Amitabha Buddhist Centre

Amitabha Buddhist Centre is a prominent Mahayana Buddhist institution situated in the Geylang area of Singapore. It operates under the umbrella of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international non-profit organization established by Lama Thubten Yeshe. The center plays a significant role in disseminating Buddhist teachings and practices within Singapore.

Origins and Development

The genesis of Amitabha Buddhist Centre can be traced to the visits of Lama Thubten Yeshe and his disciple Thubten Zopa Rinpoche to Singapore in 1984. Following Lama Yeshe's passing in the same year, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche assumed the position of Spiritual Director. Initially, the center lacked a permanent base, with followers convening at various locations such as the Dharma Cakra Society and Cheng Beng Buddhist Society. In 1987, Venerable Thubten Chodron, an American Buddhist nun with prior teaching experience in the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong, was sent to Singapore as the Resident Teacher. She engaged in teaching Buddhism and meditation in schools and Buddhist societies for over a year.

The organization formally adopted the name "Amitabha Buddhist Centre" in 1988 and leased a house for its activities. Official registration followed in January 1989. The center embarked on fundraising efforts in 2000 to secure a permanent home, culminating in the construction of a new seven-storey Tibetan-style building at Lorong 25A Geylang, which was completed in mid-2006.

Notable Visits and Figures

Amitabha Buddhist Centre has been a site for significant spiritual events, including the visits of recognized reincarnate lamas. In May 1991, Tulku Tenzin Ösel Rinpoche, a young boy identified as the reincarnation of Lama Yeshe, visited Singapore for Vesak celebrations. His story was later documented in the book "Reincarnation: The Boy Lama" by Vicki Mackenzie. More recently, in April 2007, Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, confirmed by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of Geshe Lama Konchog, visited the center and met with thousands of devotees seeking blessings.

Present Day Operations

The current Resident Teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre is Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi. The center continues its affiliation with the FPMT, serving as a hub for Mahayana Buddhist teachings and community activities in Singapore.