Visit to a buddhism temple

Andreas Starek

Professor Stephanie Londono

REL 2011

Site Visit Essay

Buddhism is one of the world's major religions. It has tremendous worldwide popularity, although it is particularly concentrated in Asia. As with most religions of the world, there are several different groups or sects in Buddhism that have some divergence. The two major branches of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada can be described as the conservative form compared to the other main school of Buddhism.

The thought of building the sanctuary was presented in 1979 and, initially, Wat Buddharangsi was called the Thai wat. The Temple located in Homestead, consists of 5 buildings. During the creation of the sanctuary, Noppom Poochareon centered on an architecture that would bring a peaceful and soothe atmosphere. The architect felt that there was a need for local Buddhists to have a refuge from their religion, in other words a Temple. The people who are living in this religious building also called “monks” welcome individuals of the community to connect their meditation in a climate of peace and delight.

On September 20th, 2019, I decided to visit the Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist, a Buddhist Temple which follow the denomination Theravada, located in Homestead, Miami.

I made this choice because my aunt talked to me about Buddhism, that it is different in a way from other religion because it does not try to convert people, it is more seen as a philosophy of life, a way of being. They do not really believe in a main figure. They believe that each living and non-living being have god within them. In Sanskrit and Pāli language the term “buddha” means “awakened”, the person who woke up, because Buddha is considered as a supernatural human. So, I found a really intriguing thought in this description which pushed me to know more about the subject. All religions are gathered in my family, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, which are all part of the major religions in this world. I would say that I am Muslim, even though I do not practice. But I prefer saying that I see myself as a citizen of the world who believes in God.

When I arrived in the main room, a monk was explaining the importance of the 5 precepts of Buddhism to a group of people, so, faithful practitioners of Buddhist confession commit themselves to respect 5 precepts which consist of refraining from:  Violence against living beings, to take what was not given, to indulge in excess in satisfying sensual pleasures, deliver offensive, misleading, useless and frivolous words, and finally absorb intoxicants that cause loss of self-control.

The Temple is surrounded by a large garden, dressed in several types of flowers reflecting a wide range of colors, which gives an attractive first impression. The facade is really charming, at the entrance of the temple stands a statue of buddha who is here to welcome us. Animals or symbolic creatures at the entrance of temples, also called wat protect Buddha. During my visit I saw several elephant sculptures which are always present, symbol of strength, wisdom, and multiple lions at the entrance which are seen as the sentries of the temple.

All the sculptures, as well as the finishes of the Temple are adorned with gold leaf.

Before going inside the main room of the Temple, we must comply with certain rules, we have to remove our shoes and drop them on a shelf made available, remove your cap or hat, being properly dressed, no food and drinks are allowed, smoking is forbidden and turning off mobile phone is mandatory. Then, inside the main temple, the light penetrates through the windows, there is no artificial light.

The floor of the room is covered with a red carpet, only the monks have a special location with 3 different colored carpets that they use to meditate. A place with carpets is reserved for the monks and just behind them are the offerings. The access to the temple is free but in return give offerings such as, food, money is strongly accepted.

Once inside, after having noticed all the details, I decided to sit in front of the Buddha, breathe calmly, pray for my family and enjoy life and contemplate all these beautiful ornaments that we do not see only rarely. It was a very soothing experience.

I interviewed a Buddhist, with Theravada as denomination, Atal Bakshi. He is 28 years old and he is a bus driver. When I asked him if he perceived religion from a more essentialist or functionalist perspective, he did not understand the concept of both, so after explaining it to him, he stated that his philosophy tends more towards the Essentialism, saying that he feels in peace when he prays and talks to God.  Religion is very important to him because it puts limits to everything in his life. He also affirms that religion discuss every aspect in his life, and he defines it as a connection between people ang God. 

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