Buddhism is a spiritual tradition which illuminates the path towards the realisation of one’s highest potential. The Buddha – ‘One who knows’ – is the embodiment of this state of perfect wisdom and compassion. His legacy has inspired and enriched countless lives for more than 2,500 years. Over the years, Buddhism has evolved into a variety of forms – the Theravada (represented by Sri Lankan, Burmese and Thai Buddhism), the Mahayana (Chinese, Japanese and Korean Buddhism); and the Vajrayana (Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhism).
Started in 1983 as Singapore’s first public Buddhist book service, the Buddhist Library (BL) aims to promote a holistic understanding and appreciation of Buddhism through study and practice. The BL is not exclusively affiliated to any particular Buddhist school or tradition. Taking on a universal approach to Buddhism, it encourages Buddhists irrespective of school, tradition or orientation, to come together to study, interact and cooperate with each other. The library has established close links with many other Buddhist organisations in Singapore and overseas.
Our Vision
Well-being through the holistic study and practice of Buddhism.
Our Mission
To provide a gate-way to the Dhamma through education, sharing of personal experiences and the conduct of mutually beneficial activities in a vibrant and supportive environment.
In accordance with our mission of ‘Sharing the Dhamma’, The Buddhist Library (BL) is open to the general public. Members are permitted to borrow our books. Our collection of books on Buddhism, especially those in English, is possibly one of the best available in Singapore.
The Buddhist Library’s collection now surpass 16,000 books in English and Chinese covering various aspects of Buddhism, including scriptural texts, doctrine, philosophy, ethics, meditation, devotion, art and architecture. It also has a sizable collection of books on related subjects, including other major world religions, Eastern and Western philosophy, comparative religion, psychology and ecology. There are also books on Buddhism for children. The Library’s book collection keeps growing through the generosity of members and devotees who donate new books to the Library each year.
Our Activities
The BL has grown to become more than just a specialised library. It is also a place where all those who are interested in Buddhist practice can come to study, meditate, and learn to apply traditional Buddhist values to contemporary needs.
The BL first started conducting courses in the basic doctrines of Buddhism and then graduated to providing more advanced courses, both of which have helped to extend the horizon of Dhamma knowledge of those who are interested in learning Buddhism. A wide range of Dhamma courses as well as Sunday Dhamma classes and activities for children are conducted to make available the teachings of the Buddha. The post-graduate Buddhist studies commenced since 2007 in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
The BL has periodically been receiving distinguished Buddhist monks and scholars from various countries and various Buddhist schools, traditions, and orientation to deliver lectures and participate in seminars.
Photo credit: Qiu Huixiang