Singaporean Buddhists?

Question

I'm planning to convert to Buddhism. Is there some sort of a conversion ceremony? If so,do u know of any temple?

Answer 1

Dun tink there r any ceremony 2 b'come a Buddhist..unless ur tinking of b'coming a monk or nun....

bt 2 understand Buddhism...they r some societies u can approach...there is a school near Lavender MRT station (looking 4 a building wif a Buddha statue on the roof..)

In addition, there is a large temple (white building) located near Aljunied MRT (near Geylang). They also conduct Buddhist classes...if I'm not wrong..they provide certificates on beginners, intermediate n advance classes...

Alternatively, you can try reading up books on Buddhism. Free copies can be found in temples or some vegetarian restaurants / shops.

Try contacting:
1) www.buddhist.org.sg
2) www.dabei.org.sg

Cheers n hope u attain Nirvana.....

P/S: remember contact reputable Buddhist Societies...

Answer 2

buddhism isn't a religion, and you don't get 'converted'...Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.
In one way being a Buddhist means belonging to a particular community of people and following a path of life taught by the Buddhas (enlightened beings). Members of the Buddhist community are formally joined by taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma (the teaching) and the Sangha (the community of noble disciples).

There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching —the Dhamma or truth.
There is Theravada Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, Yogacara Buddhism and Vajrayana but they are all Buddhism and they all has the same taste - the state of freedom. Buddhism has evolved into different forms so that it can be relevant to the different cultures in which it exists. It has been reinterpreted over the centuries so that it can remain relevant to each new generation. Outwardly, the types of Buddhism may seem very different but at the center of all of them is the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. All major religions, Buddhism included, have split into schools and sects.

If for whatever reason Buddhism appeals to you, obviously a bit of reading cannot do any harm. You could try a few introductory books from any tradition to get a closer idea of what Buddhism can mean for you.
- Try not to get confused with the various traditions: just go for what feels right and ideally do a course. Amazingly, it seems to me that at least 90% of the people stick to the tradition they started in - somehow karma seems to be at work there... Anyway, the biggest differences between the Buddhist traditions are usually more on the surface than in the ideas behind the appearances. Although for example in Zen you will find very little ritual etc., and in Tibetan Buddhism you may be overwhelmed by it, at the core of the practice are the same ideas, just different methods.
- Once you decide to get involved with a specific tradition, make sure you are not dealing with a controversial/dubious teacher or school (eaxmple: NICHIREN SHOSHU SOKKA GAKKAI
, CHING HAI, Lu Shen-yen); although someone may wear Buddhist robes or calls him/herself a lama, guru or even Acharya, that does not make him or her a saint.... There are unfortunately a fair amount of questionable 'Buddhist' teachers and centers around the world.
- Try to be critical at everything you see and hear, but do not be afraid to open yourself up, and give new ideas the chance to settle in; in other words, avoid accepting things before you have taken time to 'sit on it' (meditate), and also avoid rejecting things before you 'sat on them'. Especially if we grew up in a different religious tradition, our prejudices often go deeper than we think - be aware of your own mind.

Answer 3

Very funny. There isn't a whole lot religious to convert to in Buddhism. go to one of the Buddhist temples in Singapore, ask someone to teach you to meditate and get your thinking under control. You can do that, still believe in Jesus and find peace from a lot of different angles.

Answer 4

Yeah, I've got a little temple in a room in my house. Let me know when you can call around so we can do the conversion ritual together. By the way, it usually takes all night!

Answer 5

You cant convert to buddhism. You have to be taught first.

Answer 6

Just be sure to shave your head for the ceremony.