The Insignificance and Vulnerability of Simplicity

Friday, June 12

09-06-09

Happy Birthday to me.
How often do I get to see such nice numbers ^^

Took a day off work,
Checked my emails
Lazed around at home.

Felt good in fact =D

Just before dinner
Popped down to Chinatown with Mommy..
And finally I stepped foot into this sacred place since it was being completed probably three years ago?

Relics

The crystallization of solid remains of Buddha..
Or simply colorful crystals found on a cremated body.

It’s a form of spiritual energy left behind by a person of heightened enlightenment..
An essence of wisdom, free from lust, greed and wrath.
Untainted by the forces of nature..
That is why the remnants remained colorful solids even after subjected to strong fire heat.

The Buddhists believed that the relics is seen to be the Buddha himself.
That explained the significance of worshipping of these relics.

Probably five years ago,
There were two relic exhibitions at Expo to which A LOT of people attended.
Imagined a six hour queue just to get into the hall.

This temple was built after the exhibitions to house these relics..
That also meant there will not be anymore relics exhibitions in future.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

We got off at Chinatown MRT, walked towards exit A.
The minute we came out from the station, we saw the bustling Chinatown streets.
Most shops by then were already in full operations, and the growing crowd was evident.
Absolutely disorientated by Smith Street, Sago Street, Trengganu Street, Pagoda Street..
Only got the directions right after we asked one of the store personnel who was luckily erm not from China.

We soon came to spot the 5-storey building.
Awesome mix of red wooden pillars and glass panels..
The doors had on ancient dragon-head like handles.
The Japanese crafted roofs resemble traditional ancient times.
I couldn’t help whipping out my camera the instant my eyes got transfixed on it.

Conceptualised and designed by Venerable Shi Fa Zhao
The temple was built, incorporating the best of Tang Dynasty

(as Buddhism flourished during the Tang Dynasty)
One of perfect symmetry and craftsmanship.

More information can be found here

The entrance gateway was majestic indeed.
Another place of interest for some fantastic serious photoshoots.
This time round,
Both Caucasians and the locals had DSLRs slung over their necks..
Walking around trying to capture the best angled shots possible.

We entered the gateway and found ourselves in a courtyard.
Just like those temples hidden away in the deep mountains.
Nothing glamorous
Just a simple and magnificent abode enough to calm the tired mind and soul.

Just beside the temple stood the movable stores.
And the hyped crowds going about their usual routines..
Just a pavement apart,
Stepping into the temple seemed to teleport me into another realm..
That of peace and tranquility..

Stepping into the main hall,

The Hundred Dragons Hall
We were greeted by a spread of splendid golden splendor..

The three Buddhas stood grand in the middle of the hall..

Enshrined by hundreds of other Buddhas on both sides.
I was..

Overwhelmed.

Intricate details are found all around the temple..

Even the lifts walls are wrapped in exquisite fabric..
Intriguing hanging lamps, dragon motifs in delicate embroidery..

The main hall reminded me of the main hall back in Japan’s Zojoji temple.
We bought some flowers and candles from the offerings shop just beside.
The glasses containing the candles were laid out in a line on the altar.

At the back of the main hall lies the Buddhas who protect the various Zodiacs..

As well as another row of Buddhas whom you can make offerings by buying golden leaves to patch onto their bodies =)

The second storey housed a souvenir shop and a cozy tea house which was closed when we got there.
There were many corners with wooden benches for a quiet afternoon of reading in the library.
Further up the fourth storey was the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber to which no photography was allowed in there.

No sleeveless tops and mini skirts for female visitors.
Females who had them on will be expected to don sarongs provided at the side of the lifts for more coverage as a form of respect to the deities =)

I thought it was a day very well-spent with mommy.
This was the second temple that I absolutely adore after Kong Meng San Monastery.
I felt like a tourist myself that very moment.