What are your doubts on Buddhism
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Well... I don't know what is true buddhist . Not completely anyway
But in my opinion, to call oneself a practicioner, I'd have to believe in all aspects in the religion, not.... practice selectively. Like, practice things that I believe in and disregard the rest. I'd feel like a fraud if I did that! Thus my worry
Btw interesting point about close-minded skeptic. Now you've got me thinking - am I one ? LOLOriginally posted by Isis:what is ur definition of a true buddhist?
i could advise u to find ur definition of being a buddhist and walk there path..
if you want to..
I think you are pretty troubled by ur aunt's pressure to convert u into one. Do note that ur aunt isnt a representation of buddhism. i think ur aunt is abit superstitious there, as in praying for good things to happen such as for rain to stop. Praying isn't really totally bad as it can give one calm feelings. However, a buddhist who understand the law of karma also know that one need to put in some efforts to make things happen too.
There is nothing wrong being a skeptic. i was once a skeptic but i learnt later on and clear some misconceptions about buddhism. In fact, Buddha has encouraged buddhist to question and not blindly believe in his teachings.
Even if you don't believe in spirits, it is okay. Actually, whether to believe in spirits exist anot... will it make one happy? Buddha has simply revealed what he has known. There is no harm keeping an open-mind.u can still be a skeptic but not a closed-minded one.
If u don't believe in spirits, still can be a buddhist la. Don't be silly.
It is conducive to take refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in your learning in buddhism. -
I feel as with all families, sometimes the best-meaning intentions are clouded by emotion , relationships, family history , past grouses ... perhaps that is why it is difficult for me accept my aunt's teaching in a totally matter-of-fact way. It's hard not to get personal.
Thanks for the tip!Originally posted by Xprobe:first of all, your aunt is more of what i would call a "believer" type rather than a "practitioner", the buddhist aspirations are more than what you see in her, she is not a very inspiring example (if what you observe is true) although i must say that there is nothing wrong with her ways
put it this way, i would suggest you start consciously observe the world around you using the Three Characteristics Of Existence, see if what it says is true, if it is and you start to develop a strong need to seek a solution to end suffering, only then you will find a satisfactory answer in the darhma, and only then you will embark on the path of being a true buddhist -
Hi choco B,
For first step, I suggest you join a temple and socialise with the people there, may I ask you which part of singapore you staying?
Praying to bodhisatva really help, but to what extent has to depend also on how well you keep precepts, your concentration and faith on buddha and bodhisatva.
Mantra also has praying nature in it, a lot of them (zhou4 yu3) can be effective only when the chanter behaviour is not conflicting with buddhism teaching.
Remember, take your first step. -
I live in the west . Have you any temple recommendations? Preferably if they conduct activities in English!Originally posted by justdoit77:Hi choco B,
For first step, I suggest you join a temple and socialise with the people there, may I ask you which part of singapore you staying?
Praying to bodhisatva really help, but to what extent has to depend also on how well you keep precepts, your concentration and faith on buddha and bodhisatva.
Mantra also has praying nature in it, a lot of them (zhou4 yu3) can be effective only when the chanter behaviour is not conflicting with buddhism teaching.
Remember, take your first step. -
I see.. Master Chin Kung is from the Pure Land school of Buddhism.Originally posted by choco B:My aunt is kinda self-taught.
She dreamt of Guan Yin visiting her and telling her to convert to Buddhism; she was previously a Taoist. So she did some research, went to a temple , officially became a Buddhist ( I think there is some ceremony for that? ), set up a home altar, and started practicing. She studies Jin Gong Fa Shi vcds. There is a temple she goes to but can't remember which.
You're right, if I understand the sutra perhaps I will then understand the purpose of chanting .
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Buddha is not a god or deity, all gods and deities belong to the 6 realms of Samsara and therefore are not liberated. Buddha is beyond Samsara, he is known as the 'teacher of gods and men'. We cannot compare enlightened beings with gods or deities.Originally posted by choco B:I read your post in the thread "can fate be changed?". My Aunt does what you described about Skillful Means in the Mahayana tradition.
Another thing she is fond of saying is, when you chant Na Mo Omni Tofo , all spirits will respect it (and you) because the Buddha is the biggest "god" or diety around. Is that true?
And I think lots of virtuous (there are virtuous and evil) spirits will come to protect you. Therefore it is said if you take refuge and hold the 5 precepts, there are 25 spiritual dharma protectors. -
From way last time, my friend attended basic Buddhism lessons in Bright Hill Temple
conducted in English also -
Originally posted by OCEANOS:
Indeed what you said is very true... also I would highlight to all readers something neutral_onliner posted which I think is very good.
[b]Merry Meet To All,
Well I think many of the young generations are beginning to have their doubts on Buddhism than the older generations irregardless the highly educated or illiterate ones. Why so? From time to time, this is a question mark in my head. The only answer I can find, All these are happening due to misinterpretation or mis-representation of what should be the teaching of True Buddhism.
I liken this World as a Big Ocean with many fishes. In this Big Ocean, there are many kinds of fishes & other living creatures. One good example & specie will be the "Rough Eye Rockfish", who live much longer than humans. In Alaska, they have been known to reach the ripe old age of 205 years. This longevity is so rare in the animal kingdom that makes them a "centenarian species" which none is comparable to them. To be able to distinguish a True "Rough Eye Rockfish" is as difficult as "Finding a needle in the sea" for most of the people. Seeing it, Even putting a name to a face isn't as easy as it seems. Just distinguishing 30 of the 100 rockfish species found around the world which is the True "Rough Eye Rockfish" is not really possible to the Mass Public. Why so? Well its because many of these fish look alike. Recognition of Which is the Truth is often muddled by Illusion created by some. All I can say "Rockfish: More Than Meets The Eye".
I feel this is the most appropriate analogy to be shared in here. This will let others have a chance to think & ponder on What is the Truth? Back to the Main Topic in here, In short Buddhism is a Religion for more than 2,500 years, many factions or school of thoughts of Buddhism has been surfaced over time. However not all really are following the Teachings of the Buddha which is True Buddhism. I shall not go into the details on the Teachings of the Buddha which cannot be explained in mere words. In laymen terms, True Buddhism is based on certain core teachings which are "Unique" & none can be comparable to it. Just like only a True "Rough Eye Rockfish" possess such longevity which many sub-species tried to imitate "Externally" however they can never be on par in term of life span no matter how similar they in their outlook. In term of Buddhism, Many who seemingly "Preach" to be that of a True Buddhist are not really so, beneath their so called Buddhist Way may be "More Than Meets The Eye". So we come to the point of What is "Orthodox Buddhism" & What is "NOT"? Well many of the younger generations are misled due to External Influences or Warped Teachings planted by Others into their mind with material stuffs behind a Faux smokescreen. I would like to bring your attention to these REAL HAPPENINGS that are going on not only in HERE but in this SOCIETY we are in. What is the TRUTH seems to be in a Fog created by Others. there is no transparency or simply can longer be seen. We do not only see things with our Eyes, we need to see things with our Heart. Do not attempt to cover the TRUTH with a SHAM. This only mark down to INTERGRITY of One is seriously of Doubts. At times the TRUTH hurts when it come to light but not matter how dark it is, Darkness can never cover the LIGHT of TRUTH. It takes a Great Man to be able to admit their faults. The sad irony is that although such facts are too obvious to be ignored by even the most ignorant, they continue to be ignored by the most intelligent. Why? Simply because it is convenient for many to invest in false hopes or promises rather than expose the futility of failure. Instead of admitting the obvious, they chose to invest in false hopes or promises of Salvation by UNORTHODOX Teachings which is not TRUE BUDDHISM. If you pronounce you lead a life of a True Buddhist, it must not only be in your Words but your Actions. Your Words & Actions must be Coherent. Do not preach something You do not even apply in your Actions or daily lives. That is an Illusion, A Web of Deceit you spin not only for yourself but Others. Remember its YOUR OWN DOINGS, only yourself is ANSWERABLE to your OWN ACTIONS. Buddha is Omnipresent. No matter what lies or deceits, it can never cover the TRUTH, not all are blind. If Blind Lead Blind, all will fall in the Ditch.
Personally I do not see myself as a True Buddhist although I do apply certain Buddhist Teachings in my daily life. I am here to share & learn, Great Wisdom is Boundless & never selfish. Only Flawed Human Natures are, Imperfection can be a beauty if we are able to accept & admit our Flaws. Attempting to cover Flaws with Deceit is Despicable. It does great harm not only to yourself but Others who placed their trust in you. Sins or Karma is highly subjective. Good or Bad its yours to take, only you, yourself know.
Last but not least, these are my personal views in my own words which I am sharing in here. Pardon my poor writing, forgive my long passages. With so much on-going happenings, I feel a need to address these to fellow Dharma Brothers & Sister not only in here but all. Many may start to think & ponder more perhaps. Maybe its time to educate not only the younger generation but all on the True Teachings of Buddha. Just like a glass of Pure Juice, as you add more water to it, it becomes diluted. Diluted is still fine, you may not get the Pure thing but the core is still there just you are getting less of the REAL THING. What can be worse when you put in other additives like liquor, it can look the same but it can never taste or work the same? Its worse than most Venomous Poison. Perhaps its the doing what we call "Three Poison" in Buddhism. Thanks again.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos[/b]
(too long so will post in a separate posting) -
Knowing the 'Genuine' Buddhism
Originally posted by neutral_onliner:
In our world today, there are [b]at least four different types of Buddhism.
The first type is the authentic Buddhism, the education of understanding the true face of life and the universe originally intended by Shakyamuni Buddha. Unfortunately, the authentic Buddha's education is rare nowadays, and difficult to encounter.
The second type of Buddhism is the religious Buddhism. Originally, Buddhism was not a religion, but now it has become one. We can no longer deny that there is a 'Buddhist religion' because everywhere we look, Buddhism is displayed as a religion. Unlike the monasteries in the past which held eight-hour classes per day and provided another eight hours for self-cultivation, today's Buddhist 'temples' no longer uphold such a perseverance of the Buddha's Teachings. Today we mainly see people offering to the Buddha statues and praying for blessings and fortune. In this way, Buddhism has been wrongly changed into a religion. (However time has changed many have buck up and start to spread dharma)
The third type of Buddhism is the philosophical study of the Buddha's teachings. Many universities today open courses on the study of Buddhist Sutras, considering the teachings as a philosophy. The content of the Buddha's education is actually a complete university of knowledge and wisdom. Philosophy is only one of its courses. Just as it is wrong to recognize an university as a single course, it is also inappropriate to think of and limit the Buddha's education as only a philosophy. The Buddha's education can help us resolve our problems - from family difficulties to the great issue of life and death. The Buddha's teachings are deep and vast, and teach us the truths of life and the universe. It should not be mistaken as only a philosophy.
The fourth type of Buddhism we see in our world today is the deviant and externalist Buddhism. This is an extremely unfortunate affair which only came to be in the past 30-40 years. We must know that the religious Buddhism persuades people to be decent, and the philosophical Buddhism pursues truth, neither cause much harm to the society. If Buddhism is changed into a deviant and externalist path, using the weakness of the human nature to cheat and harm living beings; disturbing the peace and safety of the society, then this conversion of Buddhism has gone too far. The speech and actions of these deviant and externalist paths can be very attractive and enticing. One should be very careful as not to be mislead by these deviant ways, or regretting it would be too late.
These four types of Buddhism exist in our society today, we should recognize them as they are and think carefully as to which way is most beneficial to us, and the one we will ultimately follow.
Latest development of Buddhism ...
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
[/b] -
Hi Choco B, i also live in the west.Originally posted by choco B:First of all, thank you to all who replied to my post, it's really helpful to have opinions from other practitioners.
I'm considering taking a more structured approach to studying Buddhism. My aunt is well-meaning but I feel she's not able to address my doubts. Where are the places to study the religion? Are there different schools of Buddhism? Where do I find more information about this? How to decide which to study?
R u still schooling? Perhaps can join ur school buddhist society?
There are other dharma centre such as ci ji, buddhist fellowships, AEN's dharma centre etc. Though they are mostly located in the East. I don't really know much dharma centre in the west. Anyone?
Just help answing ur questions.
Buddhism is mainly divided into three main tradition today.
1) Theravada - practiced mainly in certain parts of South Asia (mostly Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia
2) Mahayana - practiced predominantly in East Asia, China
3) Vajrayana - tibetan buddhsim
and Hinayana..
Other schools of thoughts are Zen, Tien tai, Nichiren, Pureland buddhism..
Do check whether the dharma centre are truly authentic before joining to learn.
Best wishes,
Isis -
How about the Buddhist Youth Society in Clementi?
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Is it the one near clementi fire station with a big buddha statue and can be seen from clementi mrt?Originally posted by laurence82:How about the Buddhist Youth Society in Clementi? -
yeap yeapOriginally posted by Isis:Is it the one near clementi fire station with a big buddha statue and can be seen from clementi mrt? -
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Indeed what you said is very true... also I would highlight to all readers something neutral_onliner posted which I think is very good.
(too long so will post in a separate posting)Originally posted by neutral_onliner:
Merry Meet An Eternal Now,
Knowing the 'Genuine' Buddhism
If Buddhism is changed into a deviant and externalist path, using the weakness of the human nature to cheat and harm living beings; disturbing the peace and safety of the society, then this conversion of Buddhism has gone too far.The speech and actions of these deviant and externalist paths can be very attractive and enticing. One should be very careful as not to be mislead by these deviant ways, or regretting it would be too late.
Yes, that is why i feel a need to address it, i am glad you feel so too with so much happenings going on, its indeed very worrying for the Buddhist Community not only in here but in whole of Singapore. Sharing neutral_onliner previous post is wonderful & most appropriate. Having Deviant practices yet pronouncing you are True Buddhist is not only despicable but harmful to yourself & others. So is that really True Theravada? Since Theravada is widely practice in Asia. Even in Vajrayana practices, they do not have DEALINGS WITH SPIRITS in any ways. So using, providing or propagating amulets, charms made using child spirits, corpse oil, human bones for personal gains should be that of a True Buddhist? Or are these simply BLACK MAGIC? Seriously of doubts indeed. Definitely not Theravada Buddhism. This is happening now not only in here but everywhere. Bramayana influenced folk practice are now being packaged & presented on big table like Orthodox Buddhism? Very shocking indeed. So open your eyes, open your heart to see the TRUTH. TRUTH is always there just a matter whether you are able to see it. Again these represent my personal views which i am sharing in here thats all. I do not seek others to have the same perspective as me however i would beseech all to take your time to read & think, i am sure these would shed some light after your cognitive processing. Thank again.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
Hmm...interesting
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I also attended it, what they teach can all be found on the internet.Originally posted by laurence82:From way last time, my friend attended basic Buddhism lessons in Bright Hill Temple
conducted in English also -
I would suggest Wat Ananda MetyaramaOriginally posted by choco B:I live in the west . Have you any temple recommendations? Preferably if they conduct activities in English!
Thai Buddhist Temple
50-B Jalan Bukit Merah
Singapore 169545
Tel 62724240
bright hill temple (bishan) www.kmspks.org also has activities conducted in english.
You can also take a look at this site
http://www.buddha.sg/htm/general/temple.htm
It lists down all buddhist organisation in singapore with their address -
justdoit77.. mm u woke me up somehow..Originally posted by justdoit77:Hi choco B,
For first step, I suggest you join a temple and socialise with the people there, may I ask you which part of singapore you staying?
Praying to bodhisatva really help, but to what extent has to depend also on how well you keep precepts, your concentration and faith on buddha and bodhisatva.
Mantra also has praying nature in it, a lot of them (zhou4 yu3) can be effective only when the chanter behaviour is not conflicting with buddhism teaching.
Remember, take your first step.
I used to believed in own efforts to learn and to make things happen but Sometime, we also need to let go of there 'ego' and seek refuge in triple gems known as Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
It is indeed beneficial to seek refuge in the bodhisattva.
It also take efforts to keep precepts, to practise and to learn. -
oh, really, glad to know that.Originally posted by Isis:justdoit77.. mm u woke me up somehow..
I used to believed in own efforts to learn and to make things happen but Sometime, we also need to let go of there 'ego' and seek refuge in triple gems known as Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
It is indeed beneficial to seek refuge in the bodhisattva.
It also take efforts to keep precepts, to practise and to learn. -
Merry Meet justdoit77,Originally posted by justdoit77:I would suggest Wat Ananda Metyarama
Thai Buddhist Temple
50-B Jalan Bukit Merah
Singapore 169545
Tel 62724240
bright hill temple (bishan) www.kmspks.org also has activities conducted in english.
You can also take a look at this site
http://www.buddha.sg/htm/general/temple.htm
It lists down all buddhist organisation in singapore with their address
You go there often. How's Chow Kun? I only go there once a year for past many years. You been to the inner hall upstair? There is a very big Quartz Crystal Ball there, i & another friend delivered it to the Wat many years ago.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
Originally posted by OCEANOS:
Hi oceanos
[b]Merry Meet justdoit77,
You go there often. How's Chow Kun? I only go there once a year for past many years. You been to the inner hall upstair? There is a very big Quartz Crystal Ball there, i & another friend delivered it to the Wat many years ago.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos[/b]
Actually I never been there before, kind of lazy to travel so far. lol. I know my friends always go there for the youth session. It is conducted in english and near to west, that's why I recommend choco B to join.
Which temple you go to nowadays?
regards -
Hi,Originally posted by justdoit77:Hi oceanos
Actually I never been there before, kind of lazy to travel so far. lol. I know my friends always go there for the youth session. It is conducted in english and near to west, that's why I recommend choco B to join.
Which temple you go to nowadays?
regards
Why don't we post all the monasteries/centers which we visit for choco B.That will give him more options -
Merry Meet justdoit77,Originally posted by justdoit77:Hi oceanos
Actually I never been there before, kind of lazy to travel so far. lol. I know my friends always go there for the youth session. It is conducted in english and near to west, that's why I recommend choco B to join.
Which temple you go to nowadays?
regards
I do not go any temples for past many years, only go on few special occasions.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
Originally posted by OCEANOS:
True true. The teachings have been passed down throught years and it may be diluted or revised. Different people also have different understanding levels. To me as long as u go with ur heart, accept and give generously. Thats the way of the buddhism. Hi peeps, just pop in to have a chip in a few cents worth of view.
[b]Merry Meet To All,
Well I think many of the young generations are beginning to have their doubts on Buddhism than the older generations irregardless the highly educated or illiterate ones. Why so? From time to time, this is a question mark in my head. The only answer I can find, All these are happening due to misinterpretation or mis-representation of what should be the teaching of True Buddhism.
I liken this World as a Big Ocean with many fishes. In this Big Ocean, there are many kinds of fishes & other living creatures. One good example & specie will be the "Rough Eye Rockfish", who live much longer than humans. In Alaska, they have been known to reach the ripe old age of 205 years. This longevity is so rare in the animal kingdom that makes them a "centenarian species" which none is comparable to them. To be able to distinguish a True "Rough Eye Rockfish" is as difficult as "Finding a needle in the sea" for most of the people. Seeing it, Even putting a name to a face isn't as easy as it seems. Just distinguishing 30 of the 100 rockfish species found around the world which is the True "Rough Eye Rockfish" is not really possible to the Mass Public. Why so? Well its because many of these fish look alike. Recognition of Which is the Truth is often muddled by Illusion created by some. All I can say "Rockfish: More Than Meets The Eye".
I feel this is the most appropriate analogy to be shared in here. This will let others have a chance to think & ponder on What is the Truth? Back to the Main Topic in here, In short Buddhism is a Religion for more than 2,500 years, many factions or school of thoughts of Buddhism has been surfaced over time. However not all really are following the Teachings of the Buddha which is True Buddhism. I shall not go into the details on the Teachings of the Buddha which cannot be explained in mere words. In laymen terms, True Buddhism is based on certain core teachings which are "Unique" & none can be comparable to it. Just like only a True "Rough Eye Rockfish" possess such longevity which many sub-species tried to imitate "Externally" however they can never be on par in term of life span no matter how similar they in their outlook. In term of Buddhism, Many who seemingly "Preach" to be that of a True Buddhist are not really so, beneath their so called Buddhist Way may be "More Than Meets The Eye". So we come to the point of What is "Orthodox Buddhism" & What is "NOT"? Well many of the younger generations are misled due to External Influences or Warped Teachings planted by Others into their mind with material stuffs behind a Faux smokescreen. I would like to bring your attention to these REAL HAPPENINGS that are going on not only in HERE but in this SOCIETY we are in. What is the TRUTH seems to be in a Fog created by Others. there is no transparency or simply can longer be seen. We do not only see things with our Eyes, we need to see things with our Heart. Do not attempt to cover the TRUTH with a SHAM. This only mark down to INTERGRITY of One is seriously of Doubts. At times the TRUTH hurts when it come to light but not matter how dark it is, Darkness can never cover the LIGHT of TRUTH. It takes a Great Man to be able to admit their faults. The sad irony is that although such facts are too obvious to be ignored by even the most ignorant, they continue to be ignored by the most intelligent. Why? Simply because it is convenient for many to invest in false hopes or promises rather than expose the futility of failure. Instead of admitting the obvious, they chose to invest in false hopes or promises of Salvation by UNORTHODOX Teachings which is not TRUE BUDDHISM. If you pronounce you lead a life of a True Buddhist, it must not only be in your Words but your Actions. Your Words & Actions must be Coherent. Do not preach something You do not even apply in your Actions or daily lives. That is an Illusion, A Web of Deceit you spin not only for yourself but Others. Remember its YOUR OWN DOINGS, only yourself is ANSWERABLE to your OWN ACTIONS. Buddha is Omnipresent. No matter what lies or deceits, it can never cover the TRUTH, not all are blind. If Blind Lead Blind, all will fall in the Ditch.
Personally I do not see myself as a True Buddhist although I do apply certain Buddhist Teachings in my daily life. I am here to share & learn, Great Wisdom is Boundless & never selfish. Only Flawed Human Natures are, Imperfection can be a beauty if we are able to accept & admit our Flaws. Attempting to cover Flaws with Deceit is Despicable. It does great harm not only to yourself but Others who placed their trust in you. Sins or Karma is highly subjective. Good or Bad its yours to take, only you, yourself know.
Last but not least, these are my personal views in my own words which I am sharing in here. Pardon my poor writing, forgive my long passages. With so much on-going happenings, I feel a need to address these to fellow Dharma Brothers & Sister not only in here but all. Many may start to think & ponder more perhaps. Maybe its time to educate not only the younger generation but all on the True Teachings of Buddha. Just like a glass of Pure Juice, as you add more water to it, it becomes diluted. Diluted is still fine, you may not get the Pure thing but the core is still there just you are getting less of the REAL THING. What can be worse when you put in other additives like liquor, it can look the same but it can never taste or work the same? Its worse than most Venomous Poison. Perhaps its the doing what we call "Three Poison" in Buddhism. Thanks again.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos[/b] -
ok, this is what I recommend:Originally posted by neutral_onliner:Hi,
Why don't we post all the monasteries/centers which we visit for choco B.That will give him more options
Buddhist Lodge (www.sbl.org.sg)
Jen Chen (www.jenchen.org.sg)
Dharma Drum (www.ddsingapore.org)
Buddhist Library (www.buddhlib.org.sg)
Buddhist fellowship (www.buddhistfellowship.org)
Fu hai chan si (www.foohai.org)
Bright hill temple (www.kmspks.org)
Golden pagoda (www.goldenpagoda.org.sg)