History
The presence of Buddhism in Singapore is evident since Srivijayan times. In line with ancestral practices, many Chinese inhabitants incorporate elements of Taoism and Confucianism into Buddhism. By virtue thereof, there is a strong trend blending towards Thai Buddhism, which is seen to bear cultural similarities for its ability in encompassing Chinese culture and practices as represented in Taoism. Theravada, the oldest Buddhist school of thought, is seeing a potent growth in Singapore in the past decade.
The Singapore census includes detailed data on religion and ethnicity. Figures on Buddhism in 1980 shown that 27% of Singaporeans are Buddhists, up to 31.2% in 1990 and 42.5% in 2000. It is also noted that there is a significant increase of interest in the Buddhist teachings (dharma), practices, and customs (i.e. chanting, meditation, and offering formality). With a younger and more informed population, Buddhism is seen as the most viable religion in Singapore. However, there was a drop to 33.3% in the 2010 census.
Read more about this topic: Buddhism In Singapore
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“Universal history is the history of a few metaphors.”
—Jorge Luis Borges (18991986)
“... that there is no other way,
That the history of creation proceeds according to
Stringent laws, and that things
Do get done in this way, but never the things
We set out to accomplish and wanted so desperately
To see come into being.”
—John Ashbery (b. 1927)
“The history of modern art is also the history of the progressive loss of arts audience. Art has increasingly become the concern of the artist and the bafflement of the public.”
—Henry Geldzahler (19351994)