TODAY

Buddhism is gaining wide appeal across the globe. The large international membership of the World Buddhist Sangha Council is clear evidence. There are a growing number of internet sites that offer information about Buddhism. Many companies produce music, videos, and multi-media educational material on Buddhism. Buddhism has even influenced pop culture and permeated into the psyche of the masses. In Singapore too, Buddhism has not only retained its relevance, but is gaining popularly. Between 1990 and 2000, the percentage of Singaporeans above 15 years old who are Buddhists increased from 31% to 43%, the largest increase amongst all major religions. Dharma talks in Singapore are now also conducted in English, to reach out to young Singaporeans, including professionals. Devotees today do not just visit the temples to pray. They are eager to delve deeper into the Buddhist scriptures and reflect upon their philosophical and spiritual significance.

The rise in popularity of Buddhism is part of a global revival of religious consciousness. This is a natural human response to the tumultuous times that we are living through. Globalisation brings greater economic opportunities, especially to a small economy like Singapore. But it is also fundamentally reshaping the world that we are living in, generating unpredictable and disorienting changes, and creating apprehension, uncertainty and discontent. Religions help people cope with such uncertainties, and provide them a moral and spiritual anchor during disruptive times. While religion provides certainty and reassurance, we live in a diverse world, in which people belong to different religions and hold conflicting beliefs. With globalisation, it becomes even more important to live with this diversity, and respect the faiths of others. Singapore is itself an outcome of globalisation. We are situated at a major junction for trade, which explains why major ethnic groups and religions are present and living side by side in Singapore. Tolerance and harmony are therefore fundamental principles of our society. We must harness the common principles of all religions, which are to uphold universal values of peace, harmony, goodness and tolerance. Buddhism itself is above all a religion of tolerance and peace. Since its founding more than two thousand years ago, no country has gone to war in the name of Buddhism.

Those principles need to be emphasised now more than at any other time in recent history. There are of course people who exploit the name of religion to commit crimes and atrocities. But religious leaders should take a clear stand to disavow and condemn such extremists, as they have done. We must show beyond doubt that these extremists and their atrocities are against the teachings of all reputable religions. While the common values and principles of different religions can be a unifying strength for a multi-racial society like Singapore, we also need to make a conscious effort to respect the sensitivities and needs of each religion, to compromise with and accommodate one another. So in Singapore, every school canteen serves both Muslim and non-Muslim food. Taoists refrain from burning enormous joss-sticks during seventh moon dinners; and mosques lower the volume of the azan - the Muslim call to prayer, replacing it with radio broadcasts. We are developing a Code on Religious Harmony, which will guide social interaction in a multi-religious society, and reaffirm the values and principles that have helped maintain religious harmony over the years. I hope that religious organisations in Singapore will further pursue inter-religious group collaboration. For example, the Federation could explore teaming up with another non-Buddhist group to jointly run some social services. Such collaboration can be a useful way to improve understanding and trust.

A second challenge of globalisation is wider social disparity. We cannot hold back enterprising and capable people who seize global opportunities to create wealth and generate jobs for others. But as these people surge ahead, many others who are less capable or lucky will be left behind. As the social divide widens, we risk creating dangerous fault-lines within society. To bridge this gap, successful individuals must show that they care for and will commit themselves to improve the lives of the less successful. We must promote philanthropy to help the needy and make them feel valued as equal members of society. Religious institutions are an effective channel to bring together those who can help, and those who need help. In this respect, the leaders of the Buddhist community in Singapore have shown much wisdom and social consciousness, putting into practice the imperative of compassion. In particular, I would like to commend two initiatives by the Singapore Buddhist Federation. First, the Federation has run the Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic for over 33 years, treating more than 12 million patients. There are now six branches spread across the island, serving mainly lower income Singaporeans. Another social service by the Singapore Buddhist Federation is Ren Ci Hospital. It is a community hospital for the chronic sick, and caters to patients of all races and religions. These facilities would not be sustainable without the contributions from donors and well-wishers.

This is the first time that the Singapore Buddhist Federation is hosting an event of this size, bringing together so many delegates from around the world. The theme of this year's conference is how Buddhists can contribute to community service, education and social affairs. The topic reflects the positive contribution that religion and religious values bring to society. It is a timely forum, in the light of global developments.