Master Remembrance Day Exhibition 2026

Meet the real Master Xuanzang behind Journey to the West

You know Sun Wukong and 唐三藏.
Discover Xuanzang’s real journey to preserve Buddhist teachings.

A free, interactive family exhibition exploring his story and the great Buddhist teachers continuing this work.

Date: 24–25 October 2026
Venue: BW Monastery Main Shrine Hall
Free admission · English and Mandarin · No prior Buddhist knowledge needed

Register Now

Beyond Journey to the West

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

He journeyed far from home to seek Buddhist teachings, then translated and preserved them for others to study and practise. His journey needed no magic to be extraordinary.

Discover his story through displays and activities your family can explore together.

Why we remember

Master Remembrance Day honours Venerable Master Jih-Chang, whose guidance helped lay the foundations for BW Monastery and structured Dharma learning in Singapore.

Xuanzang’s story introduces the dedication behind preserving and sharing Buddhist teachings. The exhibition invites us to appreciate our teachers’ kindness and discover how this work continues.

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 true Dharma

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

    What did others endure so that these teachings could 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 as a family

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 sharing Buddhist teachings.

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

Let a miniature 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

Register Now

FREQUENTLY asked questions

  • Master Remembrance Day Exhibition 2026 explores the courage and compassion involved in seeking, preserving and sharing Buddhist teachings. This year, Master Xuanzang is the featured historical figure: discover the real person behind the 唐三藏 of Journey to the West, explore his journey and translation work, and learn how this work continues today.

  • Master Remembrance Day honours Venerable Master Jih-Chang, whose guidance helped lay the foundations for BW Monastery and Dharma learning in Singapore.

    Xuanzang is this year’s featured historical figure, not the Master commemorated by the event name. His story introduces the dedication behind preserving and sharing Buddhist teachings. Everyone is welcome, with no prior Buddhist knowledge needed.

  • The theme is “Traverse Life & Death to come for me, bravely turning the wheel of the true Dharma”. It invites reflection on the courage and compassion of teachers who help others encounter and practise the Buddha’s teachings.

    “Turning the wheel of the Dharma” refers to teaching the Buddha’s path. The exhibition offers stories and experiences through which visitors can begin exploring this theme, even without prior Buddhist knowledge.

  • Walk-ins are welcome. Advance registration is encouraged so you can receive the confirmed schedule and programme updates.

    Register at: bwm.sg/mrdxz

  • Yes. Preschoolers can participate under parental supervision, and older children can enjoy the displays and activities with their families.

  • Your family can compare the real Xuanzang with the 唐三藏 of Journey to the West, try interactive activities and a simple translation challenge, and explore a small-scale replica of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔). A few surprises are being saved for the exhibition itself.

  • Most visitors can expect to spend around 30–60 minutes, depending on how long they spend with the displays and activities.

  • It is a bilingual experience, with information available in English and Mandarin.

  • No. The exhibition welcomes the general public as well as Buddhist and Lamrim families. Anyone interested in Xuanzang, Journey to the West, history, culture or translation can enjoy it. No prior knowledge is needed.

  • Yes. The venue is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Please contact the event team if you need specific assistance.

  • Guided tours or special programmes may be available at selected times. Please check the exhibition schedule (TBC) for details.

  • Please approach an exhibition team member during your visit.

    Email: info@bwm.org.sg