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The Buddhism Temples

Buddhism is a growing religion, and there is evidence to show that many people are embracing it. Since the last three decades, a lot of literature has been published concerning Buddhism temples. The temples where Buddhists conduct various spiritual functions are found all over the world. Also, many researchers have been involved in publishing a series of journals and books concerning this matter. Most of the publications dealt with the religious expositions and personal experiences of Buddhist practitioners. Currently, the research is focused upon providing information regarding Buddhist temples.

In the book, ‘Buddhist World of Southeast Asia’, information is provided concerning in homelands located in Theravada, by the author Swearer. The author gives evidence concerning Southeast Asia’s Theravada Buddhism. He believes that the religion is dynamic and has complex practices and thoughts. The latter is due to the various histories, societies and cultures involved in Buddhism. Swearer claims that “women now have a role in the Buddhist society” (Swearer, 1995. 56). Women can now visit Buddhism temples without being denied entry or being discriminated against. The book focuses mostly on three key aspects, which are all interrelated. The first aspect is Buddhism ritual occasions, festival celebrations, rites of passage, as well as legends and myths. Secondly, he gives an over view of the relations, which exist between the state and Buddhism. Lastly, there is mention of how Buddhism has transformed over the years.

According to an article by Sandra Bell, Buddhism has spread to various parts of the world, and Britons have also embraced it. Theravada Buddhism has expanded to regions, which were mostly known as being Christian. In fact, in Britain, many people are converting and becoming Buddhists. Furthermore, the Buddhists have even built temples, and can be viewed in various parts of Britain. The article gives an illustration of how the British have modernized the Buddhism temples. The author believes that a lot of creativity has been put towards ensuring that the temples please Buddha. Bell claims that “ingenuity is being used in building the Buddhism temples” (Bell, 2000. 23). This shows that she is satisfied with the creativity that Britons are using in coming up with exquisite temple designs.

In the book ‘The spiritual legacy of Shaolin Temple: Buddhism, Daoism, and the energetic Arts’, a lot is mentioned concerning Buddhism temples. The authors Johnson Alan and James Andy enable readers to be aware of what takes place in Buddhism temples. It is believed that martial arts developed in temples used by the Buddhists. They show how the Buddhism temples provide a conducive environment for traditions, which are energetic, martial, as well as spiritual. The authors also show how the Buddhism religion has evolved in terms of individuals, society, as well as its culture. They claim that “the temple has an environment, which is calm and accommodating” (Johnson & James, 2001.112).

Lastly, the authors Carbine Jason and Reynolds Frank have come up with an intriguing book known as ‘The life of Buddhism’. Various scholars on Buddhist issues have presented essays in this book regarding the life that is led by Buddhists. It mostly focuses upon Buddhist adherents and their actual behavior, while engaging in their religious practices. Carbine and Reynolds make available information regarding Buddhist traditions and the existing variants. They are mainly the Vajrayana, Mahayana and the Hinayana branches. They also take an approach, which is wide, when examining Buddhist traditions (Carbine & Reynolds, 2000. 217).

Work Cited

Swearer, Donald. Buddhist World of Southeast Asia. New York: State University of New York Press, 1995.Print.

Johnson, Alan. & James, Andy. The spiritual legacy of Shaolin Temple: Buddhism, Daoism, and the energetic Arts. New York: Wisdom Publications, 2001.Print.

Carbine, Jason & Reynolds, Frank. The life of Buddhism. California: University of California Press.2000.Print.

Bell, Sandra. Being Creative with Tradition: Rooting Theravada Buddhism in Britain. Journal of Global Buddhism, 2, (2000). p.23.