As a multiracial and religious society, it’s important to understand and appreciate different cultures and religions. Through Interfaith Network @ North West, we can learn about one another’s faith, and strengthen the racial and religious harmony in our community.
Here, we embark on one such visit to the BW Monastery. Through the eyes of a student leader, we gain insights into what it means to appreciate interfaith harmony.
Interfaith Dialogue Session
8 April 2023
Host: BW Monastery
Panel
Alex Yam
Mayor of North West District
and the following religious leaders representing different faiths:
Lim Jue Meng, Vice President, BW Monastery (Buddhism)
Muhd Amran Addin, Social Development Head, Darul Makmur Mosque (Islam)
Charlie Guan, Vice Chairman, Yishun Temple Association (Taoism)
Sharing session by
Joshua Lee, BW Monastery Youth Leader
Attendees
Over 60 guests including students from Republic Polytechnic, Woodgrove Secondary School, Spectra Secondary School, as well as representatives from the North West Youth Assembly.
An Eye-Opening Interfaith Journey
The destination for the day is a hidden gem called BW Monastery situated in Woodlands. The monastery imparts Buddhist education, as well as care for the community through compassionate service.
What motivated me to attend? My curiosity to learn about different religions and cultures in Singapore. Growing up a Roman Catholic, I came with an open mind - to observe, listen and better understand Buddhism.
The tour was extremely insightful; learning about the monastery’s history and significance of Buddhism teachings.
A sustainable ecosystem design that works with nature to create self-sustaining food sources.
- Appreciate the beauty of differences.
There are many different aspects to various religions - they have their unique rituals, beliefs, and traditions. We should make the effort to learn about them. - All religions deserve respect.
We must respect each other’s faiths and beliefs. Be willing to listen and understand. Have an open mind. - Communication is key.
The interfaith dialogue taught me the importance of asking questions so we can break down stereotypes. Have meaningful conversations so we can better understand others! - All religions share universal values.
The various faiths have many common values such as compassion, kindness, respect and empathy towards fellow human beings, which is pretty cool! - Ultimately, promoting peace is an end-goal.
I think the dialogue reinforced the message that all religions promote peace and understanding among people, which is so important in a diverse society like ours. I’m grateful that people from different religious backgrounds can co-exist and live in harmony with each other in Singapore!
Overall, I would say that if more people participate in such interfaith events, we can develop better understanding and tolerance towards one another, and not have stereotypes or biasness towards different faiths or religions.
My visit to BW Monastery in pictures
OMAK inscription
These words are inscribed on the back of the main gate at the entrance to BW Monastery: “Observe Merits, Appreciate Kindness”, or “OMAK” for short. It reminds us to see the good in people, to recognise and be thankful for their kindness. These values are highly relevant in today’s competitive society. Kindness is also a virtue which is very important in my own religion (Roman Catholism), so “OMAK” really resonated with me!
Grand Shrine Hall
Couldn’t resist taking a selfie at the Grand Shrine Hall. In the background you can see 3 Great Buddhas: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (left) representing Compassion, Shakyamuni Buddha (centre) representing Perfection and Enlightenment and Manjusri Bodhisattva (right) representing Wisdom. This hall is where recitations and Dharma assembly are held.
On both sides of the hall are two very beautiful 6-metre victory banners, celebrating the Buddha’s triumph over four obstacles that stood in the path of enlightenment. Hand sewn on the beautiful fabric are ribbons, precious stones and coloured pearls - each stitch represents pure intentions of offerings to the Three Gems or Three Jewels!
Avalokitesvara Hall (Guan Yin Hall)
At the Avalokitesvara Hall, you can seek guidance from the Goddess of Mercy (also known as Guan Yin or Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva). I learnt that ‘Guan Yin” refers to how she listens to the people’s prayers or cries of suffering and responds to save us. In the background, you can see the neatly lined azura stone figures of the Goddess of Mercy - there are 2,280 of them in the hall!
That’s me getting my fortune read! Shall keep my “fortune” a secret for now ; )
The one thing that stucked with me from this visit is the message to practise generosity towards others. It’s a really powerful reminder that giving back to others and being kind to each other can enrich our lives. In a high-stakes society, this concept of generosity is like a breath of fresh air. So, help each other without expecting anything in return!
Want to know more? Check out this post!
Be part of an enriching experience
Interfaith @ North West works with faith institutions to organise open houses so the community can learn about and appreciate each other’s faiths. The programme aims to strengthen racial and religious harmony in our community.
Curious to learn more about different faiths in Singapore and to engage in meaningful discussions with people from diverse backgrounds? Join us for our next interfaith dialogue.
Check out this video on how Interfaith Network @ North West inspires interfaith conversations to build peace and harmony in our community.
Learn more about the programme here:
Our Team
Adviser: Mayor Alex Yam
Editorial Team: Michael Lau, Sim Chuan San, Steve Luo, Eric Liu, Melvin Tai, Charlene Koh
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