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THE INSIGHTS OF BUDDHISTS RELIGION 2
Ever since its advent, the Buddhist religion has no restrictions on race, gender, sexuality,
and nationality. According to LEFFERTS (2017), there is no existence of God as the Supreme
being in Buddhism. Instead, it is a faith of the awareness which promotes own understanding,
inner transparency, and pleasant demeanor. Precisely, Buddhists follow the teachings of Buddha
all over the world for guidance. The doctrine focuses on ending suffering and perpetrates on
living a life of happiness, compassion, wisdom, and joy. In Florida, they practice Theravada
Before my visit at Wat Buddharangsi Temple, I reached out to the Bhikku, an ordained
Buddhist religious leader informing him of my appointment and interest in researching their
religion. Additionally, I inquired on the moral conduct and ethics expected from visitors to the
temple to prepare accordingly. Later, I received an email from the monk indicating that I was
only required to dress modestly, not to wear a hut or cover the head, and not to carry any form of
weapons. Likewise, the monk stated the time and date for a visit and noted that I would learn the
On the recommended date; Friday, I attended the sermon having complied to the
expected morals and ethics. Before entering the temple, I noticed that every nun and monk was
bowing three times at the statue of the Buddha. BURNS (2018) reviews that bowing to the
Buddha’s sculpture is a sign of respect to his teachings. However, I was not to bend since it was
not compulsory for non-Buddhists. When entering the temple, one would leave their shoes
outside and uncover their heads by removing hats and scarfs. Given the sitting arrangement,
members of different sex were to stay separate as it’s according to the ethics of the religion.
THE INSIGHTS OF BUDDHISTS RELIGION 3
The Buddhists wore different colors of the robe which represented various aspects of
faith (LEFFERT, 2017). The colors varied from maroon, brown and orange. Along the temple
walls, there was a decoration of various arts such as the lotus flower which signifies purity and
enlightened. The second was the endless knot presenting eternal harmony, and third the golden
fish meaning spousal contentment and liberty. Accordingly there the banner of victory portraying
Similarly, there was the treasure vase which signified inexhaustible treasure and wealth.
There was also the parasol demonstrating the crown and the safeguard from dangerous elements.
Finally, there was the conch shell signifying the Buddha's judgments. According to the
Buddhists, there is no particular book like the Bible or the Quran as it is in Christianity and
Muslim religion. Instead, they use sacred texts known as the Sutras. LEFFERTS (2017) further
reviews that The Pali canon contains the holy writings, and their purpose is instilling law,
character, and spirituality among its people. Among the teachings of the sermon were to refrain
At the temple, the service proceedings, were very different from other religions as there
was no music and instruments. The congregation recited and chanted the Sutras in one cohesion.
Moreover, they used the Madras which are symbolic hand gestures while praying to enhance
spiritual attainment and self-actualization. Among other rituals was the prayer wheel which
contained the mantras and members would recite the text written on the wheel on every spin.
According to BURNS (2018), silence is essential during meditation since it is one of their rituals
during the sermon. Meditation allows mental concentration and mindfulness which enhances in
focusing on one’s suffering and the road to liberation. As well, there was chanting of the
mantras, also known as the sacred sounds known to have spiritual powers. The mantras were also
THE INSIGHTS OF BUDDHISTS RELIGION 4
recited to prevent evil and misfortune such as illnesses and death. Later in the day, I discovered
that there was going to be an evening session and I tagged along to quench my curiosity. During
the evening rituals, the ritual bell would be rung to signify the begging of the ceremony. Besides,
there were several bells with different meanings. For instance, there was the bell for good lack
Some of the significant symbols among the Buddhists was the shaving of the head which
every member of the Buddhist would comply with to become a part of the congregation.
Moreover, shaving the hair was a ritual, and it meant simplicity and the willingness to focus on
Buddha’s teachings (LEFFERTS, 2017). Prayer position was another symbol where they all
joined hands in a way like the lotus petals which they compared their limbs as it signified purity.
Also, the wearing of their robes meant detachment from worldly possessions because they all
bared a dull color. Surprisingly, I discovered that members of different sex were not allowed to
shake hands and instead were to put palms of their hands together and raise them to their chin.
Likewise, I learned that all Buddhists were vegetarians because they respect the life of all living
From the teachings, I learned that pain and suffering are self-conflicted caused by ego-
based desires. For instance, mental distress does not exist. Instead, it is an illusion created in
one’s mind. Therefore, people should choose what to let in their minds to stay free from
suffering. I enjoyed the sermon because its teachings are logic and they apply on our daily life.
For instance, it bases most of its lessons on karma which is a law of cause and effect where one
References