Out & About in Singapore Tour Reviews

Bright Hill Monastery, May 29, 2013

Our morning had a strange start when we coordinated 2 taxis from Bishan MRT station.  Our taxi misunderstood our destination and did not speak much English.  I knew immediately we were going the wrong way, but could not get the driver to change course!  He heard Bright Hill as Red Hill and would not stop until we were approaching Red Hill.  Eventually he realized where we needed to be and proceeded there.

Upon our late arrival, we joined the group for our tour with a volunteer from the Monastery.  After a flustered start to morning, the Monastery was a very peaceful place to calm me.  Our guide walked us through the Monastery and answered many questions from our group.  Modelled after the southern Chinese style of architecture, the building structures of the monastery are an interesting and unique combination of Chinese art aesthetics and Southeast Asian architectural styles.

Most impressive is the Hall of No Form, which houses an awe-inspiring Giant Buddha, standing 13.8 metres from the lotus base.  This hall can hold up to 2,000 persons and despite its size, there are no inner pillars in the hall.  The Giant Buddha is made of bronze and weights a hefty 55 tons.  It was made in Taiwan and disassembled before shipping to Singapore and reassembled again in the hall.

Rooted in the Mahayana Buddhism Tradition, the monastery embraces other traditions through organizing or co-hosting their activities.  It also participates actively in National Racial and Religious Harmony programmes.  Their on-going community projects include inter-faith programmes, management of Bright Hill Evergreen Home, Buddhist College of Singapore, events of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, and humanitarian relief.  At the conclusion of our tour, we made a donation to the monastery.

Church of St. Mary’s of the Angels, June 12, 2013

We assembled in the courtyard of the church and were warmly welcomed by Father Derrick, who led us into the beautiful church.  We sat in the ‘crying room’ – a term not favoured by Father Derrick, but it was air-conditioned and we sat comfortably while Father told us about the church.  Very modern in design, it encompasses the teachings and philosophies of St. Francis.  The crucifix, is both beautiful and shocking at once.  From one angle, he appears to be smiling, from another he is grimacing. There are no stained glass windows, because they would keep out light and the stations of the cross are placed outside on the perimeter of the courtyard – further emphasizing that church (religion) should be outside for everyone.

Father Derrick was very candid in his talk and no questions were avoided (even about vows of chastity).  His enthusiasm was refreshing, and his passion for his faith is genuine.  While viewing the baptismal pool, he explained that as you walk into it for baptism, you walk into the shadow of the crucifix and when you go under water, Christ enters you.  He showed us his many colourful Cossacks and he took much pleasure in telling us the significance of the colour, and design of each and who had given it to him.

The peace garden hosts glass sculptures, which allow light into the Columbarium below.  Upon entering, the elements of light, air, and water are present.  The water fountain, plants and light make this Columbarium beautiful and much different from the dark (and creepy) ones I have visited.

We offered a donation to the church for our most pleasant and informative tour.  We ended our morning with a healthy, light lunch at Sunny Choice Organic Vegetarian Cafe near Butok Batok MRT station.

/ Lynda Sellars