Expert: Justin Choo - 1/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am doing some research on places of worship/meditation.
What are the key aspects of a Buddhist temples? What makes them unique and distinctively Buddhist.
Are Temples in the Zen tradition different to Theravada or Tibetan?
Are they designed differently to cater for different worship practices.
how do the practices vary from temple to temple?

Thank you very much in anticipation.

Chris

ANSWER: Hi Chris,

Your questions are actually too general to answer specifically.  But I shall try to answer them.

What are the key aspects of a Buddhist temples?
What makes them unique and distinctively Buddhist?

Buddhist temples would most probably have Buddha images, especially in the main hall of worship. Temples usually exude an atmosphere of peace and serenity, conducive for contemplative meditation.


Are Temples in the Zen tradition different from Theravada or Tibetan?
Are they designed differently to cater for different worship practices?

Zen is Japanese.  Theravada is practised by different nationalities.  Temples from these different nationalities reflect their respective architectural flavour and designs.


How do the practices vary from temple to temple?
Zen temples are basically Japanese influenced.
Chinese Buddhist temples have their own rites and rituals.
Tibetans practise their own version.
The Theravada temples have their own routine.  So you can see the diversity in the practice of Buddhism.  Being very practical teachings based on universal truths, Buddhism was able to be accepted by the different communities. They could practise Buddhism without having to change their cultures and customs. That is why we have Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, and who knows Western Buddhism!
It is very fascinating to see how the Tibetans, and the Chinese perform their rites and rituals.  There are alot of bowing, kneeling, and prostrating.  There are also plenty of praying paraphernalia and colourful robes and even different caps and crowns!!  The Buddha lived in India following Indian tradition.  He discarded his princely attire and jewellery and forsaken his crown in exchange for a simple robe, and shaved himself bald.  Definitely he didn't introduce those "alien" rites and rituals and praying paraphernalia and colourful attire!!  
The beauty of Buddhism is that although there are such varieties, the basic teachings of the Buddha are the same. The difference is actually in the rites and rituals, and some other minor subjects.

Regards, justinchoo :-)




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your response.
You mentioned Rites and Rituals.
I would appreciate some insight into the rites and rituals of at least one Buddhist tradition. This may help me understand the basic design of a Buddhist temple.

Thanks
Chris

Answer
Hi Chris,

Apology for the delayed reply as I couldn't log into the site until now.

The particular rites and rituals have nothing much to do with temple design.  The different designs reflect the architectural trtaditions of the different cultures; for examples Sri Lanka, Myanma, and Thailand all practise the Theravada tradition but display different temple designs reflecting their respective architectural traditions.

Hope this helps.
justinchoo :-)