2.1 places of worship

What is a temple ?

a place where Buddhists come together to practise 

What is a main hall ?

it’s where Buddhists practice together - this will contain a statue of the Buddha (Mahayana temples may also include statues of various Bodhisattvas)

What is a meditation hall (gompa) ?

a quiet space where Buddhists can meditate ; Tibetan Bodhisattvas call this gompa

What is a study hall ?

a place for meetings and lectures

What is a shrine to Buddha ?

an area with a statue of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva - which provides Buddhists with a focal point for meditation and devotion 

What is a shrine to Bodhisattva ?

one that is for the Mahayana tradition - a focal point for Mahayana Buddhists

What is a pagoda/stupa ?

a small building in a monastery that sometimes contains holy relics

Name the 5 Buddhist elements ?

1. earth 

2. water 

3. fire 

4. air 

5. wisdom 

What are temples - as centres of religious life ?

a place where Buddhists can study, meditate and practise together. they may also listen to talks given by members of the monastic community & lay ppl may take offerings, including food - to support them 

What is a shrine ?

an area where the focus is a statue of the Buddha

Explain the offering of light ?

it symbolises wisdom because the light of the candle drives away the darkness of ignorance e.g a candle 

Explain the offering of flowers ?

they remind Buddhists that all things are impermanent because they will wilt and die

Explain the offering of incense ?

it symbolises purity, reminding Buddhists of the importance of practising pure thoughts, speech and conduct 

What is a Monastery (vihara) ?

a place where Buddhist monks and nuns live

Who are monks and nuns ?

they are Buddhists who have chosen to dedicate their lives full time to their spiritual practice 

Explain the lifestyle of monks ?

they spend their days studying, practicing, and meditating on the Buddha’s teachings, they live a simple lifestyle - but the monastery still has to provide for all the needs

Explain ashes ?

when the Buddha died, his body was cremated and parts of his ashes are said to have been sent to different places - stupas were then built to hold his ashes