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This week I really wanted to attend a Buddhist temple because from my prior knowledge it
is very similar to my own beliefs of Hinduism. Which is primarily why I chose to visit a
Buddhist temple and describe my experience for my essay. I went alone to the Chung Mei
Buddhist Temple in Houston to observe a meditation and learn as much as I could about
the religion.
Buddhism began in the sixth century BC with the birth of Siddharta Gautama the known
Buddha in what is now known as Nepal. After living in luxury with his father for some
time, he renounced his former life and began to live without any worldly pleasures, but
found that to be meaningless and moved to living a life of complete moderation. After
reaching enlightenment he taught a wide range of people throughout Asia. Buddhism now
has spread throughout the world in countries including the United States, Australia, Russia,
and some of Europe.
Buddhist teachings (Dharma) center around the 4 noble truths and the Eightfold path and
the three marks of existence, which are the way to enlightenment.
These basic teachings and through meditation are the core of Buddhism. Meditation is
important for someone to reach an understanding of what is happening within yourself
instead of having your thoughts being pulled out into the world around you. In the basic
sitting meditation one sits on the floor and concentrates on the movements of the abdomen
while breathing. During this concentration you try to block all other ideas out of your head
and try to concentrate on yourself. The key is always to focus on what is happening to you
and not around you.
At the Chung Mei Buddhist Temple in Houston the patrons all sit on rows of cushions and
you leave your shoes downstairs before climbing. As everyone came in they all sat
wherever they wanted and I found that most people came alone. There were some
Caucasian people there but most were Asian. This temple teaches in the western practice of
Buddhism, which fits the name "Hsi Fang" which translated means "Western or West
Place". I sat in the back and watched as the Dharma teacher explained the teachings on the
Buddha. They were all put into stories for us to easily understand. The teachings were
close to something you might hear at any other church. At least that was how I found it.
When the teachings were over we were allowed to meditate and then another short lecture
