My Prayers and Practices: Buddhist Alms Rounds with Phra Goh Chun Kiang from Palelai Buddhist Temple
Alms round is a traditional Buddhist practice for monks to walk through the community and collect food or other offerings from laypeople. Discover what alms round looks like in the Bedok South neighbourhood with Phra Goh, one of Singapore’s youngest monks ordained at 23 years old.
About the Programme
- What You'll Do
- Meet Your Host
- Important Details
What You'll Do
An alms round, also known as alms giving, is a practice followed in Buddhism. It involves a monastic or mendicant practitioner, such as a monk or nun, going on a daily round in the community to receive alms, which are offerings of food or other basic necessities.
During an alms round, the monk walks in a designated area, often barefoot and carrying an alms bowl. They rely on the generosity of laypeople and the community for their sustenance. As they walk, people from the community approach and place food or other items in the alms bowl as an act of giving and to support the monastic’s needs.
Find out more about the importance of alms giving as a way for laypeople to cultivate generosity, compassion, and selflessness. By offering food and support to the monastics, they have the opportunity to practice giving and develop qualities of kindness and generosity. Alms rounds create a direct and personal connection between the monastic community and the lay community. It allows for interactions and exchanges, fostering a sense of unity, mutual support, and spiritual connection.
Don’t miss this exclusive tour!
Meet Your Host
About Phra Goh Chun Kiang
Phra Goh is a resident monk from Palelai Buddhist Temple. He was ordained in 2008 at the age of 23 in Malaysia after completing his National Service, making him one of Singapore’s youngest monks. Like many ordained monks, he lives within the temple’s premises and rarely leaves the temple apart from alms rounds and important functions.
About Palelai Buddhist Temple
Founded in 1962 by Phrakru Prakassa Dhammakun, the Palelai Buddhist Temple was originally housed at Poh Huat Road. It then moved to Jalan Nipah and subsequently to its present location at Bedok Walk. The temple in Bedok was completed and consecrated in May 1973. An additional wing, the Chedi Dhammasathit building, was consecrated more recently in February 2007. The temple practises Theravada Buddhism, also known as ‘the way of the elders’, a philosophy distinct from Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.
More Details
What to bring?
- Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own earphones (with a standard 3.5mm audio jack) because we will be using radio guides for the tour!
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
What to expect?
- In addition to touring the temple, participants will be taking a bus to and fro Blk 58 Upper Changi Road for a commentary on its alms rounds.
Other important information
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration.
- The tour will proceed rain or shine.
- Parking is available at East Village Shopping Complex (348 Bedok Rd, Singapore 469560).
- The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is allowed at event premises.
Disclaimer
- All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
Time and Duration
Days & Dates
Sunday, 13 August 2023
Sunday, 20 August 2023
Ticket Price
(excluding Eventbrite service fee)
Meeting Point
Ending Point
Language(s) / Age Limit(s)
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