Expert: Bodhicitta - 8/15/2005

Question
Hello,

I recently visited a Mahayana temple in New York City.  It was fairly large inside and had several shrines.  The first time I was there i saw a few dozen monks holding a ceremony, but this time there was nobody inside.  As a matter of fact, I was the only one inside except for a few locals.  Was there something I could have been missing, and I was wondering to most temples appear welcoming? I've only been practicing Buddhism for a little over a year, and I am not familiar with temples.

Thank you,
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan
I would be interested specifically what Buddhist group
or ethnicity the Mahayana temple belonged to?


Most Mahayana Buddhist groups I know are welcoming. But it
isnt so much the building or place but the Sangha or group of people who should welcome you.

If you look at the history of Mahayana Buddhism right back through to its origins in India one of the important features  of Mahayana Buddhism was the Mahayana Gana - or gathering. Groups of practioners would get together regularly and enjoy each others company and have feasts together. Mahayana Buddhism in fact is all about the connections we make to other people - in particular to the gurus and teachers who have more realization than ourselves.

The other important aspects you should be looking for in my opinion is a meditation practice that feels right to you, a teacher you can discuss your practice with regularly, and a way of learning all about the background and details of Mahayana Buddhism.

Feel free to write  again Dan from New York
Best wishes in the dharma
Bodhicitta