Buddhism: The Buddhist Vihara and Centre
The Buddhist place of worship is called a Vihara, also referred to as Temple or Centre. Buddhists worship there whenever they can. (For links to local Buddhist Viharas & Centres see at the end of this page.)
Buddhist places of worship in Britain reflect the different traditions of Buddhism which are practised here.
The Vihara ( monastery) is traditionally the focal point for corporate worship and communal life.They are not closed communities just for the monks and nuns, and ordinary lay Buddhists visit the monasteries for worship or study.
Viharas and temples are centres of Buddhist social life, not just places of worship. Many shrines and temples contain fine examples of religious architecture, paintings and sculptures which remind Buddhists of key beliefs and events in the life of the Buddha. |
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In Britain, some Buddhist places of worship are simple meditation halls; others are much more elaborate.
Some are in converted buildings - like the London Buddhist Centre (an old fire station); others, like the Wimbledon Buddhapadipa Temple, are purpose built.
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The most important, and often most beautiful, part of the Vihara/centre is the shrine hall. Within the shrine there is always a Buddharupa (Buddha figure), and sometimes a relic of the Buddha himself. Buddhist shrines and temples are often built to symbolise the Five Elements of the universe, i.e. earth, water, fire, air, and consciousness.
They may also have a smaller representation of these symbols called a stupa actually on the shrine. Buddhists light candles and incense in front of the Buddharupa.
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For Buddhists, the use of incense is symbolic of both devotion and the Buddha's teaching spreading throughout the world. The Candles are representative of the Buddha's wisdom.
Buddhists also offer flowers which represent both beauty and impermanence. Eight bowls of water are often put on shrines to represent the eight traditional offerings given to an honoured guest in ancient India. Offerings are often made while chanting special verses or mantras.
Bddhists take off their shoes before going into the Virhara, Centre or Temple. They go up to the Buddharupa and bow to it, seeking comfort and inspiration from thoughts of the Buddha. When they bow they are mindful of the purity, radiance and peace of the Buddha - it is an act of humility, putting the ego-self low and the ideal of Buddhahood high. It is also an act of acknowledgement and gratitude to the Buddha and all those who have tread the same path before them.
Preparation:
Before a visit to any place of worship pupils and teachers should be aware:
- that the visit has an educational purpose and that they are not required to participate in worship nor to affirm the beliefs of the community whose place of worship they are visiting
- of the key features to be expected in this place of worship and their purpose, use or symbolic meaning
- of any special dress requirements (find out from the place of worship to be visited)
Etiquette on visiting a Vihara:
Buddhists welcome visitors to their places of worship but have the expectation that:
- everyone will remove their shoes before entering
- visitors are dressed modestly
- behaviour will be respectful
- lay people will refrain from physical contact with the monks, eg. shaking hands
Click on the link for 'local' Buddhist Centres.
