Buddhism - Temples

1. Buddhist temples are places where Buddhists can gather and make offerings.

2. All Buddhist temples contain statues of the Buddha.

3. Buddhist temples may be visited on pilgrimages.

4. Buddhist temples can be called viharas.

5. Buddhist temples come in many different shapes and sizes.

6. Some temples are small, others are huge complexes.

7. Some temples are plain, others are highly decorated, with carvings and paintings.

8. Pagodas, which can be found in China, Korea and Japan, are very elaborate types of Buddhist temples.

9. Japanese pagodas usually wooden, those in China and Korea built from brick and stone.

10. Pagodas often tall buildings with decorated roofs with turned-up corners.

11. Buddhist temples and shrines often have large, fierce-looking statues outside to ward off evil spirits.

12. These statues usually found in pairs, one with mouth open, other with mouth closed.

13. The open mouth is to scare off demons, the closed mouth to shelter and keep in good spirits.

14. Stupas were large dome-shaped mounds.

15. They were built over the remains of the Buddha at each burial place, after his ashes had been divided.

16. As time progressed, stupas became more elaborate, having a square base, a dome, a spire and a jewel or crown.

17. The way a stupa is built is meant to reflect the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and wisdom.

18. Buddhist pilgrims may walk clockwise around a stupa.

19. They may also make offerings of lighted lamps or candles in order to gain merits towards enlightenment.