Singapore Day 2

Written by ponsager

When I read that Kong Meng San Phor Kark See was the largest Buddhist monastery complex in Singapore and still very much active, I imagined all sorts of grand, cliche scenes of Buddhist monasteries. The reality was even better. Located well outside the heart of the city, it was almost impossibly serene. It is comprised of around 12 main buildings with satisfying names like Hall of Precepts, Hall of Great Strength and of course an Ancestral Hall.  Phor Kark See Monastery was constructed in 1920 on Kong Meng San, which means “Bright Hill”.  The order of monks is focused on community efforts and spreading the principles of Buddhism to the youth and really anyone who could use a little Enlightenment in their life. Though only the second day of the trip, I am sure it will be a highlight.

The approach path from the gate nearest the bus stop followed a man made stream stocked with Koi (of course). There were small shelters along the way for meditation.
The approach path from the gate nearest the bus stop followed a man made stream stocked with Koi (of course). There were small shelters along the way for meditation.
Dharma Hall and library
Dharma Hall and library
Statue of Guanyin, a Mahayana Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion. Her name translates from a slightly longer word which means
Statue of Guanyin, a Mahayana Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion. Her name translates from a slightly longer word which means “Perceiving the Cries of the World”. The small statues seemed to just be the Buddhist monastery version if garden gnomes (really hope I’m not completely wrong in which case that is probably very offensive…). They were scattered about the premises and appeared to be mostly little Buddhist monks holding brooms, reading, or sleeping in various positions.

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The two photos above are inside the Hall of Precepts. I started to enter and was quickly reminded (with a smile) to remove my sandals, please.
The three photos above are the Hall of Precepts. I started to enter and was quickly reminded (with a smile) to remove my sandals, please.

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All the buildings were connected by endless staircases and covered pathways. It was like walking around in an Escher drawing.
All the buildings were connected by endless staircases and covered pathways. It was like walking around in an Escher drawing.
Buddhists practice a form of
Buddhists practice a form of “ancestor worship”‘ although I don’t believe it is worship in a traditional sense as much as paying respects and requesting assistance and favors. Each of the little wooden blocks has a picture of a deceased person and a little inscription, much like a mini grave stone. I didn’t take a picture of the ceiling, but there were 9,999 little Buddha statues in concentric circles decreasing in size to form a dome. The Buddha statue in the photo makes 10,000. Hence, the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas.
According to Buddhist historians and tradition, Prince Siddartha achieved enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. This tree was grown from a sapling taken from the original. I, unfortunately, was unable to achieve any sort of enlightenment.
According to Buddhist historians and tradition, Prince Siddartha achieved enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. This tree was grown from a sapling taken from the original. I, unfortunately, was unable to achieve any sort of enlightenment.
One of the newest additions to the monastery is a massive building called Ven. Hong Choon Memorial Hall, named in memory of the previous abbot. It is about the size of a soccer field and houses a statue of Buddha above. It is about 14 meters tall and weighs in at 55 tons. It seems Hong Choon was a pretty respectable man.
One of the newest additions to the monastery is a massive building called Ven. Hong Choon Memorial Hall, named in memory of the previous abbot. It is about the size of a soccer field and houses a statue of Buddha above. It is about 14 meters tall and weighs in at 55 tons. It seems Hong Choon was a pretty respectable man.
There were zen spaces like this everywhere. I sat on a bench and began reading my free copy of Buddhism for Beginners.
There were zen spaces like this everywhere. I sat on a bench and began reading my free copy of Buddhism for Beginners.
I just thought this was cool
I just thought this was cool
Everything is a little close for a panorama, but I was trying to capture just how big and connected everything is here.
Everything is a little close for a panorama, but I was trying to capture just how big and connected everything is here.

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There were food courts like this almost everywhere. The second one was open 24 hour. Yeahhhhh
There were food courts like this almost everywhere. The second one was open 24 hour. Yeahhhhh

3 thoughts on “Singapore Day 2”

  2. Another great post! Hopefully you are able to hang to your copy of Buddhism for Beginners. Everything there looks so immaculate, Im sure a product of no sandals and monks perpetually sweeping. Cant wait for the next one! Stay safe

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    1. Thanks man, I think you’re right! Really an amazing feat considering it hasn’t rained in months. Dust control is a significant issue in these parts this time of year.

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