Although we are of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, we practise non-sectarianism, embracing all schools of Buddhism as a reminder of how Lord Shakyamuni Buddha’s compassion and skillful means to reach out to all beings through his 84,000 teachings. As such, Lama Dorje strongly advocates students to have a strong foundation and understanding of Theravada teachings and practices even as they embark on the Mahayana path.

Through regular weekly teachings in English and Mandarin, chanting and prayers sessions, and events organising, our resident sangha and lay students are obtaining a well-rounded understanding and experience of Buddhism and realizing how the application of Buddhism can make a real difference in their daily lives and as a result be of benefit to all.

In order to realize one of our objectives to be an easily accessible place of refuge at all times of the day, we are the first Tibetan Buddhist temple in Singapore to open 24/7. The main hall is available to all who seek a place of quiet, for prayers, for meditation at any time of the day.

One of the main feature of our main hall is our Shakyamuni Buddha rupa. This rupa shows Shakyamuni Budhha in the heavenly realm or in the Samboghakaya form. This rupa is beautifully ornamented just like the renowned Jokhang Buddha in Tibet. Jokhang is a Tibetan word which means 'House of the Precious and Holy Buddha.' We envisioned to become your Jokhang of Singapore.

As a healing temple, we provide free TCM medical consulting service, acupuncture service and medicine two times a week in the temple. Our social outreach program includes free medicine distribution, free meals and finance support, with emphasis for the poor and elderly.

We are granted permission by the Office of HH the 14th Dalai Lama to publish thirteen of his books in simplified Mandarin for free distribution. Besides these, we publish sutras and other Dharma books too.

Our temple is located at 2 Beatty Lane Singapore 209945.

We can be contacted at +65 6466 3720 (telephone), +65 6465 6736 (fax), contactus@thekchencholing.org (email).

A warm welcome to our website. For our friends who are able to come to our physical temple at 2 Beatty Lane, this short write up is a guide of what you can expect particularly when you attend teachings or prayers. First, you will be welcome by the smiling faces of all the Buddhas and similarly by the regular members of the temple. We warmly welcome everyone and would like you to feel welcome and comfortable during your visit. Please feel free to ask any questions by email.

As with any journey, traveling alone can be difficult. Our main purpose as a physical location is to be a place to aid all beings on the path to enlightenment. Our purpose is to enable us to support and benefit others as we pursue this common goal of leading all to the supreme state of enlightenment.

What to Expect

Teachings

Teachings are held on Thursdays 8pm (Mandarin) and Saturday 3pm (English). They are free and all are welcome. Typically last for two hours with no breaks in between.

For Buddhists, most things will be familiar but we provide a bit more detail for our other visitors as well . When you first arrive at the temple you will see :

Offerings – You are welcome to make incense, light and flower offerings. The write ups will indicate the benefits of these offerings and these are entirely voluntary.

Seating - As per tradition, generally men sit to Buddha’s right and women to Buddha’s left. Of course, children are able to sit with parents. If you would like a more private place as you have a very young child, we also televise the teachings in our dining area and you can sit there as well, please speak to our staff. We sit on cushions on the floor but if you require chairs , please let us know as these are available. Please do not stretch your feet pointed towards the teacher, altar, or holy objects. If you need to stretch your legs, you can turn to the side.

Dress Code - Disciples of Lama Thubten Namdrol Dorje will wear white clothes and over that a maroon and white robe. Generally, these disciples sit closer to the front. For our visitors we do not prescribe a dress code but please ensure these are modest and practical – short skirts are difficult due to having to sit on the floor. If you wish to, you can bring along a light shawl to cover up as a sign of respect. Military fatigues or uniforms should not be worn.

Prayers before teachings – Beginning at about a half hour prior to the teaching, we begin prayers before teachings. Prayer books are provided and you are welcome to join in as most of the prayers are in English prior to the English teachings and in Mandarin prior to Mandarin teachings. Some prayers are recited in Tibetan or Sanskrit .

Technological Interferers - As with concerts and meetings out of respect to the teachings we request that you place all electronic beeping devices to silent mode.

Showing Respect to the Guru: - It is customary to stand as the teacher enters the room and to remain standing until the teacher is seated. We also stand as the teacher leaves the room. The teacher himself will prostrate prior to sitting on the throne. Prostration reduces pride and is homage to the lineage of the teachers and to the teachings. Similarly, the Guru sits on a high throne when teaching due to the respect for the teachings. If you are uncomfortable to prostrate it’s perfectly polite to stand quietly while others offer their prostrations or make the Thai Sawadee- Kap or Indian Namaste gesture with palms joined together.

We look forward to seeing you!