful reflection. More people are converting to theistic religions and its not just young ppl. Buddhism in Spore is also facing an aged following crisis.
Compared to our neighbouring countries e.g. Indonesia, there is not as much Buddhist books and activities for children here.
And, occasionally to visit a temple to pray to seek better fortune and safe being for the family and offer some cash donations for merits etc.
That's the exact scenerio whereby there's not a single knowledge on Buddhism and or its path. They are not walking the path at all.
And, to their children, when they are too busy, commanding them to offer the home shrine/altar the daily morning and evening incense offerings. And, so the ignorant forcing another ignorant minor to perform deeds of ignorance.
In time to come, they grow up, with higher ego, how could they accept the bowing to Buddha and or to the Sangha monks without knowing the significance of the bowing at all.
And so like you have said it correctly that more people are converting to theistic religions and its not just young ppl .Where also, then in Asia, there are a lot of evengelist coming over to preach in Asia in Stadium style with large gatherings that can command silence and sobbing etc. and these youngster then becomes Christian.
This is the scenerio in Asia.But things r starting to change over the past years.More pples esp the higher educated ones r learning buddhism.
read Buddhism's draw is no longer as a folk religion
http://www.yayapapayaz.com/comm/20050520_st_buddhism.htm -
Hi all,
erm, don't be too happy or complacent that Buddhism is on the rise, out of the number in there, how many are really Buddhists, and how many are "Buddhists"? There are many joss-stick "Buddhists" who call themselves "Buddhists", as well as groups like Yi Guan Dao, Soka Gakkai etc etc who also call themselves "Buddhists".
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We may never know the true number of true buddhists in singapore, but it is true that (true) Buddhism is rising among people here.Originally posted by sanath:Hi all,
erm, don't be too happy or complacent that Buddhism is on the rise, out of the number in there, how many are really Buddhists, and how many are "Buddhists"? There are many joss-stick "Buddhists" who call themselves "Buddhists", as well as groups like Yi Guan Dao, Soka Gakkai etc etc who also call themselves "Buddhists". -
agreeOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:We may never know the true number of true buddhists in singapore, but it is true that (true) Buddhism is rising among people here. -
Hur hur, its like something i said some time agoOriginally posted by sanath:Hi all,
erm, don't be too happy or complacent that Buddhism is on the rise, out of the number in there, how many are really Buddhists, and how many are "Buddhists"? There are many joss-stick "Buddhists" who call themselves "Buddhists", as well as groups like Yi Guan Dao, Soka Gakkai etc etc who also call themselves "Buddhists".
Quality over quantity
I would rather have ten pious ones than a mob of ten thousands. -
Quality plus quantity will be goodOriginally posted by laurence82:Hur hur, its like something i said some time ago
Quality over quantity
I would rather have ten pious ones than a mob of ten thousands.