Nestled in the heart of Geylang, amidst the dense tapestry of shophouses and fast-paced city life, The Buddhist Library stands not merely as a repository of sacred texts but as a quiet yet profound force in the spiritual and intellectual life of Singapore. More than just shelves filled with scriptures, it is a space that cultivates the mind, touches the heart, and connects tradition with modernity. In many ways, The Buddhist Library is a symbol of how religious education and community service can coexist harmoniously, radiating the Dhamma beyond sectarian lines and across geographical borders.
Founded in 1982, The Buddhist Library (佛教图书馆) holds the unique distinction of being the first dedicated Buddhist library in Singapore. Its location—a pair of pre-war conservation shophouses along Lorong 24A Geylang—may appear modest to a casual passerby. But within its walls lies a vast universe of spiritual literature, art, and human stories. It serves not only the Buddhist community but anyone with a sincere curiosity about Buddhism. What sets it apart from many religious institutions is its non-sectarian nature. It does not operate as a temple or voluntary association. Rather, it embodies a neutral and inclusive approach, embracing the richness of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions under one roof.
Origins Rooted in Vision, Not Dogma
The story of The Buddhist Library begins with one remarkable individual: Venerable Dhammaratana, affectionately referred to as Bhante by his students and devotees. A Sri Lankan monk with deep roots in Theravada Buddhism, Bhante chose an unexpected path in 1973 when he left a prestigious monastic appointment in Sri Lanka to serve a growing Buddhist community in Singapore. His journey began humbly—in a garage on Marine Parade Road—yet his aspirations were never small. Education, not architecture, was his temple. Books, not bricks, were his foundation.
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| Photo by Aldwin Teo |
When Bhante remarked, “To start a Buddhist library in Singapore is better than to start ten temples,” he was not simply advocating literacy. He was articulating a vision where knowledge becomes a vehicle for compassion, mindfulness, and ethical living. In his eyes, education was the long game—an investment in future generations who could carry the torch of the Dhamma with discernment and wisdom.
This conviction led to the establishment of the Buddhist Research Society (BRS) in 1981, followed by the formal founding of The Buddhist Library a year later in 1982. It began in a small rented space in Tanjong Katong Complex, thanks in part to the generous support of George Chia Soon Seng, a devout businessman. After a series of relocations, the Library finally found a permanent home in 1998 in its current location, a carefully preserved heritage site within the Geylang Conservation Area.
A Library That Breathes Life into Text
Calling it a “library” may seem limiting at first. While it indeed houses an impressive collection of over 16,000 books in English and Chinese, covering scriptures, philosophy, ethics, meditation, and art, The Buddhist Library is much more than a quiet reading space. It is a living institution, shaped by its community and constantly evolving with the times.
The library’s inclusive philosophy is reflected in its comprehensive collection that spans across Buddhist schools and even extends to comparative religion, psychology, philosophy, and ecology. This breadth invites a kind of open dialogue—one that respects the sacred while engaging with the secular. In an age of polarized views, such a space is both rare and necessary.
Its materials have gained recognition not only locally but internationally. Institutions like Duke University have referenced its resources for Southeast Asian studies, underscoring the academic and cultural significance of this humble Geylang cornerstone.
More Than Books: A Sanctuary of Learning and Practice
One of the Library’s most notable strengths lies in its programming. Far from being a static archive, it is a vibrant hub of learning and spiritual cultivation. From basic Dhamma classes to accredited Buddhist studies at the postgraduate level, it caters to seekers at every stage of their journey. The Library periodically hosts eminent Buddhist scholars and monastics from around the world, enriching its curriculum and fostering a deeper understanding of the Dhamma.
Its Shrine Hall, which seats about 100, is a space for regular pujas, blessing ceremonies, and festivals led by Bhante himself. It also serves as an auditorium for Dhamma talks and public seminars. Despite his age, Bhante continues to perform house blessings, hospital visits, and funeral services, embodying the compassion he so often teaches.
Upstairs, the Meditation Room provides a quiet refuge for regular Bhavana (meditation) sessions. On Sundays, the space transforms into a learning centre for children and youth, a testament to the Library’s commitment to generational education.
The Role of Art and Aesthetics in the Spiritual Journey
Perhaps less commonly associated with a library is the presence of an art gallery, but The Buddhist Library has integrated this beautifully. Displaying Tibetan thangkas, modern Buddhist paintings, and sculptures, the gallery is a space where visual art meets spiritual insight. One of its most captivating pieces is a facsimile of the Buddha’s footprint, a delicately carved artifact from Sri Lanka that bridges devotion and cultural heritage.
The gallery is not merely decorative. It plays an active role in meditation, chanting, and ceremonial practice. By integrating art into spiritual life, the Library acknowledges that enlightenment is not only a cognitive pursuit—it also stirs the soul, inspires the senses, and cultivates a deeper appreciation for the beauty of impermanence.
Charity Without Boundaries
True to its ethos of compassion, The Buddhist Library is equally active in the realm of social welfare. Its volunteers have organized charity funfairs, elderly home visits, and humanitarian aid efforts that extend beyond Singapore’s borders. In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Library provided crucial support. That same year, it led a campaign to collect and send used spectacles to Sri Lankan seniors, exemplifying a form of service grounded in practical kindness.
What makes these initiatives notable is that they are non-discriminatory. Assistance is offered regardless of race or religion, a living example of how Buddhist values can transcend doctrine and operate at a human level.
Governance with Heart and Mind
The Library is guided by a 14-member Management Committee, composed of senior volunteers and lay Buddhist scholars. Bhante serves as their Religious Advisor, offering spiritual guidance while the team oversees operations. This structure ensures that decisions are made with both administrative insight and Dhamma integrity.
As a non-profit, the Library operates with modest resources, yet its impact is anything but small. Its continued existence and development are a result of tireless volunteerism, community support, and Bhante’s unshakable commitment to the vision he planted over four decades ago.
Toward a Global Buddhist Renaissance?
Bhante’s long-term dream is for The Buddhist Library to become an international centre of excellence in Buddhist education and practice. While that may sound ambitious, the seeds have already been sown. With increasing international recognition, a growing archive of resources, and a balanced mix of academic and devotional programs, the Library is quietly emerging as a model for Buddhist institutions worldwide.
Moreover, the establishment of the Paramita International Buddhist Centre in Sri Lanka in 1999, with support from Singaporean devotees, is a clear indication that the Library’s influence is not confined to one location. It is part of a broader movement—a grassroots renaissance of Buddhist study and service, rooted in integrity and global in scope.
Final Reflections: The Light of Knowledge
In an age where religion often gets reduced to rituals or political narratives, The Buddhist Library offers something refreshingly different: a space of inquiry, reflection, and service. It respects tradition without being bound by it. It embraces modernity without succumbing to superficiality. It is, in the deepest sense, a sanctuary—not of silence, but of meaningful dialogue and compassionate action.
As Singapore continues to evolve into a bustling global city, institutions like The Buddhist Library remind society that progress is not merely economic. It is also cultural, spiritual, and ethical. A society that values books, dialogue, and service over mere construction and spectacle is one that is building on foundations that last.
The Library’s quiet presence in Geylang is a powerful symbol: that amidst the rush of city life, there remains a place where the mind can be still, the heart can open, and the teachings of the Buddha can continue to illuminate paths across generations.