Buddhism Practices: Places of Worship

Question 1

Where do Buddhists Worship?

Answer 1

The main places of Buddhist worship are: temples, shrines and monasteries

Question 2

Temples and their features

Answer 2

• A temple is an important building that allows the Buddhist community to gather together to pray, study and meditate. They contain:
  
  • A main hall where people practise; this will contain a Buddha rupa
  • A shrine dedicated to the Buddha
  • A meditation hall. This is a quiet space for Buddhists to concentrate on meditation
  • A study hall for learning, meetings and lecture
  • A pagoda or A dome-shaped building or a tiered tower, sometimes containing holy Relics

Question 3

Shrines

Answer 3

• A shrine is a focal point for Buddhists to meditate or practise
• A shrine will have a Buddha rupa, which is the main focus.
• Buddhists will make offerings at a shrine. These may include:
  
  • A candle to symbolise the light of wisdom driving away the darkness of ignorance
  • Flowers to symbolise Anicca, as they will wither
  • Incense symbolises the purity of a person’s thoughts, speech and actions

Question 4

Monastaries

Answer 4

• A monastery or vihara is a building where a community of monks or nuns live, eat, sleep and worship
• A vihara can be very large (with lots of monks or nuns) or very small
• Monks and nuns live a very simple and disciplined life in a vihara
• A vihara will also contain a stupa