This post is primarily focused on Buddhism, and the sacred buildings associated with that religion. However, as I thought about the topic, I realized that there are other buildings known as “temples” which are not Buddhist shrines. Some of these will also be included, as you will see below.
Buddhism is a fascinating religion and lifestyle. Proponents are typically wise, relatively unflappable, and content. The practice of Yoga, a long-time Buddhist tradition, has become mainstream and very popular with people of all religions because of its health and well-being benefits.
When Lee and I went to Thailand, we visited many Buddhist temples, known there as Wats. They were all places of meditation and peace, places where solitude and self-analysis are encouraged. Here are a few pictures of the grounds and of their representations of Buddha, the revered teacher.
Wat Pho contains a huge reclining Buddha.
Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho
The grounds of this temple are spectacular.
Grounds of Wat Pho
The Golden Mount is a hilltop temple which has a grand view of the city.
Golden Mount
Wat Traimit houses the Golden Buddha, a piece found by accident.
Golden Buddha
The exterior of Wat Arun is assembled from small pieces of colored tile.
Wat Arun
Other temples, outside of Thailand, include several in China: the Lama Temple in Beijing,
Lama Temple
the Temple of Heaven, also in Beijing
Temple of Heaven
The Man-Mo Temple in Hong Kong
Man Mo Temple
whose interior is thick with the smoke of incense.
In Xi’an, we visited the Small Wild Goose Pagoda,
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
In Hawaii, we enjoyed some quiet time at the Byodo-In Temple, just outside of Honolulu.
Byodo-In Temple
In Greece, the temples were erected to honor their multitude of Gods, such as Zeus
Temple of Olympian Zeus
and Apollo
Temple of Apollo at Delphi
Madrid was given an Egyptian temple, the Temple of Debod in 1968, to both save it from the construction of the Aswan Dam and to thank Spain for its support.
Temple of Debod, Madrid
