The Straits Times - Events to shed light on Taoism, other faiths
By April Chong
19 August 2008
TO DEBUNK misconceptions that Taoism is a religion based largely on superstitions, the Taoist Federation will be holding an exhibition to provide a deeper insight into its history and practices.
The exhibition of almost 400 books in 36 languages will feature the works of the Taoist sage Lao Zi, known as Dao De Jing.
Believed to have been written more than 2,500 years ago, they contain nuggets of Chinese philosophy widely read by politicians, researchers and policy makers.
The exhibition is being organised by the Taoist Federation.
Its chairman, Mr Tan Thiam Lye, said yesterday: 'There have been misconceptions that Taoism is a religion based on superstitious beliefs. From this, we hope to let everyone have a glimpse of the history, culture and philosophies in Taoist practices.'
As at the last population census in 2000, Taoists make up 8.5 per cent of the population, down from 30 per cent in 1980.
Although there are about 2,000 Taoist temples here, its popularity is waning among the young.
This came through in a recent Straits Times survey on religions here.
It showed that one quarter of Taoists leave the faith, and most of them under the age of 24.
The exhibition will be one way of reaching out to a younger audience, said secretary-general of the Taoist Federation Youth Group Chung Kwang Tong.
Besides rare and out-of-print editions of the Dao De Jing on display, the exhibition will also include an inter-faith flavour with scriptures and materials from 10 major religions here.
President S R Nathan will open the exhibition on Sept 4 at 11.30am at the Suntec Concourse level 3 and he will be writing the word Dao in Chinese calligraphy.
There will also be chanting of the Taoist scriptures and performances by a Taoist orchestra group during the opening ceremony.
The exhibition, which goes on to Sept 9, is one of two events being organised by the Federation.
Together with the Hong Kong Taoist organisation Fung Ying Seen Koon, the Federation will also be holding an inter-faith forum to promote understanding of the various religions, and to preserve peace and harmony in Singapore.
The forum on Saturday, at the Suntec Auditorium from 2pm to 4pm, will be helmed by four speakers from the Buddhist, Christian, Islamic and Taoist faiths.
It will be chaired by Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, MP for Aljunied GRC, and attended by the leaders from the 10 major religions here.
Both the forum and the exhibition will be open to the public and admission is free.
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The Straits Times - Talk on Hinduism and everyday life
19 August 2008
THE Hindu Centre here will be bringing together seven eminent speakers for a conference titled Hinduism In A Changing World: Challenges And Opportunities.
The conference this weekend, which aims to relate Hindu tenets to everyday life, will be held at the event hall beside the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road.
Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be opening the event.
Registration forms are available at the Hindu Centre in Owen Road and on its website www.hinducentre.org.sg
Conference fees are at $30 for members of the public while full-time students and national service men pay $20.
The 30-year-old Hindu Centre, which promotes Hinduism through education and service, also runs programmes for prison inmates, the elderly and youth at risk.
In addition, it gives out bursaries for needy students of all religions through Sinda, the Singapore Indian Development Association.
