Singapore is a vibrant city-state usually associated with an exciting nightlife, heady entertainment and luxury shopping. However, it is also an immensely spiritual country, with many faiths dotting its dynamic cityscape. The best way to experience these multicultural influences is to spend time in the city’s centre, where one can secure fabulous hotel deals in Singapore to invest in a prime property such as the Days Hotel Singapore. Offering comfortable accommodation with a host of modern amenities, this 3 star hotel in Singapore is one of the best of its kind, and it is the ideal base from which to soak in the city’s splendid cultural sights. The majority of Singaporeans are of Chinese Buddhist extraction, which sees some beautiful Buddhist temples decorating the Singaporean landscape. One of the most unique is the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, Singapore’s first and only traditional Chinese forest monastery upholding the tenets of Mahayana Buddhism. The monastery was founded in 1921 by the Venerable Sik Zhuan Dao and was meant to be a place to propagate and practice the tenets of the Buddhist faith in word and deed. It was also meant to provide accommodation for visiting monks at that time, for whom lodging was scarce. The monastery has grown over time to fit its principles with the needs of the dynamic world. Today, it practices a Dharma that is socially engaged and infused with the principles of compassion and wisdom. Visitors are welcome, and should dress appropriately (legs and shoulders covered, no footwear within the premises). The architecture and interiors are simply stunning to behold, especially the Hall of Great Compassion, the Hall of Universal brightness and the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. It is truly a splendid testament to Mahayana Buddhism.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
