temple visit

Visited the buddhist temple which my father used to go. Attended the service early on the first morning of cny, after 2 years of "missing" it because we reached there late. So it was like my first temple visit/service after a long long time. Can't say i was very happy, especially after my conversion. However, some things have changed (or so it seemed) as compared to years ago.

The service consists of some lama (n.b. not llama, tibetan buddhism, check in wiki) chanting while the rest of the people listen/chant along. Then offering of some powdery stuff for burning. Then more chanting etc. Which was probably the usual.

What struck me was the explanation/purpose for the prayers/chants that they were doing, mostly for longevity or for good fortune or for prosperity. whatever happened to the abstinence of self indulgence? whatever happened to patience and quietness and peace of mind? whatever happened to spiritual growth?

No i have no problem with religions that try to promote happiness/well being. However, those that change/adapt themselves, running contrary to their basic beliefs, just to gratify the masses, that i cannot stand. Not just in this case, not just to buddhism, but also to "christianity" that stands for "health and wealth". Such promotion of religion will definitely appeal to part/majority of the masses, but what about the rest of the ideals? the rest of the doctrines? the rest of the principles?

the last straw was the shouts of "huat ah" at the end of the service. yes it's cny, yes most of us are chinese, yes it's a service specially for cny, yes we are money minded singaporeans, yes money is good, yes it pleases the crowd so i should not complain.