Jing Si Hall
A Hallowed Ground of Spiritual Beauty
The Jing Si Hall is an important spiritual stronghold of Tzu Chi. Dharma Master Cheng Yen (founder of Tzu Chi) hopes that visitors will be touched by the peaceful and harmonious environment of Tzu Chi and be inspired to join in the good work of making the world a better place for all.
Located in Pasir Ris East, the Jing Si Hall in Singapore was inaugurated on 30th October 2005. The modest and aesthetically-pleasing building sits quietly beside the Api Api River, with its frontage facing the flowing water of the river while the fast-flowing traffic along the TPE passes behind it. Lush greenery surrounds the grey, pebble-dash, four-storey building. The eaves of its front porch, which are shaped like the Chinese character for “human” (“人”), are a unique feature in Tzu Chi architecture, and it represents Tzu Chi’s humanitarian spirit. Stretching from the tip of the eaves are three short cylindrical beams, which represent the Three Treasures of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
The spacious and airy interior of the Jing Si Hall is segregated into a lobby area, Jing Si Book Hut, Continuing Education Centre, offices, multi-purpose classroom, etc. There is a Buddha Hall with a 400-person capacity on the third level. A large portrait of “Buddha Caring for the World” spans the rear wall of the stage, a beautiful portrayal of the compassionate Buddha gently comforting the suffering beings in the world and healing the wounded Earth in the cosmic space.
To achieve harmony in society, we need “静思” (“Jing Si”), which means “quiet, mindful contemplation” in English. If people are mindful in observing all beings and things in the world, they will recognise the inherent beauty and goodness in all, and will not be deceived by the illusions and delusions that lead to conflicts between people. The shared space that serves as a common home for all Tzu Chi members is thus named “Jing Si Hall”. This also symbolizes that all the Missions of Tzu Chi are grounded in “quiet, mindful contemplation”, and arise out of pure thoughts of love.
The Jing Si Halls around the globe are spiritual cultivation grounds in the community, where people from all walks of life gather for classes and activities. Since its inception, the Jing Si Hall in Singapore has been the venue for book clubs, inspirational and educational talks, volunteers’ training, community health screening, blood donation drives, life-long learning, etc. We hope that everyone who comes to the Jing Si Hall, regardless of their race, language, religion or age, can cultivate a simple heart of giving back to society and be touched by the beauty of human love.
You are warmly welcome to visit the Jing Si Hall. Our volunteers are stationed daily at the reception desk on the first level, ready to guide you around and help you develop a deeper understanding towards Tzu Chi and its people.
Opening hours:
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm
Weekends & Public holidays: 10am – 6pm
Address: 9 Elias Road, Singapore 519937
Nearest MRT station: Pasir Ris
Bus services: Bus No. 3, 39, 53, 68, 81, 89, 109 & 518
Visitors’ etiquette: To help us maintain the sanctified atmosphere of the Jing Si Hall, please dress respectably, speak gently, and refrain from bringing meat-based food inside.
