Buddhist Temple Observations

Buddhist Temple Observations

Stepping into the temple there was a mysterious and powerful presents that I have not encountered before, due to all the symbolic signs and items. Something impossible to miss was the fragrances and the chanting song. After analyzing all these details I saw this man with an incent in front of Buddha paying respect after he was done I proceeded to speak with him and ask a few questions. One of the first words the guy told us was "A mindful and sincere heart is most important when paying respect to the Buddha, our ancestors and all sentient beings. Our Sincerity will connect our minds with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas."

One of the memorable things in the temple was the smell of aromatic plant materials incense, filling the relatively large room. The main feature of the room was located right in the middle on the room which was Buddha, guarded by two lion warriors one in each side along with two lanterns in each side to light up all darkness. Located under Buddha was Te Sang Wong protecting the temple of all evil spirits. The wall behind Buddha was full mostly of gold plaques but had some red ones as well, the plaques being an honor to be up there as an

offering to Buddha. All the plaques added more light to the already fully lit room contrasting beautifully with the red velvet the seating arrangements for prayer.

Observing a man paying respect to Buddha, watching him hold and incense above his head, chanting and then walking to the tombstone of a possible relative was a great experience that led to a few questions. The man seemed to be a very noble and religious oriented person, once he was done I spoke to him and his knowledge began to pour off on me. He began to tell me about Mu-doe a turtle shaped drum that was played to the rhythm of the chanting song being playing in the temple, being the same as a prayer and saying "God bless you ". This man very fond of the quote I mentioned before" A mindful and sincere heart is most important when paying respect to the Buddha..." quoted it several times during our conversation. I personally thought the way he strongly believes this quote was why he seemed to be so at peace.

An approximately 50 year old man was my target for my interviewer; he was the person taking care of the temple. I asked a question fearful I might disrespect his religion, but he was not offended by any way his noble appearance also reflected in his character. My question was who that was pointing at a statue, not only was I fearful of not knowing that but pointing as well. He was not offended at all by this and responded saying "that is Buddha". I was surprised I told him that doesn't look like him, he the said "not all people see Buddha the same, most people have a very different perspective way on how he looks ". Typical to me Buddha was a bald and big, but this Buddha