Practices in BuddhismSignificant places and features of worship

Places of worship

Different Buddhist places of worship serve different purposes:

• Temple – a building allowing many people to come together to learn, meditate, celebrate and offer devotions. A temple will contain a shrine and space for community activities.
• Vihara – a monastery for monks or nuns who have devoted themselves to the Buddhist path. Members of the wider community earn positive karma from supporting the vihara. The vihara in return supports the community in their spiritual growth.
• Shrine – the site of a statue or image of the Buddha, either within a temple or vihara, or alone. Offerings (such as flowers, food and incense) are often made to the statue or image to show gratitude and respect.
• Stupa – a structure in the shape of a burial mound built to house relics of the Buddha or other important Buddhist teachers. People walk around them while chanting to aid concentration.
• Meditation halls – meditation is very important in Buddhism. It is essential for growth of understanding and developing a calm, ‘Buddha-like’ mind (Buddha-nature). Whether at a temple or a vihara, Buddhists require large spaces dedicated to calm and concentration.
• Gompa – this Tibetan institution combines a shrine, a vihara and a meditation hall. Some contain facilities for study and learning.

Buddharupas

Images of the Buddha are a universal aid to Buddhist practice. These are called Buddharupas. They can be large or small, inside or outside, plain or ornate, and single or multiple.

Buddharupas display aspects of the Buddha’s own path as well as symbols of Buddhist philosophy. For example, a Buddharupa with elongated ears represents the Buddha’s former life as a prince, and a bump or top-knot on his head represents wisdom and enlightenment. He is sometimes shown reclining, denoting his final passing into nirvana. Hand gestures (eg raised hands) represent aspects of the Dhamma.

Mudras

From the Sanskrit meaning ‘gesture’, mudras are symbolic hand gestures displayed in images or statues of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Some examples of these include:

• Meditation mudra - the hands rest on the lap, fingers resting on each other and palms upwards. Gautama Buddha (another name for the Buddha) and Amida Buddha are often shown in this pose.
• Generosity mudra - one hand is held downwards with the palm open and the fingers pointing downwards. This symbolises welcome, generosity and compassion. The Bodhisattvas Tara and Avalokitesvara are shown in this gesture.
• Wisdom mudra - in this pose the thumb and finger touch to form a circle.