Archive for March, 2009

Here is a rather dark side of Singapore, a first-world country where everything is managed to the details. It is a well-known fact to anyone who has been in Singapore for some time that you can “purchase” a Vietnamese bride for S$10,000.

Even the “purchase” process is quite straight forward. You go to matchmaking agency, pick one girl you want to marry from a number of girls available, settle payments and wait for the wedding date.

The process is a bit more complicated for Vietnamese-bride-to-be girls, when they reach Singapore they have to go to clinic to verify their virginity before they are put up for “sale”.

Here are some video documentary about Vietnamese brides in Singapore.

There are some “matchmaking agencies” that specialize in arranging marriage with Vietnam brides:

• Life Partner Matchmaker
• Viet Match

The Sultan Mosque Fast Facts:

• The Sultan Mosque was gazetted as a national monument on March 14, 1975.
• It was designed by Denis Santry and built in 1928.
• It is the largest of its kind and can accommodate 5,000 people.

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The National Museum of Singapore Fast Facts:

• It is Singapore’s oldest museum, dating back to 1849.
• The National Museum of Singapore began as? a section of what was called the Singapore Institution.
• In 1887, the National Museum of Singapore was relocated to Stamford Road at the Museum Planning Area.
• On December 7, 2006, after a 3-year redevelopment, the National Museum officially opened to the public.
• The Museum is one of four national museums in the country.

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Clarke Quay Fast Facts:

• Clark Quay was named after Singapore’s second Governor and Governor of the Straits Settlements.? His name was Sir Andrew Clarke and he held office from 1873 to 1875.
• In 1896, Clarke Street was officially given the same name after originally being two streets (East Street and West Street in north Kampong Malacca).
• Clarke Street was also converted into a pedestrian mall.
• A government clean-up of the Singapore River and its surroundings occurred between 1977 and 1987.
• One of the conservation projects was called the Clarke Quay Festival Village and Clarke Quay officially opened on December 10, 1993.
• Clarke Quay was redeveloped only ten years later in 2003.

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Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – Interesting Facts:

• On August 4, 2002, Ven. Cakkapala handed the relic over to Ven. Shi Fazhao.
• On March 13, 2005, the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the BTRTM was officiated by the Minister of State, Mr. Chan Soo Seng.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) was created in Singapore to serve Buddhist devotees from around the world; international visitors who respect what this religious center is all about can travel to the BTRTM to see how the temple enshrines the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic. Many other relics are venerated at the BTRTM as well. If you’re visiting Singapore, and you are interested in learning about other cultures, you won’t want to miss out on this beautiful place.

The Temple:

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was designed by the Venerable Shi FA Zhao, with the help of a local and overseas consultant team. For it to be the majestic temple that it is today, multiple draft designs had to be developed. The designs were inspired by the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala. This all required tedious research for it to be authentic. The Buddhist Mandala is none other than a representation of the Buddhist Universe. They are well-known as Buddhist icons and the word Mandala is Sanskrit for what could be defined as a ?sacred circle? to the cosmos and to the physiological Buddhist practices. Many types of Mandela are used depending on the Buddha that is focused on in the center.

The Museum:

Imagine about 300 pieces of Buddhist artifacts surrounding you at the Buddhist Culture Museum. The majority are from Asia, specifically from China, Gandhara of Pakistan, Korea, Myanmar, and Thailand. Sections were donated by collectors. Many donors have ?adopted? parts of the collection to support the development of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum since 2004. Beyond the spiritual, historical, and aesthetic of the BTRTM, these artifacts tie into the very values that let this place thrive. If you plan on visiting, consider adopting an artifact!? If you can’t do so, it’s okay.? The respect and knowledge gained with your visit will certainly help the BTRTM in the goal of connecting with others and bringing people together.

What can visitors do during their visit?

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum receives more than 50,000 visitors a month! More than half of the visitors are from abroad and so the BTRTM has manifested its commitment to mutual understanding by offering a medium in which visitors can learn about Buddhist Temples (in a way that doesn’t cross the line). The BTRTM is part of the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles in their community as a non-profit organization. Admission is always free but school groups and other visitors can register for a guided tour. The revenue helps to continue the work that is done in bridging relationships between peoples of all backgrounds. The BTRTM is a great place to share in the heritage that Singapore offers, including the Chinese Culture of its residents and the philosophy that guides Buddhists throughout the world. All of the BTRTM guides are specially trained and visitors can even attend blessings and prayer sessions, while catering is offered by the Lotus Heart Tea House.

What about the Aranya Galler and the Nagapusa Theatre?

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum has a reference library, gift shop and tea house at the Aranya Gallery. The gallery was named after July 1, 2008, when the Tang Shop became part of the Exhibition Hall near the Lotus Tea House. Activities at the Nagapusa Theatre have been placed into five categories: the Festival & Arts, the Community of Music, Dharma Talk, and Healthy Life Style. With a seating capacity of 294, Nagapuspa Theatre has a modern set-up that can accommodate film shows, seminars, workshops, talks and conferences, along with regular cultural performances.? There is more than enough room to get things done in at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.? You will not want to skip this place!

Tips for Travelers:

• Always check the official Buddha Tooth Relic Temple website for current updates.
• For respect, wear appropriate clothing during your visit. This would mean no short skirts or sleeveless shirts. There might be wraparounds provided on site, but it would probably be best no to risk having your visit rejected.