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Buddhism temples come in various types, each serving a unique purpose within the Buddhist community. They can be broadly categorized based on the specific tradition or school of Buddhism they represent, their function, and their architectural style. The following are the most common types of Buddhism temple:
Shrine
In Buddhism, shrines are devoted places where artifacts such as relics and images of the Buddha are kept. Usually, shrines have a big image of the Buddha, a stupa, or artifacts of venerated monks. Buddhists often go to shrines to meditate, worship, and offer prayers. A shrine can exist as part of a shrine room in a family home, a section of a community center, or a shrine at a Buddhist temple.
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-shaped structure constructed to house the relics of the Buddha or other Buddhist saints and as a place of meditation pilgrimage. It is a typical feature in all forms of Mahayana and Theravada temple architecture. Stuccoed stupas are usually decorated with elaborate stucco work of the events in the life of the Buddha and other stories told in Buddhist art. In Central Asia, such stupas are done in masonry and are usually whitewashed or painted.
Monastery
A monastic temple is an important place in all forms of Buddhism and is known by different names in the different schools of Buddhism: vihara, wat, or yurt in the Tibetan tradition. All Buddhist monasteries have an adjoining temple where the monks conduct prayers, teachings, and rituals. Buddhist monasteries, besides being places for worship, are comunal living quarters for monks, places of worship, and cultural education centers.
Puja Hall
Puja halls, which have features of congregational space in Buddhist monasteries and temples, are dedicated to Buddhist worship ceremonies that include chanting and rituals. In Mahayana Buddhism, puja halls are decorated beautifully with paintings of images of Bodhisattvas depicted in colorful images and statues of Buddhas. In Theravada traditions, puja halls are fairly minimalist consisting of a central Buddha image and a few donor-related plaques and inscriptions.
Pagoda
A pagoda is a tower-like structure that is usually divided into several stories and is commonly found in Mahayana countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. Pagodas were originally developed from stupas, but over time, these constructions have changed considerably in style and function. Western culture also knows about pagodas as lovely architectural forms that often symbolize in paintings and graphics eastern wisdom and spirituality. However, in actuality, because of its origin, a pagoda primarily resembles stupas more than any other construction.
Watt
Watt is a term commonly used in Theravada countries such as Thailand and Cambodia that refers to a temple complex consisting of sacred buildings, living quarters for monks, and community space. In these countries, the word "wat" means "temple." Functions of a Buddhist temple such as meditation, worship, and holding ceremonies can all be practiced at a watt. The architecture of wats, including the Buddha image, is embellished with intricate decorations and depicts themes from Buddhist stories.
Vihara
Vihara is a term used with Theravada and Mahayana who refer to a building or complex serving as a monastery for monks and a space for congregational worship and meditation. It is home to monks and serves as a space for meditation, teaching, and community worship. Viharas may also contain images of the Buddha, stupas, and other important artifacts. Like pagodas, the architecture of viharas may differ based on the localization region percipient.
Buddhist temples can be mainly classified into two groups in terms of design based on the tradition of Buddhism, which is Mahayana and Theravada, and the geographical area. That is because the architectural forms represent different styles influenced by the prevailing cultural context while still conforming to the underlying Buddhist principles.
Mahayana Temples
Countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam that practice Mahayana Buddhism have Buddhist temples that have distinctive features. For instance, pagodas are popular architectural forms in this school of Buddhism. The pagoda is a multi-storeyed tower structure usually built in stone with arches that are typical of Chinese architecture and supports intricate wooden roofs as is the case in Japan. Mahayana Buddhism places much importance on Bodhisattvas, and most images and symbols in these temples are dedicated to illustrating these deities.
Theravada temples
Countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar that observe Theravada Buddhism practice have simpler designed temples compared to those of Mahayana countries. These temples, known as wats, usually contain a central hall or vihara with a reclining and several other images of the Buddha. The architecture of Theravada temples is much simpler with less decorative artwork as opposed to Mahayana countries. Nevertheless, there are regional differences within the Theravada countries with regard to the architecture of a temple.
Tibetan Buddhist temples
Tibetan Buddhism, which is practiced in regions such as Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia, has temples commonly referred to as gompas or lamaseries. These temples are usually white buildings with yellow roofs that are often decorated with colorful paintings, thankas, and statues of deities and the Buddha. The architecture of Tibetan temples is characterized by massive wooden mandalas and intricate paintings and other illustrations of Buddhist themes.
Local influences
While the above categories depict typical features of Buddhism temples, in all likelihood, each region is a factor of local architectural traditions and materials as well as cultural influences to bring about a synthesis in temple designs. For instance, Jain temples India often feature exquisite marble mosaics and intricate stone carvings even though it is a Buddhist temple.
The Buddhist temple is where individuals and communities find their connection to spirituality, practice their faith, and engage in cultural and educational activities.
Religious practices
Buddhist temples are places where worship is conducted. Many Buddhists go to the temple to offer prayers, chant sacred texts, burn incense, and make offerings of flowers and food to the Buddha. In Mahayana Buddhism, believers pray to images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas and ask these enlightened beings for intercession. Theravada Buddhism places more emphasis on meditation and personal connections with the Buddha.
Rituals and ceremonies
Temples are also the locations where important Buddhist ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and the rites of passage are performed. These rituals usually differ depending on the culture and the type of Buddhism but are commonly honored and more importantly community centers for the conducting of these events. For instance, a Buddhist wedding in a temple may involve chanting and offering gifts to the Buddha, while funerals may involve chanting that is intended to help the deceased in their journey to the next realm.
Festivals
Buddhist festivals such as Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, are widely celebrated in temples. These celebrations may also include processions, lighting of candles, and the giving of food to the less fortunate. The specific activities during festivals can change based on location and the particular form of Buddhism practiced, but they often draw large crowds and foster a spirit of togetherness and joy in the community.
Meditation and mindfulness practice
Many temples provide quiet areas or guided meditation sessions that support visitors and practitioners in their quest for inner calm and self-awareness. Zen and Tibetan temples in particular put a strong emphasis on meditation practices, which are frequently taught and practiced there.
Education
Most temples offer lessons on Buddhism’s ethical system, history, and scripture. These lessons can be aimed at children, new believers, or those just interested in Buddhism. Monks and nuns frequently serve as instructors, passing on their knowledge and understanding of the Buddha's teachings and Buddhist beliefs to future generations. This preservation of knowledge is crucial for maintaining Buddhist customs and beliefs over the years.
Cultural activities
Apart from worship and education, Buddhist temples also support cultural activities. In many instances, they are the locations where traditional Buddhist music, dance, and art are presented and preserved. This aspect of cultural preservation is important as it helps to maintain the identity of diverse cultures within the framework of Buddhism, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia and East Asia.
In the temples, they need, in some way, to involve sacred spaces that have to be preserved in good condition. However, the style of a temple, the materials it is made of, and the practices of Buddhism that are observed in the temple dictate the ways in which a Buddhist temple is maintained.
Regular cleaning and repairs
It is a common practice in all types of Buddhist temples irrespective of their geographical location to always keep the temple clean. A cleanliness aspect is a major part of the Buddhist approach in that pollution or uncleanliness distracts the mind from the thought of the Buddha. Daily cleaning activities can range from dusting and washing the floors to cleaning the altar and surrounding areas. Major repairs such as fixing a leaky roof or cracked wall are undertaken as need arises mostly. Local construction and craftsmen are hired to do repairs conforming to the traditional design of the temple.
Preservation of artwork
Since many Buddhist temples are also an important repository of artwork, which includes paintings, sculptures, and murals, a conservation aspect is put in place. A conservation aspect is especially critical for older temples with fading, chipping, or even vandalized artifacts. Even in the case of artwork, conservation efforts may vary from use of modern materials to attempt to give them a new look to old materials as per the original design.
Maintaining sacred objects
Buddhist temples have various sacred objects such as stupas, images of the Buddha, and relics, all of which must be maintained. Regular cleaning and polishing of these items is normally done as a form of respect and reverence. Outside shrines and temples with relics, proper climate control becomes very important, as the climate elements of light, heat, and moisture would bring about deterioration of such objects.
Community involvement
The involvement of the community in the maintenance of Buddhism temples is a frequent occurrence. Practices of offering food, money, and other resources to the poor are observed in Buddhism and specifically in the upkeep of temples. People come together during special days to carry out major cleaning, repair work, and maintenance work on the temple structures, ritualistic areas, and artworks.
Seasonal maintenance
This is particularly true for regions with distinct seasons where temples may need to be prepared for the rainy season, as in Southeast Asia, or winter, as in Tibetan regions, or dry summer. These preparations may take the form of repairs, reinforcing the structure such as roofs, and protecting against elements such as water or snow. Events such as monsoon or harvest festival may also necessitate having the temple in a certain way, which calls for decoration and cleaning.
Respect for traditions
Buddhism dictates that temples should be preserved in the manner, shape, and form that they originally were constructed. That is, they should not touch any item associated with this so-called ‘Buddha-ness’ and should not bring any harm to such in any way. Les than ideal acts such as commercialization of temple space, radical alterations to conduct activities contradictory to Buddha’s teachings, etc., are taboo in Buddhism.
Buddhist places of worship are, therefore, a place where spirituality, community, culture, and education all come together. They are revered not just as places for religious activities, but also as centers for cultural identity, learning, and community development.
A common feature of religions is the temple. Buddhism temple refers to a building or structure where Buddhists meet for congregational worship, religious practices such as rituals and ceremonies, meditation, and education about Buddhism.
The prime function of a Buddhist temple is for people to worship, meditate, and learn while offering communal space for these activities. Cultural gatherings, celebrations, and educational activities are also held in Buddhist temples.
In practicing the Dharma, one is expected to avoid actions that one may regret; to give generously; to speak truthfully; to practice harmony and peace; to be mindful of and show respect for all forms of life; and to practice non-violence towards all living beings.
Visiting a Buddhist temple allows one to gain perspective on life and situations, the beauty of the physical world and the art within, and itself a realm of calm and clarity within the temple environment.
