Become a Member

You are warmly welcome to be part of our community by becoming a member of the Buddhist Centre or Mindfulness Meditation Community. By becoming a member, you can participate regular Mindfulness Meditation programmes or other events organized by the centre. You can support the community welfare services we do.

Click Here or Fill the form below to Become a Member

We provide guidance and an environment in which anyone can come and discover for themselves through the Mindfulness Meditation techniques and peaceful Buddhist Way of Life. We run a range of programmes starting from Simple Introduction Sessions on how to meditate.

We offer a variety of opportunities to deepen the understanding of Buddhism and of oneself, in an environment that encourages peaceful reflection. Remember, you don't have to be a Buddhist to practice meditation or take part in any other activities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What is Buddhism?

Answer: The name Buddhism comes from the word "budhi" which means "to wake up" and thus Buddhism is the philosophy of awakening. This philosophy has its origins in the experience of the man Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who was himself awakened at the age of 36. Buddhism is now 2600 years old and has 300 million followers world-wide.

Question: So Buddhism is just a philosophy?

Answer: The word philosophy comes from two words "philo" which means "love" and "sophia" which means "wisdom". So philosophy is the love of wisdom or love and wisdom, both meanings describing Buddhism perfectly. Buddhism teaches that we should try to develop our intellectual capacity to the fullest so that we can understand clearly. It also teaches us to develop love and kindness so that we can be like a true friend to all beings. Thus Buddhism is a philosophy but not just a philosophy. It is the supreme philosopy.

Question: Who was the Buddha?

Answer: Buddha "the awakened one" was the title given to Siddhartha Gautama who was born into a royal family in northern India. He was deeply moved by the suffering he saw all around and resolved to find the key to human happiness. Gautama left a life of luxury at age 29 and devoted himself to years of contemplation finally reaching enlightenment. Henceforth known as Buddha, he spent his life teaching disciples the goal of achieving the enlightened state of Nibbana or Nirvana.

Question: How does one become a Buddhist?

Answer: There are formal and informal ways of becoming a Buddhist. Simply deciding to commit oneself to following the Buddha's teachings is to become a Buddhist. No formal ceremony is necessary. The emphasis in Buddhism is to practice the teachings rather than to engage in ceremony in ritual. However, some prefer to have a special initiation ceremony. It is advisory to choose a teacher and develop a good relationship with the teacher to benefit from becoming a Buddhist.

Question: How should I teach Buddhism to my children?

Answer: The Buddha's advice to parents is straightforward: help your children become generous, virtuous, responsible, skilled and self-sufficient adults. Teaching Buddhism to one's children does not mean giving them long lectures, or forcing them to memorise the Buddha's list of so-and-sos. It simply means giving them the basic skills they need to find true happiness. The single most important lesson parents can convey to their children is that every action has consequences. Each moment presents us with an opportunity, and it is up to us to choose how we want to think, speak, or act. It is these choices that eventually determine our happiness.

Question: What is meditation?

Answer:  A technique of mind control that often leads to a feeling of inner calm and peacefulness, and result in profound experiences of self-realisation. Meditation is a focusing of the mind. By meditation one becomes aware of inner consciousness, enters into them and functions there. It enables one to identify himself with his inner aspect. Many doctors are now prescribing meditation as a way to lower blood pressure, improve exercise performance in people with angina, help people with asthma breathe easier, relieve insomnia and generally relax the everyday stresses of life. Meditation is a safe and simple way to balance a person's physical, emotional, and mental states. It is simple; but can benefit everyone.

How do I behave at a Buddhist Temple?

When coming to the Centre, try to dress modestly. Casual dress is fine but refrain from wearing clothes that are too revealing. Please remove shoes when entering the Centre.

Please remember to use the mobile phones without disturbing the temple environment. Smoking is not allowed.

The Shrine Hall is usually meant for religious activities althrough as a result of space constrains it is sometimes used for social and educational activities.

Sit with your feet folded to one side or cross-legged. Please do not lie on the floor. If you feel the need to stretch your legs while in the Shrine Hall, do so in such a way that you do not point your feet directly at the Buddha statue.

Relating to Monks:

It is customary and respectful to stand when a monastic enters the Shrine Hall.

Monks have many rules in their monastic code of discipline that affect the way they relate to people. In particular, it is an offense for an ordained monastic to have sensual physical contact with anyone.

Monks do not engage in activities that could provide for their own material livelihood. This includes handling money or storing food. As a result, everything that accrues to the monastic community is the result of an offering from generous persons. Anything a monk or nun consumes, except water, must have actually been offered to them directly.

In addressing a monk or a nun, it is considered impolite to refer to them directly by name. It is best to use Venerable before their name.

Supporting the Centre:

All activities at the centre including Meditation classes are conducted entirely free of charge, suggested donation basis and is open to everyone. The centre runs entirely through donations be it in the form of monetary donations, material or Dana (offering of food to the resident monks).

If you wish to do a Dana, please contact the centre and book a date. If it is not convenient for you to be present during the Dana time, you may bring the food the previous evening and offer it to the Sanga (Monks) who will refrigerate it for the next day.

If you wish to become a monetary donor, please fill this form and mail it us. All donors automatically become members of the Buddhist Centre Mindfulness Meditation Community. If you do not wish to become a donor, you can still become a member by filling this form and paying the annual membership fee. Members will also be kept informed of all activities of the Centre and will receive the newsletter and other materials.

Future Plan: