Imagine a sanctuary of peace amidst the bustling city. That’s Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. Founded in 1920 by Venerable Zhuan Dao, it stands as Singapore’s largest Mahayana Buddhist temple.
Originally known as Phor Kark See Temple, it gained its current name due to its location on Kong Meng San or Bright Hill. A Chinese businessman, Tay Woo Seng, donated the land back in 1921. This act of generosity allowed the temple to become a place of learning and refuge.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery began as a simple two-story building. It included a shrine room, visitor’s room, and living quarters. Over time philanthropists like Mr Aw Boon Haw and Mr Aw Boon Par contributed. They helped build a separate Dharma Hall, reaching over fifty feet high.
After Venerable Zhuan Dao passed away in 1943, Venerable Seck Hong Choon became the Chief Abbot. Under his guidance, the monastery expanded significantly. From two shrine halls, it grew to include the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas and prayer halls. These halls are as large as ten football fields.
The Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas is a highlight. The opening ceremony was held on March 27, 1994. It blends Southeast Asian and modern architectural designs. The stupa is covered in gold-colored mosaic tiles. Inside are 10,917 Buddha statuettes. Each is about the size of a slice of bread. The main hall houses one of Southeast Asia’s largest bronze images of the Medicine Buddha. It sits at eight-meters high in a lotus position.
Venerable Seck Hong Choon first proposed the pagoda in 1985. Construction faced some initial delays. Efforts restarted in 1991, and the pagoda was completed in December 1993. The estimated cost was over $9 million.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery didn’t just focus on spiritual growth. In 2006, the Buddhist College of Singapore opened its doors. It offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in Buddhism. Lessons initially took place on the temple grounds. Later a new five-story building was completed.
The monastery also engages with the community. In April 2009, it launched ‘Gum’, an English-language magazine. The name means “to get along” in Hokkien. It symbolizes unity.
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery complex includes prayer halls. You can also find crematoriums and columbariums. There is also a library and an outdoor statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. The Venerable Hong Choon Memorial Hall resembles a ship. The hall’s top level features one of Asia’s largest bronze Buddha images. It measures 13.8 meters and weighs 55 tonnes.
Every year, the monastery observes the ‘3-Step 1-Bow’ ritual on the eve of Vesak Day. Devotees walk around the temple’s perimeter. They bow every three steps. This practice is believed to purify the mind.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery stands as a testament to Buddhist teachings. It’s a place of peace, learning, and community engagement.