Nature of Places of Worship/What they are like

Temples

• Vary in shape and size
  Often at the heart of Buddhist communities
  Some just have a building, others lots of different buildings

Main Hall

• A place for Buddhists to come together

• House a statue of Buddha/Bodhisattva

• Found in a temple

Halls for Meditation

• Quiet place for Buddhists to meditate

• May house a Buddha Rupa or a shrine

• Found in a temple

Shrine

• A focal area

• Usually dedicated to a statue of Buddha/Bodhisattva

• Found in temples

• Make offerings as a sign of respect and gratitude to the Buddha
  Can also symbolise Buddhist teachings - offering flowers will remind Buddhists of Anicca

• Contains candle and incense burner

Stupa

• A tiered tower containing holy relics

• Found in temples

Monasteries

• House a community of Buddhist monks/nuns (sangha)
  Chosen to widthdraw themselves from mainstream society
  Must cater for all their needs
  Allow the lay community to contact monks/nuns
  Some also will house a stupa

Halls for Learning (Gompas)

• Only found in Tibetan Buddhism

• Often remote

• Place where Buddhists learn, seek guidance and perform in spiritual practice