Located at Waterloo street in Singapore, Kuan Im Thong Hoo Cho Temple is one of the most popular temples in Singapore. On special days like the Enlightenment day of Kuan Im bodhisattva (观世音菩萨), Chinese New Year, on the 1st or 15th day of lunar month, the temple would be filled to the brim and you literally need to squeeze through the crowd. On the eve of Chinese New Year, many devotees would queue up early so that they could be the first person to offer incense sticks. It is widely believe that the first person to offer the incense on the first day of Chinese New Year would be lucky and be blessed for the year.
The popular temple has existed since 1884 and was spared from destruction when Japanese planes attacked its vicinity. Many buildings near the temple was damage yet the temple miraculously remained intact. It is also a popular tourist attraction now but the tourists always have to be reminded not to take photo in the temple.
Kuan Im 观音 (Avalokitesvara) literally means contemplating the sound. The compassionate Avalokitesvara bodhisattva listens to the plea from people and help them.The reason for the popularity for this temple is because many devotees who pleaded for help had their wishes come true. Those who had their wishes fulfilled would return to thank Avalokitesvara bodhisattva with flowers or fruits for helping them.
Yesterday I went to the temple early to avoid lunch hours crowd. As it was the 15th day of the lunar month, the temple staff distributed small packets of rice and sweet to devotees. I was happy to receive one small packet of rice and some sweet for my family.
After studying Buddhist sutra, I realised the purpose of following Buddha's teaching is to end suffering, be liberated from the endless cyclic rebirth in the six realms depending on your action/karma (hell, hungry ghost, animals, asuras, human and heaven) and ultimately reach Enlightenment. I still have a long way to go to Enlightenment. But I will continue to follow Buddha's teaching.
Nearest MRT stations: Bugis, Rochor and Bras Basah MRT (about 10 minutes walk)
From Wikipedia
The main hall then contained three altars, the central one for the Kuan Yin and one each for Bodhidharma (the founder of Zen Buddhism) and Hua Tuo, a Chinese patron saint of medicine and healing on the flanking altars. An image of Sakyamuni Buddha was kept in the rear hall and various ancillary rooms on either side. During the second World War, the temple was spared of destruction when all the other buildings in the area were severely damaged. It provided refuge for the sick, the wounded and the homeless.[2]
In 1982, the temple was extensively rebuilt as it needed to increase its capacity due to the high number of worshipers at the temple. All deities were enshrined on a single altar in the prayer hall with the elevated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha placed behind Kuan Yin.
Kuan Im Thong Hoo Temple (观世音菩萨), or Avalokitesvara bodhisattva
For six long years, Siddhartha endured many form of ascetic practices, until he finally realized that The Middle Path was the answer.
Cultivation is like playing a musical string instrument. The string will snap if it is too tight or not make any noise if it is too loose. Indulgence in sensual pleasure or extreme penance are attachments. Be at peace with the Middle Path for achieving the liberation of body and mind.
I like these cute bookmarks.
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