Exploring Dro-Phen Ling: A Haven of Tibetan Buddhist Culture in the Heart of the City

Tibetan Buddhism dates back to 900 AD when Atisa Dipamkara traveled to Tibet to impart the teachings of Buddha. The King then called the great teacher to stay and teach the teachings of Lord Buddha to the whole of Tibet.  

Later, he traveled to the whole of Asia to spread the teachings of Dharma. However, with the annexation of Tibet, many monks flew to different places across the world. Later, a few monks visited Singapore to keep the lineage alive and bring the community.  

So, to follow the prospect, the Dro-Phen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center came into existence in the heart of Singapore City. That way, both the Lama and Rinpoche can impart their leadership and blessing to the monks and teachers of Tibetan Buddhism.  

History of Dro-Phen Ling 

In 2002, Dro-Phen Ling was founded as the center of Dharma, which included the great teachings of Buddha and the great gurus of Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore, Mama Karen built the temple in the heart of the city to uphold the deep traditions and culture of Tibetan Buddhism.  

Later, the 14th Dalai Lama in India was named Dro-Phen Ling, which was a place to benefit beings. Lati Rinpoche, who gave the name Gaden Shartse, further expanded this to teach the philosophy of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni and make the world a better place.  

Hence, after its establishment. Mama Karen has given great leadership elements, which has led to the growth of the community and pujas in the monastery. Today, a number of people visit the temple to pray with monks and teachers together.  

Existence and Mission of Dro-Phen Ling 

Lord Buddha Shakyamuni sought to remove hatred from the world and make it a better place to live and grow. Similarly, the monastery takes its logo from its mother monastery, Gaden Shartse Monastery. 

The reason for choosing the logo is that the creatures featured in the logo overcame the hatred among each other and promoted harmony and love. The creatures include -  

The eight-legged lion 

The fish with fur 

The sea-dragon 

That way, it affirms that even if we are different in color and shape, we can all live together in harmony and love. Furthermore, they aim to promote the Gelug lineage of Lama Tsong Khapa, who was a great propagator of Tibetan Buddhism in Singapore. That way, you can allow the fragments of Tibetan Buddhists to find a home in the monastery.  

What are the Do’s and Don’ts in the Monastery? 

When you visit a Tibetan Buddhist temple, there are certain things you need to follow.  

Do’s  

Here are a few things you need to follow -  

Keep the Shoes and Hats Outside  

One of the first things you need to do is keep the shoe and hat outside the temple. Buddhists see it as insulting to the deity if you choose to wear them inside the temple. So, follow the people to where they are keeping their shoes, followed by keeping the hat in your hands.  

Dress Carefully  

When you enter a Buddhist temple, you need to be well-covered, even if you are a man or woman. Wearing short pants and dresses where your waistline and cleavage are visible is seen as disrespectful to Buddha. Therefore, avoid wearing short pants and dresses where your waistline and cleavage are visible. So, cover yourself properly before you enter the temple.  

Don’t’s  

Here are a few things you need to abstain from -  

Don’t Disrespect The Buddha Statue  

One of the things you should refrain from doing is not touching the Buddha statue. Moreover, you shouldn’t try to sit on it, climb the statue, or get up on the pedestal. It’s a straight no, as it seems disrespectful to the Buddha and monks present in the temple.  

Restrict From Pointing at Things  

Another thing that you can do is restrict yourself from pointing at things with your finger, as it seems disrespectful and inappropriate behavior. Therefore, you can use your right palm with your face opening up to let people know you want to ask something. Also, you should refrain from pointing your feet toward the Buddha.  

The Bottom Line  

In the end, we can say that you can visit Dro-Phen Ling in Singapore, where the temple will introduce you to the deepest philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism and teach you more about the Buddha and his way of living.  

So, read the article above to know more.