The Buddhist community, the largest religious group in Singapore, has “set the tone of tolerance and acceptance of other faiths”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, while thanking it for the work it has done to help Singaporeans of all races and religions.
For instance, the Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic’s seven branches provide medical services to the poor and needy, he said, and the Metta Welfare Association runs nine centres across the island, serving the elderly, the disabled, and special needs children.
PM Lee Hsien Loong attending the Vesak Day celebrations
Speaking at the Singapore Buddhist Federation’s (SBF) Vesak Day celebration held at the Indoor Stadium Friday last week, Mr Lee also commended the organisation for proactively helping to foster inter-faith understanding.
He referenced Gautama Buddha’s teachings about kindness, tolerance, compassion, selflessness and moral integrity, which have endured for 2,500 years. As Singapore celebrates its 50th birthday, Mr Lee said Singaporeans should also reflect on the values that “brought us here and will keep us going”: Inclusiveness and unity.
“Being an inclusive society, where the strong and the better-off step forward to help the weak and less fortunate among us, so that all enjoy the fruits of progress. Staying one united people, where different races and religions can work together for the common good,” he said.
“If we stay together and stay harmonious, we will build a better Singapore for all of us.”
Mr Lee added that Singapore has much to be thankful for at the historic juncture of its Golden Jubilee, including the nation’s harmonious, multi-racial and multi-cultural society.
“We have shown over the last half century that with mutual respect and understanding, different religions can come together to build trust and harmony ... That people from different religions share common values that inspire us to look beyond ourselves and care for the others who are around us,” he said at the event, which was attended by about 6,400 participants.
The Fan Dance by Didim Dance Company at the Vesak Day celebration
The opening chinese dance by Beijing Soul Inspiring Art Troupe at the Vesak Day celebration
This year, the SBF has joined hands with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) on the Building Bridges Programme, which promotes inter-faith understanding.
The celebrations Friday, themed Blissful Vesak, Peaceful Singapore, included an array of musical performances by different groups, such as the Buddhist College of Singapore and the Beijing Soul Inspiring Art Troupe.
In his speech, SBF president, Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, said people of different faiths had played a part in putting together Friday’s programme.
He added: “The foundation that enables Singaporeans to live in peace and harmony is aligned with the teachings of the Dharma ... We hope all Singaporeans will always treasure the ideal of maintenance of harmony and feel duty-bound to uphold this ideal in order to ensure everlasting stability and happiness.”
Source: http://www.todayonline.com/
