has anyone been to a buddhist temple in america?

Question

i would like a description of the worship service as i may not be able to attend one, however i need to write a report about it for school...

Answer 1

I went to a Zen Buddhist Temple here in Chicago. There's several here. I thought it was very nice. It was in May and the weather was perfect. Everyone was very nice. The first thing we did was take off are shoes and were given a pillow to sit on then led into the main room for worship. It was a beautiful room, no chairs, so plenty of space for people to sit. At the front of the room there was an altar that had a golden like statue of Buddha. We all sat there in quiet meditating for awhile.

I had an interesting experiencing while meditating there. I thought maybe if I can "see" into the Zen monks mind while in meditation if something might happen, which it did. For a flash second I experienced a bright light, even though my eyes were closed. It was only like a second or less, but enough to snap me out of the meditative pose. I looked around and then towards the Zen Monk and I noticed he opened his eyes also but didn't look in my direction. It may be coincidence, but it was very interesting.

After the meditation part of the service, we all sat around and the Zen monk was answering any body's questions they had asked, along with giving an overview of what Buddhism teaches as well as Zen. It thought it was a very interesting and positive experience overall. Even though I'm not a Buddhist, I would recommend going to one when you get the chance too. :)

Answer 2

I have been to the Temple in Los Angeles where the Shaolin Monks are, they said some prayers, banged on a gong and burned some incense and at the end everyone had to get up one by one and go up to the front, face to face with the shaolin monk and he gave each person a scroll, I still have my scroll. The side walls of the Temple are glass so everyone outside can see in.

Answer 3

Just as there are many types of Christian Churches, there are different Buddhist Temples, each with their own type of service. Some stress meditation, others stress honoring Buddha and other spiritual figures. One common element is that they want the worshipper to recognize his own inner potential, that he/she must strive to Buddhahood, that is, enlightenment.

Some services are very spartan, with little ceremonial, while others are very elaborate, with gongs, chanting, incense, walking mediation, ceremonial robes, and more. I recommend contacting a local Buddhist Temple and asking them directly about their services and the symbolism employed.

Answer 4

Eek, no. I've actually been wondering if there are any Shinto or Buddhist temples in America, besides in the big cities..it's difficult to find one in the West. I live in a rural area in the West, so I'm one of the few.

Answer 5

Try reading the first chapter of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind.

The road to enlightenment is not through temples or monasteries, but through practice.

See link for details to help with your report.