Every F1 season, we see 10 religious leaders standing along the F1 track to bless the road. People can typically identify these religious leaders - such as the Christian bishop and Catholic ‘Father’, or the Buddhist monk. But there are religions and faiths in Singapore that are less-heard of, though they are celebrated by some of our local communities. We will be visiting their sacred sites and places of worship.

About Thekchen Choling

Thetchen Choling Temple is a non-sectarian Vajrayana temple that stresses the value in learning from the Theravada and Mahayana traditions, founded by Singha Rinpoche. Dedicated to outreach and for those seeking refuge, the temple used to be open 24/7, before COVID. This was especially to serve those who frequented the nightlife venues in Jalan Besar. In the spirit of the Rimé non-sectarian movement, the temple conducts many of its sutra chanting sessions in Mandarin, in order to reach out to the larger Buddhist population. The temple also holds many outreach services, such as free TCM clinics and youth scholarships, to connect with the community.

Thubten Chodron led an eventful before taking the tonsure. A two-times champion bartender, she held a series of jobs before meeting Singha Rinpoche in the restaurant she was working at. Ten years later, in 2004, Ani Chodron dreamt of herself being dressed in red robes and was advised by Singha Rinpoche that she was ready to dedicate her life to the sangha. Within a week, she quit her full-time job and flew to Nepal for her tonsure. Since then, she has supported the religious community of Thekchen Choling Temple through her work and by spreading the Dharma.

Details of the Programme

• Language: English
• Dates:

• 5 Dec (Sat) 4pm-6pm (English)
• 19 Dec (Sat) 10am-12pm (English)
• Meeting place: Entrance of Thekchen Choling, 2 Beatty Lane, S209945 (Nearest MRT Station: Lavender)
• Please arrive 15 minutes before the stated meeting time for registration and temperature taking. Our facilitators will be wearing our event t-shirt.
• Parking is unavailable at Thekchen Choling Temple.
• Venue is not wheel-chair accessible
• The event will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

• Dress respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Strictly no sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals allowed
• Wear a mask.
• Please refrain from bringing food items into the temple
• Bring along hand sanitisers, an umbrella and a bottle of water
• Asthmatic individuals are encouraged to bring their inhaler.
• Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions

• All participants must wear a mask.
• All participants must complete the Safe Entry, health declaration and temperature taking before the event.

Instructions for Participants

• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host (eg. out-of-bound areas, use of toilet). Facilitators will brief participants before the start of the programme.
• In lieu of the recent COVID19, participants will be required to take their temperatures and submit a health declaration form for contact tracing. Please do not attend the event should you feel unwell.
• There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• By agreeing to participate in the activity, participants will be responsible for any injury, loss or damage due to negligence of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
• It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12 children under his/her charge.

For updates:

• Visit www.mycommunityfestival.sg for updates.