A path to end suffering and find inner peace
Buddhism rests on the cornerstone of the Four Noble Truths. Life is marked by suffering (dukkha), but suffering isn’t a dead end. The Noble Eightfold Path (Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration) charts a course for cultivating ethical conduct, mindfulness, and wisdom.
Buddhism emphasises metta, limitless compassion for all beings, including yourself. Through acts of kindness and generosity, you not only ease the burdens of others but also cultivate inner peace.
From prince to awakened sage
Born as Prince Siddhartha in the foothills of the Himalayas, a chance encounter with an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a serene ascetic awakened him to the inescapable suffering inherent in human existence. Through years of intense meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at age 35.
For the next 45 years, Shakyamuni Buddha shared his teachings with all who sought guidance. The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at Leong San See radiates tranquillity and wisdom. His earth-touching mudra invites us to find our own grounding and peace amidst the uncertainties of life.
The Goddess of Mercy
Guan Yin is a Chinese translation of the Sanskrit Avalokitasvara, “the one who looks down upon the sounds of the world.” She is a Bodhisattva who has postponed her own enlightenment to help others. She listens without judgment, offering solace and hope to all who seek her aid, regardless of faith or background.
Our temple, with its roots tracing to the Fujian region, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of this compassionate Bodhisattva. Reverend Chun Wu arrived in Singapore carrying her statue, and she remains at the heart of our temple to this day.
The Four Face Buddha
On 11 May 2023, the famous Four Face Buddha (Phra Phrom) was relocated to Leong San See Temple from Golden Mile Complex, where it had been worshipped for over two decades. Mr Loh Yuen Seng, co-founder of the Thai supermarket at Golden Mile Complex and custodian of the shrine, chose our temple as the statue’s new permanent home, believing it would be best looked after here.
Phra Phrom is widely revered in Thai Buddhist tradition as a deity of good fortune and protection. Devotees offer incense, candles, and jasmine flowers before each of the four faces, as each side bestows different blessings.