01What happens during a pūjā
A pūjā is the act of taking the Three Refuges (the Buddha, Dhamma and Saṅgha) with symbolic offerings, recitations and reflections.
- 10.45–11.00am
Arrival & seating
Please take your shoes off, and place them in an orderly manner on the shoe racks available. Sit where the floor mats are laid out. We encourage you to take the front rows, so that on the occasion that there are latecomers, they have space to sit down too.
- 11.00am
Offering
Candles, incense, flowers, food and drinks are offered while reciting the virtues of the Buddha. Participate or simply observe.
- 11.10am
Chanting
Taking refuge and the five precepts; verses of offering, the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma and Saṅgha, the Mettā Sutta, and rejoicing in merits, closing with loving-kindness meditation. The recitation is projected on the screens in the Hall, and you are welcome to chant together or recite the words quietly in your mind.
- 11.20am
Blessings
Wishing good health, longevity and success, the Venerables bless those present by sprinkling blessed water while reciting verses of protection.
- 11.25am
Dhamma sharing
A brief talk in English by one of our Venerables on a theme for daily practice.
- 11.35am
Sharing of merits
Merits we’ve accumulated through the weeks are shared with our departed loved ones and all living beings by mindfully pouring water from a teapot into a receiving vessel while thinking of them: a quiet, collective moment of generosity.
- 11.45am
Offering Dāna
Lunch dāna is offered to the Venerables in the dining hall. Newcomers are welcome to stay and observe; ask a volunteer if unsure.
02What to wear
Please dress decently and modestly.
Great
Tops that cover the shoulders, and trousers, shorts or skirts that cover the knees. Long trousers or a long skirt are ideal. Loose, opaque fabrics and plain colours suit the hall. White is traditional but not required.
Shoes
You'll remove shoes before the shrine hall, so slip-ons are convenient. Socks are fine. Hats off indoors.
Weather
The hall is lightly air-conditioned. A light shawl or cardigan helps if you run cold.
03What to bring, nothing required
There's no charge to attend and no expectation to donate. Everything below is optional.
- An offering of flowers Fresh flowers (no plastic) can be offered at the shrine, but a set is provided if you'd like to take part without bringing your own.
- A small donation If you feel moved to, you may contribute at the dāna box. Any amount is appreciated; none is expected.
- A water bottle The pūjā is about an hour, but feel free to consume water that you brought, just not food in the shrine hall.
04Entering the shrine hall
A few simple conventions make the space comfortable for everyone. They're easy to follow, and if you're unsure, someone nearby is always happy to help.
- Remove shoes at the step and place them on the wooden rack.
- Enter quietly, if chanting has begun, wait briefly at the rear.
- Walk around the perimeter, not across the centre aisle, to find a space to sit.
- Sit facing the Buddha image. At all times, your feet shouldn't point toward the altar; sit cross-legged, kneel, or tuck your feet to one side.
- Chairs are available at the back for those who prefer not to sit on the floor.
- Phones to be in silent mode. Photography is welcome before the service begins, not during.
05Language & chanting
Chanting is in Pāli, the liturgical language of Theravāda Buddhism. The Dhamma talks and most announcements are in English. Besides the screens projecting the chanting, printed booklets at the back of the hall give romanised Pāli alongside English translations, so you can follow along or simply listen.
- Pūjā
- Service of devotion, the communal act of chanting and offering at the shrine.
- Dhamma
- The teachings of the Buddha; the nature of things as they are.
- Saṅgha
- The community of monastics.
- Dāna
- Generosity, the foundational practice of giving without attachment.
- Mettā
- Loving-kindness; the wish for others to be well and at ease.
06Arrival & where to go on site
Our address is 30 Jalan Eunos, Singapore 419495. The main Shrine Hall is the larger building; reception is just inside.
If it's your very first time, do mention it at reception, we're always glad to welcome you in person.
For directions, MRT & bus options, parking, and wheelchair access, see Getting Here.
07Frequently asked questions
Can I come if I'm not Buddhist?
Absolutely. Our pūjā sessions are public and open to anyone interested, Buddhists of other traditions, people of other faiths, and those simply curious. No one will ask you to affiliate or sign anything.
Should I bow? Should I chant?
Only if you'd like to. Many first-time visitors simply sit quietly and observe. Traditional gestures (a small bow of the head; hands placed together in añjali, a gesture of respect) are welcome but never required.
Can I bring children?
Yes, families are very welcome. The Sunday Dhamma School for children begins with its own pūjā at 9.30am and classes from 10am, before the public pūjā, often a good way for young ones to arrive. Quiet infants are welcome in the hall. To enrol children, or to ask which age groups the school suits and what to bring, call +65 6744 4285 or ask at the office (open Sundays 10am–1pm).
Is the temple wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There's step-free access to the Shrine Hall via a ramp at the side entrance, and accessible toilets on the ground floor. See Getting Here for details.
Do I need to register?
Not for the Sunday public pūjā or Dhamma talks, services are drop-in, simply come. Some classes (meditation, study programmes) do ask you to register first; call +65 6744 4285 and we'll tell you how.
Can I take photos?
Before and after the service, yes, we're happy for visitors to photograph the architecture and murals. During the pūjā itself, please refrain, out of respect for those in practice.
Still have questions?
We'd rather answer a "small" question than have you hesitate. Call us, or come by.