Our Story
Shinnyo-en Singapore’s first sanctuary was dedicated in November 1994. Inspired by the teachings of our founding masters, we strive to promote peace and mutual understanding in everyday life—at home, in school, at work, and in the wider community.
Our temple, located in the Eunos area, welcomes everyone, regardless of background, to explore Buddhist practice in a way that is practical, accessible, and relevant to modern life.
Milestones
The Shinnyo Parents, Masters Shinjo and Tomoji, visited Thailand, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in 1966, planting the seeds of the Shinnyo teachings across Asia. In 1971, Master Shinjo visited Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, where he conducted merit transfer rites for victims of war and all spirits in each location, leaving an indelible footprint for the future spread of the Shinnyo teachings throughout Southeast Asia.
As the community flourished, Shinnyo-en Singapore was formally incorporated as a religious society on January 22, 1990, and registered as a charity on October 19, 1990. In 1992, a suitable gathering place was secured. It came to be affectionately known as the Rest House at Grange Road.
On November 19, 1994, Her Holiness Shinso Ito officiated the Inspiriting and Dedication Ceremony for the first sanctuary.
Construction of the new temple in Eunos began in 2003. The Topping Out ceremony was held on April 26, 2005, and in the centennial year of Master Shinjo’s birth, the Eunos Temple was officially dedicated on November 12, 2006.
The sculpted images of the Shinnyo Masters began a world tour with Singapore as their very first stop, encouraging a deeper connection with their presence and teachings. In Buddhist tradition, such images are often created to honour revered teachers and to symbolise their continued presence and guiding spirit in the lives of those who follow their path.
On November 18, 2017, the busts of the Shinnyo Masters were enshrined, and Her Holiness Shinso Ito officiated the inspiriting of the Nirvana Buddha image in the expanded main prayer hall.
Her Holiness officiated the Saisho Ceremony which was held in Singapore on November 19, 2017. As the most religiously diverse country in the world, Singapore was a fitting location for this significant event, marking a step toward actualizing Master Shinjo’s vision of world peace by uniting people of all nationalities, languages, cultures, and religions in the spirit of kindness.
The Eleven-faced Bodhisattva Kannon and Achala were enshrined on November 24, 2019. The complete enshrinement of the Three Wheel Bodies, representing the Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Vidya-rajas, symbolised the open, all-embracing nature of Shinnyo-en practice.