Perspective Journeys
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Perspective Journeys
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Singapore tour: Multiples faces of Buddhism
A Buddhist tour in Singapore
offering answers
that you may have asked or wondered before;
What are
Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Dharma Protectors? How many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are there? How to tell one Buddha or Bodhisattva from another?
Why Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have different ethnicities in different countries?
What are the functions of Buddhist sculptures?
What are the schools of Buddhism and how they relate to each other? (Mahayana, Theravada, Zen, Tibetan)
Buddhism in Singapore
Singapore’s is a multi ethnic and multi racial society. The total land area is 682.7 sq km, about 3.5 times the size of Washington DC.
Within this small area, almost all Buddhist traditions/sects can be found; Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan. Within these broad categories, many subgroups are present; Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Sri Lankan. There are also social groups like Buddhist Counseling groups, Buddhist Childcare Centers, Gay Buddhist Fellowship… Singapore is most likely the only place in the world where almost all Buddhist traditions are represented in such close proximity and with other religions. It makes Singapore an ideal place to understand the different schools of Buddhism, similarities and differences in practices and how Buddhism interacts with each society to produce distinct features. The close proximity of different monasteries offers insight into the relationship between different schools of Buddhism and to understand how “religion” unfolds and interacts with society and modernity.
The tour
This tour gives you the opportunity to visit different Buddhist monasteries for an overall view of Buddhism. A typical program includes Theravada Buddhist Monastery, Mahayana Buddhist Monastery, Chinese Temple and possibly institutions related to Buddhist activities in Singapore.
Religions do not exist in a vacuum but interact with social and cultural forces to form the greater social fabric. This tour explores how Buddhism interacts with culture in different countries to produce a distinct form of Buddhism culture.
From a macro perspective, we look at the nature of interaction between the different traditions. It puts into perspectives the historical and social dynamics that creates diversity of Buddhist practices while converging in their aspirations. These unique attributes enable the belief system to transcend social/cultural diversity and changes over space and time.
The information will be very useful to travelers who are about to explore South East Asia. E.g. Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Laos, Indonesia and its ancient monuments.
For the antique collector and art lover, this program offers you information to appreciate your collection within the larger context of Buddhist art and the relationship between art and society.
To complete the Buddhist theme, you may like to experience Chinese Vegetarian food.
Triple Gem of Buddhist (left to right) : Buddha, Dharma (teaching of the Buddha) and Sangha (Venerables, monks and nuns)
Buddhism and Society
Buddhist organizations often initiate social/charity institutions to serve less fortunate members of society. These social/charity institutions are Buddhist initiated and run by professionals in the field of service.
Some well known examples are Renci Hospital, Man Fut Tong Nursing Home, Metta School, O'Joy Care Services, Shan You Counselling Centre.
These organizations reach out to people regardless of their ethnicity or religious background and without any attempt to evangelized; they respect the belief system and cultural background of their clients.
In the context of multi-racial and multi-religious society, these organizations illustrate how belief system shape its member's interaction and engagement with society and diversity.
As charities, their operations depended on
government grants as well as public donations. From time to time, they offer
special souvenirs or merchandise to raise funds for their programs. These
products can be a memorable souvenir for a visitor or expatriate and it is
extremely meaningful because the purchase makes a difference in someone's live.
Kindly note that Perspective Journeys list these events to demonstrate support for these organizations. Perspective Journeys do not sell items on their behalf and do not derive any commission or financial benefit from your purchases. Interested parties should contact respective organizations directly.
"A Life for others"
Funding raising coffee table book by Man Fut Tong Nursing Home.
Please click here for more details.
Buddhas sculpted in different styles over space and time
This program can be a tour by itself or part of a tour to produce a personalized program to suit your interests. For a list of other popular topics, please see: Tours / Topics
All Perspective Journeys programs are presented in non technical language (No complicated jargon!) and will take into account your background and interests.
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If you have any queries or require further information, please write to: info@perspectivejourneys.com Copyright © 2006-7 Perspective Journeys, All Rights Reserved. . .
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What is
Buddhism?
