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Master Remembrance Day Exhibition 2026

Meet the real GREAT Master Xuanzang behind Journey to the West

You know Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang (唐三藏).
But do you know Tang Sanzang is referenced to a historical figure?

Date: 24/10 (Sat) 9am-6pm, 25/10 (Sun) 1pm-6pm
Venue: BW Monastery Main Shrine Hall
Free admission · English and Mandarin · No prior Buddhist knowledge needed

A free, interactive exhibition exploring his story—and those of other great Buddhist teachers who have carried on the work of preserving and sharing Buddhist teachings.

Beyond Journey to the West

Behind the familiar 唐三藏 of Journey to the West was Great Master Xuanzang (玄奘大师), a Tang-dynasty monk, traveller and translator.

He journeyed far from home to seek Buddhist teachings, and went on to translate and preserve them for others to study and practise. His journey needed no magic to be extraordinary.

Discover his story through interactive displays and activities with your family and friends.

Why we remember

Master Remembrance Day honours Venerable Master Jih-Chang, whose guidance helped establish BW Monastery and a structured approach to learning the Dharma in Singapore.

As we remember his kindness, we can learn from Great Master Xuanzang’s story about the effort needed to preserve and pass down Buddhist teachings. The exhibition invites us to appreciate the kindness of all our lineage masters and see how Buddhist teachings are preserved and passed down from one generation to the next.

What does it take to keep these teachings available for the next generation?

  • Traverse Life & Death to come for me, bravely turning the wheel of the Dharma

    This year, we commemorate our teachers’ courage and compassion.
    “Turning the wheel of the Dharma” means teaching the Buddha’s path so others can understand and practise it.
    Great Master Xuanzang’s story invites us to ask:

    How could the teachings withstand the test of time to reach us?

A discovery for every generation

Try activities together and leave with a story to discuss on the way home, plus an appreciation of those who preserved Buddhist teachings.

Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome. No prior Buddhist knowledge is needed. Young children can participate with parental supervision.

Information is available in English and Mandarin. Allow around 30–60 minutes to explore.

Five experiences to enjoy

Discover why Great Master Xuanzang and other masters braved danger to seek and preserve Buddhist teachings.

Uncover the differences between the real Great Master Xuanzang and 唐三藏 from Journey to the West through games and activities.

Learn how great lineage masters of modern times have continued the work of translating and passing down Buddhist teachings.

Try hands-on activities together, including playing an interactive game and taking on a translation challenge.

Let a 3 metre tall replica of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) spark your imagination and bring Great Master Xuanzang’s aspiration to life.

REgister NOW!

Bring your parents, your children or the friends who grew up watching Journey to the West with you. The exhibition is open for one weekend only.

Date/Time:

  • 24/10 (Sat) 9am-6pm

  • 25/10 (Sun) 1pm-6pm

Venue: BW Monastery Main Shrine Hall
Free admission · English and Mandarin · No prior Buddhist knowledge needed

FREQUENTLY asked questions