Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Culture 中华佛教文化馆, Bei Tou

We were encouraged to visit Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Culture (中华佛教文化馆) located at Bei Tou (北投) before departure for the airport. Thanks to Bro LH from local DDMY who guided us there, we alighted at "Xin Bei Tou" (新北投) MRT station and on our way to the Institute, delightful beautiful sights at this district well-known for hot springs welcomed us.

Bei Tou Hot Springs Museum
Bei Tou public library, resembling a ship

We finally reached our destination, a building beside the small park, about 15minutes' walk from the MRT.


We were welcomed by this standing statute of Guanyin at the side of the main entrance of the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Culture (中华佛教文化馆). This is where Ven. Master Dongchu started his propagation of Buddhism. A place worth visiting when you are around the area...

After visiting the Lotus Bell at DDM which we can only admire, the bell here is available for us to sound it personally and caused some excitement among us and of course, we didn't miss the opportunity to sound it, following the wordings on the right.
"On hearing the sounds of the bell, Worries lightens, Wisdom grows, Bodhicitta arises, Away from hell, Out of fire (samsara?), Aspires to become Buddha, Helps guide sentient beings" followed by mantra
(sorry for poor translation:P Welcome better translation...:-))
It is located at 276, Guangming Road, Beitou, Taipei, 112 Taiwan. ROC (Tel: 886-2-2891-2550)

Juming Museum 朱銘美術館

Ever since noticing the signboard near the Dharma Drum Emblem Rock, a few of us had planned to visit this famous neigbhour of DDM, Juming Museum (朱銘美術館).

When LZ asked for directions, Venerable overheard and kindly volunteered to bring us there and it became our mini-overseas group excursion.

The entrance may look normal but after entering, that's beginning of a big venue tour expected!

You are welcomed into his art world via 2 stretches of wall paintings with wordings which reveals his thoughts before embarking on tour of his hugh sculpture art.
This caught my attention. A calligraphy of his state of realisation on hugh lantern exhibit?
The Living World Series- Parachutes under a mini pyramid to create reflection sensation...
Start of our outdoor tour of his hugh sculpture

The Army, Navy and Pilot series

His famous Taichi series

Just what we need, a big umbrella...what a sunny day!:-)

Indoor exhibits on painted wood

This is really a enriching experience to be able to see hugh exhibits of different themes using different materials. Above shown is just a fraction of its exhibits. The museum also has a creative section planned for children. I would say we greatly benefited from their professional guided tour to better appreciate how the art pieces are created and not lost in the hugh garden, hence I would strongly encouraged 1st-timers to follow their guided tour before venturing on your own. It's a great place where you could easily spend a relaxing half day there.:-)

They are closed on Mondays except on their national holidays and

their official web at : http://www.juming.org.tw/opencms/juming/.

It is located at Jinshan of Taipei, you could find directions to get there by clicking here

Cheers :-)

Skate Park

Skate Park is just located outside exit of Somerset MRT.

If you like to watch, or practise a few moves of skating or cycling stunts, this is where you can consider. A popular spot for the youth until 10pm when lights are off. It's another project by the National Youth Council, besides the Youth Park (near Cineleisure) amidst the busy Orchard Road. So, even in a very small scale, it had demonstrated some lively aspects of Singapore.:-)

National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore, located at 93 Stamford Road, is Singapore's biggest and oldest museum, with history dating back to 1887.

With its official opening in Dec 2006 after major redevelopment, it aims to redefine conventional museum experience. One innovation is the use of a multimedia handheld device, the Companion, at the Singapore History Gallery.
You may also like to find out more about its architecture via its official web: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/ , select About the Museum/Architecture and Design. One decoration that caught my attention during last visit is the swinging lamps near the Canyon. (I felt like I had walked into Harry Potter's movie plot :-) )

The Museum is accessible via Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut or City Hall
or via Bus: to alight before YMCA or along Stamford Road.
Bus No.17, 14E, 16, 36, 111, 124, 162, 174, 174E, 502, 77, 106, 167, 171, 190, 700, 700A

Admission fees: $10
Opening hours:
Singapore History Gallery 10am-6pm,
Singapore Living Galleries 10am-8pm.Tel: 6332 5642
Web: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/

Seu Teck Sean Tong Yiang Sin Sia 修德善堂

Located at 335 Bedok North Avenue 3, which is just opposite Red Swastika school, the temple mainly worships Reverend Song Ta-Fung who left behind a noble chapter of his legendary works and teachings in Teochew history.

The main structure of the monastery is the two halls (left hall, which is the main Prayer Hall, and right hall, which is commonly known as the Ancestral Hall) linked to 'Zuo Zhuah' Tower (a four storey tower).
In between the two halls is the al frésca garden with a grand arc spelt "Shan Ren" - Benevolence and Endurance at its entrance. Within the garden, look out for Chinese Bonsai of rare breeds and the trimmed Bonsai of Chinese characters of "Seu Teck Sean Tong Yiang Sin Sia".

The Main Prayer Hall

For more information on the temple, one may visit its well created web: http://www.seuteck.org/index_eng.html

On its architecture: http://www.seuteck.org/grand_temple_frameset.html

On the story of Reverend Song Ta-Fung: http://www.seuteck.org/tafung_frameset.html

General Opening Hours:

Monday - Sunday : 7.00 am - 6.00 pm.

Oh, a movie on Reverend! 
https://youtu.be/Xon4h-Ff0no

Dharma Drum Singapore 法鼓山新加坡护法会

Dharma Drum Singapore is a centre of cultivation to promote Master Sheng Yen’s vision to "uplift the character of humanity and build a pure land on earth". 秉持着推广圣严师父的理念「提升人的品质，建设人间净土」.

It organises weekly chanting and meditation sessions.
More info can be found at http://www.ddsingapore.org/introduction_eng.htm
It also has a small library that has a good collection of books by Master Sheng Yen.

(I will miss its old premise at Duxton, DDS has moved to 38 Carpmael Road S429781, near Paya Lebar MRT)

Fo Guang Shan (Singapore) 新加坡佛光山

Another visit to Fo Guang Shan, more pictures...

Buddha at Main Shrine ("Diamond Sutra " Lapis Lazuli Wall behind the Buddha)

Compassionate look from the Buddha touches one...
You may find out more about FGS (S) from their web: http://www.blia.sg/BLIAtest/ENG/default.aspIt's 5-10mins walk from Punggol MRT.