buddhist temples
Buddhist temples are perfect samples of Asian architecture. In this respect, Chinese Buddhist temples are particularly noteworthy since they mirror the architecture of China and include religious elements. In this respect, the White Horse Temple in China is particularly noteworthy. I visited the temple and was impressed by its architecture and atmosphere which was really inspiring, even though I am not a Buddhist.
In fact, the Buddhist temple is fashioned after imperial palaces and bears very little resemblance to the temple in India or other Buddhist countries. Entering the front hall, one is confronted by four huge images, made from wood, two on each size. These are the Four Heavenly Kings or Devas, the Guardians of the Four Directions and the hall is named after them. In this hall, one is greeted at the entrance, by the lovable and kindly Buddha-to-be, Maitreya Buddha, with his fat paunch, looking joyously toward the entrance. Directly behind the Mi-Lei-Fwo, separated by the wall, is the great deva Wei-To, the Porjector of Buddhist temples and the faith. He is depicted clad in full armor and holding a gnarled staff. Wei-To is under the four Heavenly Kings, is accorded the title of “Protector of Buddhist Books”. He is facing the Great Hall known as the Ta-Hung-Pau-Tien which is separated from the front hall by a wall or courtyard.
In the Great Hall the main altar is found and on it is an image of Sakyamuni Buddha and his two for most disciples, Mahakasyapa and Ananda. The arrangement and choice of personages is very skilful. On the east and west walls of the Great Hall are arranged the figures of the Eighteen Arhats who are represented as possessing various supernatural powers. Along the north wall, there are the images of Jan-teng Fwo, the ancient Buddha who predicted Sakyamuni’s Buddhahood. Also, there is the image of the Protector of Buddhism in the hall. It is here Buddhists offer their prayers and offerings of flowers, fruits and other gifts which are
In fact, the Buddhist temple is fashioned after imperial palaces and bears very little resemblance to the temple in India or other Buddhist countries. Entering the front hall, one is confronted by four huge images, made from wood, two on each size. These are the Four Heavenly Kings or Devas, the Guardians of the Four Directions and the hall is named after them. In this hall, one is greeted at the entrance, by the lovable and kindly Buddha-to-be, Maitreya Buddha, with his fat paunch, looking joyously toward the entrance. Directly behind the Mi-Lei-Fwo, separated by the wall, is the great deva Wei-To, the Porjector of Buddhist temples and the faith. He is depicted clad in full armor and holding a gnarled staff. Wei-To is under the four Heavenly Kings, is accorded the title of “Protector of Buddhist Books”. He is facing the Great Hall known as the Ta-Hung-Pau-Tien which is separated from the front hall by a wall or courtyard.
In the Great Hall the main altar is found and on it is an image of Sakyamuni Buddha and his two for most disciples, Mahakasyapa and Ananda. The arrangement and choice of personages is very skilful. On the east and west walls of the Great Hall are arranged the figures of the Eighteen Arhats who are represented as possessing various supernatural powers. Along the north wall, there are the images of Jan-teng Fwo, the ancient Buddha who predicted Sakyamuni’s Buddhahood. Also, there is the image of the Protector of Buddhism in the hall. It is here Buddhists offer their prayers and offerings of flowers, fruits and other gifts which are