Hsi Lai Temple

A detailed Summary of Hsi Lai Temple

When this paper was first assigned to us I didn't have any clue as to which Asian American religion was worth doing research on. As timed passed and more thought was given to the project I finally decided to go with Buddhism. The reason why I choose Buddhism as my topic is to allow me to relate more closely to the friends and family members who are Buddhist. In my family most of them are strong believers in Buddhism. As a child I never really understood the things that went on during time of prayer at my house in Taiwan. This is the main reason why I choose this particular religion to do my study on. Hopefully by the end on this paper I will be able to relate to my family better.

Through out my life I have visited many Buddhist temples. As I walk through the temple I remember becoming very interested in the what happens within these walls. I was never the religious type. Therefore I have no preference as to what religion I should be. Because of this my relationship with my family on a religious aspect has drifted wider and wider apart. This is why I choose the Buddhist religion , hoping to closing the gap which exist between me and the rest of the family on a religious aspect.

The first thing to be seen upon entering the temple is the large gateway with Chinese characters inscribed into it. Then after the gateway at the top of the stairs is the Bodhisattva Hall. After the hall at the other end there is a big courtyard. This courtyard is used for the purpose of walking meditation. At the opposite end of the courtyard is the main shrine. There are other facilities running along both sides of the courtyard. If one was to observe closely you will notice that the shape of the temple land is like the leaf of the Bodhi Tree in India.

The social aspect of the temple is one of the most important thing to the temple. The reason is that because they depend so much on people who goes there that they are really concern with their social outlook. The temple organizes many social events through out the course of the year. Many of these events welcome the participation of others. There also seems to be a sense of unity here at the temple. The people here seems to interact as a family unite. The interaction between the monks here at the temple and the people that come there is like a father and son relationship. The monks are there to give advice, support, and guidance to these faithful just like a father to his son. Even though it is an older crowd that come to these temples, there among the elders still exist this type of father and son relationship.

On Saturday prayer services are held and many faithful would gather and chants along with the priest. After the services many finds themselves in the cafeteria to get lunch. Even though the services are over and people had their lunch most stick around to part take in one of the many lectures / workshops that goes on in the classrooms. The purpose of these lectures and workshops is designed as a way to pass on the teachings of Buddhism to the younger crowd or to those that are interested in it. These weekly lectures and special workshops are conducted in Chinese, English, and Cantonese. Besides the lecture and workshops the Hsi Lai Temple offers guides for groups of 15 people or more.

This place in not just at place of worship but it is also the meeting grounds of those who shares the same religion. Many activities and events are carried out to spread the teachin

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Approximate Word count = 1528
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History