Singapore is a multi-religious country. Due to the diverse ethnic mixture of people in the country the Singaporean authorities had avoided interfering with the religious affairs of ethnic groups thus religious tolerance is being promoted by the government. The country allows religious freedom however, there are some religious sects that are restricted due to opposition on performing military service (an obligatory conscription of all male citizen), saluting the flag or swearing oaths of allegiance to the state.

The most followed religion in the country is Buddhism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Taoism, Hinduism and others. Based on the 2000 census there are 42.5% of Singaporean who are considered to be Buddhist; 14.9 are Islam, 14.8 of Singaporeans do not have religious affiliation; 14.6 are Christians; 8.5 practice Taoism; 4% are considered Hindu; and the remainders are belonging to other religious groups (Jews, the Jains, the Sikhs and the Zoroastrians).

The most prevalent form of Buddhism in Singapore is Mahayana Buddhism. Emerged in the first century CE Mahayana Buddhism is a more liberal, open interpretation of Buddhism. It is a path presented to people from all walks of life.

Mahayana Buddhism is the primary form of Buddhism in most Asian Countries particularly in North Asia. It accepts the Pali Cannon as sacred Theravadans but also adopt Sutras and Sanskrit. Mahayana Buddhism teaches about the enlightenment that can be attained in a single lifetime. It includes diverse beliefs, various sects, schools and trends. Followers of Mahayana perceive immediate goal as in following the ways of the Bodhisattva in leading all being to emancipation.

There are also a number of communities in Singapore that follow other Buddhist tradition such as the Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism. The Theravada Buddhism is a form of Buddhism existed in Sri Lanka and mainland Southeast Asia. It differs from Mahayana in both doctrine and organization; the Theravada was brought by Sinhalese and later was staffed by Thai or Vietnamese monks. Vajrayana Buddhism also known as the Tibetan Buddhism is another form of Buddhism. Followers considered their path as the purest form of Buddhism and was actually practiced by Buddha. Vajrayaninsts believe that the best way to attain the goal of overcoming desire and to work towards enlightenment is by experiencing desire.

The religion of most Chinese in Singapore highlights rituals and practices over doctrine and beliefs and closely intertwined with Chinese culture and social organization. Singapore Buddhist Federation is the representative organization of Buddhism in Singapore. It promotes Buddhist religion and helps in assimilation of religious education to young generation as well as to the poor and needy.

The Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana are the three mainline Buddhist traditions and are all well represented in the country and unanimously celebrate the Vesak Day (the birth, Englightenment and the Nirvana of Lord Buddha Gautama). All Chinese temples held annual celebrations, marked by street processions, Chinese traditional operas and domestic banquet and so on.