Etiquette

The monastery is a sanctuary for celibate monks and the practice of modesty and restraint of the senses. Visitors are kindly requested not to come in shorts (bermudas are acceptable), short skirts with lengths above the knees, low cut blouses, or other revealing clothings, as a form of respect to the monastery and its community. Beyond this, visitors of all faiths are welcome to visit the temple.

NOTE: The temple’s official opening hours are 9am - 5pm following the office hours, however visitors are still able to attend the respective activities while the gates are open from 5am - 9pm.

(Scroll down/Click on the activity to find out more)

The practice of meditation forms the heartwood of Buddhist practice. At the basic level, it provides the practitioner with a sense of inner well-being and peace. At the higher levels, it forms the basis for deep insight that penetrates into the very nature of human existence, opening up the doorways for keen practitioners to alleviate themselves from human suffering.

Our resident monastic community (Sangha) leads two meditation sessions on a daily basis at the Meditation Hall on the 3rd floor of the main Chedi building (go up the staircase from the central Arahants’ Hall). No instructions are provided, meditators of all levels are welcome to join the sit quietly behind the Sangha. A short blessing will be given at the end of the session.

Chanting is a melodious recitation of the Buddha’s words and teachings. It is a helpful way of re-directing the mind’s attention towards wholesome objects, such as the qualities of the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha).

The daily chanting sessions in Palelai are held at the Main Shrine and are led by the Sangha in the ancient Buddhist language, Pali, and sometimes Thai. All laity are welcome to join.

For reference, visitors may find the chanting books situated at the back of the Hall, on the shelves beside the main entrance.

Learn more about Chanting →

The daily alms-round, where monks (bhikkhus) gather alms-food in their alms-bowls while barefooted, is practised by the resident bhikkhus of Palelai Buddhist Temple. This practice allows the public to learn about the Theravada Buddhist tradition's monastic way of living and the mutual support between monastics and lay supporters.

Anyone is welcome to offer only consumable and/or uncooked food requisites into the bhikkhus’ alms-bowls. The bhikkhus are accompanied by our volunteers to the alms-round that takes place at 8:15am to 8:45am at the following locations:

Monday - Blk 823 Tampines Market

Tuesday - Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4 Food Centre

Wednesday - Blk 216 Bedok North Street 1 Food Centre

Thursday - Blk 16 Bedok South Market & Food Centre

Friday - Blk 511 Bedok North Street 3 Food Centre

Saturday - Blk 538 Bedok North Food Centre

Sunday - Blk 58 Upper Changi Road

Upon returning to the monastery, volunteers will re-offer the cooked food to the bhikkhus during the meal offerings of the same day. All uncooked food requisites will be utilised responsibly by the Kitchen to prepare the subsequent days’ meals.

Learn more about Pindapata →

Bhikkhus have their meals before mid-day, in accordance to the Code of Monastic Disicpline (Vinaya). At Palelai, the Sangha consumes their breakfast and lunch meals in the Dining Hall at 6.30 am and 10.45 am respectively.

The variations in the kinds of food offered during meal-times are in keeping with the meal habits of the Buddha and his monk-disciples, who refrain from taking solid food and milk-foods after mid-day. Suggested types of food to offer can be nutritious foods ranging from staple grains, main dishes, fruits, drinks, etc.

Simple food preparation (exclusive of cooking) can be made in the Kitchen before the meal offerings commence. As a guide, visitors are recommended to have their food ready at least 15 minutes before the offering begins. In other words:

6.15 am Food to be placed on the round table in the Dining Hall

10.30 am Food to be placed on the round table in the Dining Hall, except for Sundays when it should be placed on the long tables in the Kitchen

At 6.30 am and 10.45 am, the laity will gather in the Dining Hall to formally offer the meals to the bhikkhus, who will accept the meals and give blessings for the sharing of merits to departed relatives. Thereafter, visitors are advised to leave the Dining Hall for the bhikkhus to eat in privacy and in silence.

On Sundays, the laity will take the Three Refuges and Five Precepts led by a senior bhikkhu at 10.45 am before the meal is offered.

Learn more about Dana →

Learn more about Refuges & Precepts →

Visitors are able to receive blessings by Phra Khru at the Main Hall, where they can visit at the following timings:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday: 9 am - 4.30 pm (There will be a break for Phra Khru to take his meal from 10.45 am - 12 pm)

Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: 12 pm - 4.30 pm

Typically, blessings are given for the sharing of merits accrued from the performance of a wholesome deed to departed relatives. They may come in the form of chanting the parittas, which are protective verses and discourses recited to ward off misfortunes, dangers or illnesses.

Adult Dhamma Class with Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA)

This weekly Dhamma class is held to help enrich one's knowledge and understanding on the Lord's Buddha teachings, such as the Dhamma and Abdhidhamma studies on consciousness and mental states.

Annual exams are conducted by YMBA in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Taking the exams is optional for students.

Lessons are held every Sunday from 10 am - 11 am on the Third floor of the Chedi building.

More details:

• Language - Classes are conduct in English and Pali. 

• Lessons are conducted free of charge. 

• All are welcome.

• For more information, contact Kanya at 9639 7548 / kanyayeo@singnet.com.sg

Children Dhamma Class (in Mandarin)

Children Dhamma Classes are held for students from 6 to 12 years old. The lessons are aimed at developing morality and a basic understanding of Buddhist practice from a young age.

Lessons are held every Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm, which include Dhamma teachings, chanting, meditation, arts and crafts, Buddhist songs, games and outdoor activities. Six classes are conducted concurrently to cater for different ages and Dhamma understanding. Our teachers come with past teaching experience.

More details:

• Classes are limited to 20 students.

• Fees - S$30 per year  (inclusive of textbooks, chanting book, uniforms, etc.). Students from lower-income families may request for fee exemption.

• Application forms may be collected from and submitted to the Temple Office after completion.

• An interview with parents may be required.

• For more information, please see on the notice board in front of the Temple Office, or you may contact Ms Soon Yang at 9824 2089