Decline of Buddhism in Singapore (2010 population census)
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Allow me to energize discussion and debate among fellow Buddhists because for all concerned Buddhists, silence is not an option for such an important issue facing the Buddhist community.
Among the many reasons for the decline cited, what about the factor of disillusionment with the rude discovery that there is a great disparity between the practices of "popular Buddhism" so widespread these days and that of what the Buddha did actually teach as recorded in the Suttas (Nikayas)? For those who are strongly faith-based, they opted for simple straightforward modern theistic religions. For those who are reason-based, they prefer to be free-thinkers. Thus the increase in both Christianity and free-thinkers. Serious self-reflection among Buddhist leaders are warranted. -
Smile just one smile... all conditioned phenomena, too will pass.
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Yes, I think the 'disillusionment' is one major factor. People are beginning to realize that they are not 'Buddhist' after all! This should explain why there's a big drop in numbers.
The other factor is... Buddhism is not doing enough to inform people what exactly Buddhism is and why they should practice Buddhism.
These are basically the two big reasons.
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I think Buddhism suits both 'reason based' and 'faith based' inclined people.
The 'faith based' may find more interest in Pure Land. The 'reason based' may find more interest in Theravada and Zen. Vajrayana can be a mix of both.
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Nvm la. WHen i close my eyes after i leave this world. I dun care anymore.
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Originally posted by Itedino:
Nvm la. WHen i close my eyes after i leave this world. I dun care anymore.
The view that there is no need for spiritual practice because there is no afterlife is a false view cos there is afterlife... according to the Buddha, numberless practitioners who can remember past lives (but you can too).
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on the contrary, i think some/most are also detered by the idea of cause and effect or that we are once an animal; reincarnation. and mostly, they think buddhists are too restrictive, they want to have fun, enjoy life; why waste it. so i tell u it's also materialism.
kind of remind me of Tusita heaven inner court, where Maitreya bodhisattva is preaching. in the outer court, heavenly beings still enjoy their life.
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Maybe we could support or sponsor more printing of buddhist books, especially those introducing buddhism, arrange or coordinate more dhamma talks.. all these create more opportunities for people to know buddhism.
Like my mum, she keeps thinking buddhism includes praying for good luck.. i told her not true.
I've even seen ppl praying to Buddha for 4d number.. lol
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Originally posted by Tecksuan:
Allow me to energize discussion and debate among fellow Buddhists because for all concerned Buddhists, silence is not an option for such an important issue facing the Buddhist community.
Among the many reasons for the decline cited, what about the factor of disillusionment with the rude discovery that there is a great disparity between the practices of "popular Buddhism" so widespread these days and that of what the Buddha did actually teach as recorded in the Suttas (Nikayas)? For those who are strongly faith-based, they opted for simple straightforward modern theistic religions. For those who are reason-based, they prefer to be free-thinkers. Thus the increase in both Christianity and free-thinkers. Serious self-reflection among Buddhist leaders are warranted.IMHO, our local buddhist monastery should schedule at least one dharma talk every week. I mean, most of the church has got sunday service and speech. But buddhist monastery leh? Got dharma talk every week or not? I dun think so. Some have many dun have. If dun give dharma speech, then how to spread the dharma? Only do some fa hui 法会 that will do??
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Originally posted by Zenist69:
IMHO, our local buddhist monastery should allocate at least one dharma talk every week. I mean, most of the church has got sunday service and speech. But buddhist monastery leh? Got dharma talk every week? I dun think so. Some have many dun have. Not every monastery do that... If dun give dharma speech, then how to spread the dharma? Only do some fa hui 法会 that will do??
Lets take fu hui welfare services (located in northeast area, around punggol, sengkang area) for example. Do they have dharma talk every week? Nope. They do have mobile medical services, old age home, etc. The fu, they did well. But how about hui, wisdom? No need wisdom??? Thats my disillusionment about our local buddhist scene. Most not keen in having weekly or more dharma talk... 零零星星。。。
(Note: Every week fu hui welfare services they do have two courses running i think. but thats not dharma talk. its different. some people might not have the time to attend courses. but a dharma talk every week, no registration require, just come in, sit and listen, thats just more convenient than taking a full course.)
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just a thought.
maybe the lack of Dharma talks also reflect the lack of qualified teachers in sg?
but there are actually more than ample talks every week if one really look around.
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thing is, too shallow knowledge of Buddhism also got problem, as i mentioned. they will be detered by the idea of cause and effect and or reincarnation after reading the information on the internet. think there must be some affinity for people to have the urge to want to know more about life, about truth.
see "Self Inquiry and the Cow "
http://buddhism.sgforums.com/forums/1728/topics/423212
before that, i often ask why am i here, why am i alive? hence i start to seek the answer for Ultimate truth. those answers that's not satisfying is no good for me.
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Problem is also with the attitude of Buddhist devotees. Many are only interested in blessing services, mantras, chanting and the path of 'easy practice with instant enlightenment'. So, they shunned Dharma talks or courses on Buddhism. I recalled seeing full house on the night when they practised chanting of the Great Dharani Mantra (Da Bei Zhou), then the following night when there was Dharma talk, less than 20 people turned up. Basic problem is that Buddhist devotees do not realize or were NOT told that without a good solid understanding of the Dharma, all other practices will not lead to any benefit for the practitioner , let alone liberation.
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The most common misundersanding about Buddhism among non Buddhists especially free thinkers is that the goal of Buddhists is to have a better reincarnation within the 6 path. Meaning to be born in a better place or better life in their next life.
I used to tell free thinkers that Buddhism preach liberation and not to have a better reincarnation within the 6 paths. They are kind of surprised and interested to know more about Buddhism.
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Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
The most common misundersanding about Buddhism among non Buddhists especially free thinkers is that the goal of Buddhists is to have a better reincarnation within the 6 path. Meaning to be born in a better place or better life in their next life.
I used to tell free thinkers that Buddhism preach liberation and not to have a better reincarnation within the 6 paths. They are kind of surprised and interested to know more about Buddhism.
Oh really? I didn't know ppl had that view.
My first ever contact with Buddhist concepts was from my lower secondary literature text. From there I first learned about the concept of nirvana. I used to think it's a very faraway concept, reserved only for select individuals with very special affinities. Actually even till now, this impression still sticks, but AEN has assured us it's not that unattainable.
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Originally posted by realization:
Oh really? I didn't know ppl had that view.
My first ever contact with Buddhist concepts was from my lower secondary literature text. From there I first learned about the concept of nirvana. I used to think it's a very faraway concept, reserved only for select individuals with very special affinities. Actually even till now, this impression still sticks, but AEN has assured us it's not that unattainable.
May be Buddhism emphasise too much on reincarnation and karma which non Buddhists misinterpret and cause misunderstanding.
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Originally posted by Zenist69:
Lets take fu hui welfare services (located in northeast area, around punggol, sengkang area) for example. Do they have dharma talk every week? Nope. They do have mobile medical services, old age home, etc. The fu, they did well. But how about hui, wisdom? No need wisdom??? Thats my disillusionment about our local buddhist scene. Most not keen in having weekly or more dharma talk... 零零星星。。。
(Note: Every week fu hui welfare services they do have two courses running i think. but thats not dharma talk. its different. some people might not have the time to attend courses. but a dharma talk every week, no registration require, just come in, sit and listen, thats just more convenient than taking a full course.)
Hi,
I'm from Fu Hui Auditorium. I think nobody judges the fu and hui like this. And lastly, dharma talk is quality not quantity.
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having dharma teachers dont necessary mean buddhism will grow rapidly. for example you have invented something good... but does that mean you can sell it? may not. u must find a way to attract customers and spread it far and wide. buddhism is likewise. how can we attract more ppl to buddhism, how can we attract the youths like some churches are doing? evangelism is also a skill but of cos must be skiklful. evne buddha and his sangha evangelise so should we. the buddha told us to, so we shouldvdo our job. otherwise its like finding jewels but dont know how to share with others
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Generally speaking, i think more opportunities could be created for people to know Buddhism, and what it is and what it isnt.
Perhaps more could be done to continue engaging both young n older generations to clear misconceptions about Buddhism.
I think good initiatives thus far in terms of technology are ebooks, audio or visual cds on buddhist teachings.
Personally i trust the buddhist leadership in Singapore to be aware of these and they will have the wisdom to know what to do.
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Originally posted by MiddleWay87:
Generally speaking, i think more opportunities could be created for people to know Buddhism, and what it is and what it isnt.
Perhaps more could be done to continue engaging both young n older generations to clear misconceptions about Buddhism.
I think good initiatives thus far in terms of technology are ebooks, audio or visual cds on buddhist teachings.
Personally i trust the buddhist leadership in Singapore to be aware of these and they will have the wisdom to know what to do.
Actually the amount of information and resources are quite a lot in this day and age, the problem is most people are too "busy", have no "time", always putting religion in the backburner when things are going smoothly. It is normal for people,that only when they encounter difficulties , go an "chiu shen pai fo", that how usually affinity for religion starts. There is an article citing increased interest in during financially trying periods. Will post the article when I remember the title. -
Originally posted by MiddleWay87:
Generally speaking, i think more opportunities could be created for people to know Buddhism, and what it is and what it isnt.
Perhaps more could be done to continue engaging both young n older generations to clear misconceptions about Buddhism.
I think good initiatives thus far in terms of technology are ebooks, audio or visual cds on buddhist teachings.
Personally i trust the buddhist leadership in Singapore to be aware of these and they will have the wisdom to know what to do.
The crux of the challenge is : Are Buddhist leaders committed to rectifying the misunderstanding of the Buddha's teachings through quality Dharma lessons and living examples of the teachers, or are they more interested to increase their 'market share' of devotees and financial gains by offering devotees the things they 'feel good' about, such as supernatural and mystical practices (blessing prayers, mantras, chanting, horoscope, fortune reading, ancestor worship and geomancy.) Skillful means can become addiction like 'drugs'.