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Expert: - 12/26/2009


Question
Hello, I was just wondering if anyone is able to go into a buddhist temple?
I was also curious as to when they are usually open to the public?
Am I allowed to meditate in there or is that a seperate thing?

Thankyou for your time and help.
Steph

Answer
Hi Steph,
There is no absolute rule, but generally speaking:
1) Hello, I was just wondering if anyone is able to go into a buddhist temple?
Usually, yes, though not always.

2) I was also curious as to when they are usually open to the public?
That entirely depends on the place.

3) Am I allowed to meditate in there or is that a seperate thing?
Usually yes, but whether that is convenient or not again depends on the particular place.

You'll have to go and see. Very few Buddhists bite!

All the best
Alex W

Buddhists

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Alex Wilding

Expertise

I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.

Experience

I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice. I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.

Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.

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