Chinese+Buddhist+Temples

The Complex
The overall appearance of a Chinese Buddhist Temple complex is like that of an imperial palace. This design is very different from that of Buddhist Temples in other countries. Many bright colors are used, especially reds and gold, because they are considered to bring good luck. The general look of the exterior of the buildings is elaborate, including the conspicuous roof design found on many Chinese palaces. This special design is to ward off evil spirits; by not letting them into Chinese Buddhist Temples are designed in a very different way than Buddhist temples in other countries, such as India. There is always one large main building, and two outbuildings. These out buildings are usually housing for the monks and another is a dining building and kitchen.

Statues
There are many statues usually found in the main part of the Chinese Buddhist Temples. Here are brief descriptions of the most common statues, which are usually made of wood. Si-Tien Wand Tien- the Buddha-to-be Ta-pao Mi-Lei-Fwo- The laughing Buddha Wei-to- The projector of Buddhist temples

The Main Building
The Front Hall usually contains statues (see above) and is a large, grand room, similar to that of a Hindu Temple. The Main Hall usually contains an alter with the image of the Sakyamuni Buddha and his two most important disciples. The temple faces south, and each wall has a specific use. The East and West walls present the figures of the 18 Arhats, who possess supernatural powers. The North wall holds images of Jan-teng Fwo, the person who predicted Sakaymuni's Bhuddahood. The Back hall is usually a space used for teaching. It is divided into three sections. The far right section holds the tablet of the temple founder, the center is another alter to a Buddha, and the far left section is used for teaching and a meditation hall.
 * Front Hall**
 * Main Hall**
 * Back Hall**

The Alter
The alter contains an image of Sakyamuni Buddha, and his two most important disciples. Sometimes lesser disciples are also placed on the alter.

Bibliography: "A Chinese Buddhist Temple." Buddhist Studies. 2007. BuddhaNet. 9 Jan. 2008 <[|http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/buddhist-art/chinese_temple.htm>.]

Breuilly, Elizabeth, Joanne O'brien, and Martin Palmer. Religions of the World. Ed. Martin E. Marty. Mondadori, Italy: Facts on File, 1997. 54-55-112-113.