places of worship

• Temple


  A place where Buddhists come together to practice.
• A Main Hall

  Where Buddhists practice together, usually containing a statue of the Buddha.
• Buddha Rupa


  A statue of the Buddha, often sitting cross-legged in a meditation pose.
• Bodhisattva

  Buddhist worthy of nirvana who postpones it to help others.
• Meditation Hall


  A quiet space where Buddhists can meditate.
• A Study Hall

  A space for meetings and lectures.
• A Stupa or Pagoda

  a mound-like structure that sometimes contains relics of an important Buddhist. The shape symbolises the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and wisdom.
• Pagoda

  a tiered tower (usually with an odd number of levels) that sometimes contains relics of an important Buddhist. The shape symbolises the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and wisdom.
• Shrine


  An area with a statue or image of a Buddha or Bodhisattva. It provides a focal point for meditation and devotion.
• Symbol of Light

  Used on a shrine to represent the Buddha, wisdom and enlightenment - drives away the darkness of ignorance.
• Symbol of Flowers

  Used on a shrine to remind Buddhists that everything is impermanent.
• Symbol of Incense


  Used on a shrine to represent purity - reminds Buddhists of the importance of practicing pure thoughts, speech and behaviour.
• Monastery

  A community of monks or nuns.
• Vihara

  Buddhist monastery.
• Gompa


  A hall or building where Tibetan Buddhists meditate.