Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will examine practices in Buddhism such as puja and meditation. They will understand the considerable diversity of these practices among Buddhist adherents. Following that they wil look at the role of precepts and how these look different in Therevada and Mahayna Buddhism.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the features, function and importance of different places of worship for Buddhists today.

Key Notes

• Buddhist places of worship include: temples, gompas, viharas and shrines.
• Buddhist places of worship share many features, including meditation halls, shrines, libraries and stupas or pagodas.
• The Kimsila Sutta highlights the importance of learning the Buddha's Dhamma.
• Buddhists may attend a place of worship to make offerings to the Buddha.
• Places of worship are important for offering Dhamma and meditation classes, which can support lay Buddhists.

Vocabulary To Learn

• gompa: a Tibetan monastery associated with learning and studying the Dhamma
• monastery (vihara): a building that houses monks and nuns; it may have space for study, as well as accommodation
• shrine: a room or part of a room which contains a Buddha rupa, candles, an incense burner, and sometimes other offerings
• temple: a structure/building for religious or spiritual activities, such as meditation

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• All Buddhist places of worship have the same features and purpose.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Buddhist festivals in Britain Study Guide
• Buddhist temples in Britain and globally Study Guide
• Death and mourning in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism Study Guide
• Devotional practices Study Guide
• Festivals and retreats Study Guide
• Forms of meditation: samatha and mettabhavana Study Guide
• Forms of meditation: vipassana Study Guide
• Puja and mudras Study Guide
• The role of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in meditation Study Guide