It was already my 3rd time in Singapore so I asked
myself what exactly was I looking for.
I wanted more than just a Facebook photo update with the
Marina Bay Sands on the background. I wanted an experience beyond the usual
travel haunt of course! I have done the typical tourist itinerary and yet I
haven’t had the feel of what it’s like to soak in, much more simmer in its renowned
diversity. What melting pot? I wanted to have a sense of how it’s like to
thrive harmoniously amidst cultural differences and I wanted to find out in
just a couple of days (while in a very brief stay.) Does an unbeaten path exist
in Southeast Asia’s most modern metropolis?
Temple Run it is! I decided that the best way to do it is by
examining what is arguably the most powerful force in peoples’ lives: Religion.
It is where all ethics, morality and preferred lifestyle are derived after all.
Religious practice is the core aspect of human culture and it is best characterized
in their temples and the followers’ behavior. There are Buddhist, Christian,
Taoist, Islam and Hindu temples, brought about by a very rich ethnic mix all
flourishing hand-in-hand with Singapore’s progressive façade.
While sitting on a train on the way to Marymount Station, I
thought about my own religion, tolerance, interfaith pluralism and shared spirituality.
How do I look at Christianity? I thought about Ms. Gloria Diaz' question in a recent
Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant: Can you be a good Catholic and believe in the
Reproductive Health Bill? No wonder she won Ms. Universe.
As for me, religion is a gift and a tool. It is very personal and
it’s between me and God. However, I still find ceremonies, rituals and
traditional practices beautiful. Each religion is similar to a chosen, preferred trail in order to climb the peak of the same mountain. And at its zenith is goodness, compassion and becoming a better being.
While on board the MRT, I heard the voice
prompt in at least 4 different languages. I’m on the right track, I thought. J
Kong
Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
88 Bright Hill Drive,
Singapore 574117
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| The universe must have conspired to help us locate this temple |
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| sleep well, sleep well. |
Also known as the Bright Hill Temple, we got lost more than twice trying to locate this monastery. And
trust me to find our way to the crematorium hall and its 2 columbarium when we finally got there. Gate No.5. How’s
that for an entrance!
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| We found it finally but entered thru gate number 5: the Crematorium gate |
When we reached the Hall of No Form at the 4th floor of its main temple, we saw the largest indoor Bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Magnificent!
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| It was made in Taiwan but assembled in Singapore |
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| Peace and Harmony |
"We light candles so we can brighten other peoples'
lives..." A random devotee gave me and my friends LED hyacinth candles at
one of the temples. I guess all the trouble was worth it.
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| only LED lights inside the temple |
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| Peace be with all of us! |
“This extensive monastery and temple comprises 11 sections,
adorned with intricate architectural designs, elaborate Chinese decorations,
breath-taking statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva, turtle pool and gardens and
shrines.”
How to get there:
(from Five Stones Hostel)Take
the MRT North-South line (red) at Raffles Station and alight at Bishan MRT Station (NS17/CC15). This is
after Bradell Station. From
there, take bus no. 410 (white plate) or bus no. 52 from the bus interchange.
Or instead of taking the bus, take Circle line (yellow) alight at Marymount Station (CC16). Walking 21
mins from Exit A to here.
Sri Mariamman Temple
Address:244 S Bridge Rd, Singapore
058793
The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu
temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style.
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| One of the oldest Hindu temples |
Thian Hock Keng Temple
(Temple of Heavenly Happiness)
Address:158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore
068613
Thian Hock Keng temple is Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple
and possibly its most picturesque also.
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| true to your heart, you must be true to your heart. |
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| brighter |
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| the guardians |
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple &
Museum
Address: 288 S Bridge Rd, Singapore
058840
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: It is claimed that the relic of
Buddha from which it gains its name was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in
Myanmar.
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| one of Singapore's most picturesque |
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| the devine is in the details |
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| opulence |
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| abundance |
How to get there:
(For all Chinatown temples) When taking the MRT, alight at the Chinatown Station and exit at the Pagoda Street.
St. Andrew's Cathedral
It is the country's largest Anglican cathedral. It is located near City Hall MRT Interchange in the Downtown Core, within the Central Area in Singapore's central business district.
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| 7th heaven |
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| at the gates |
