Vesack Day

On Vesack Day we took our kids to the Buddhist temple in our neighborhood, Kuan Im Tng Temple. Vesack Day is a celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. And this 'little' temple on Tembeling in Joo Chiat sets up an extra tent with festivities for the holiday. There were much bigger celebrations happening in Singapore but for us this one is just right.

Inside the tent the workers were very keen to get the children involved.

Gage sending his lit candle on its way

Sibby bathing the baby Buddha to commemorate his birth.

 

Singapore also combines ancestor worship with Buddhist traditions. Here a woman is burning paper money as an offering to her ancestors.  I think its so neat how all of these beliefs coexist or get mixed together. This little temple also combines Taoism and Confucianism in their teachings which can be seen in the main temple.

 

And what kid wouldn't love being allowed to burn paper! Gage loved this (but of course was very careful and respectful). 

 

 

Then we went into the temple's main hall. Noah is removing his shoes before going in. 

The lotus flowers are always so gorgeous

A view from inside the temple looking out at the crowds of devotees lighting their incense and prayers

The Maitreya Buddha 

(he's different from the meditating Buddha because he is believed to be the future Buddha.  His stout laughing appearance is based on an ancient Zen monk who they thought was the incarnation of the future Buddha. Rub his belly for good luck!)

 

Tired out from temple spotting and ready to go get a snack.

We walked past my favorite Peranakan houses

to this grocery store to buy a snack for the kids before walking home.