Buddhist Temple Essay

A few weeks ago I went and visited a "retired" Buddhist Temple here on Oahu. It was only ten minutes from my house and as I drove through the gates, I realized it was part of a much larger plot of land. A portion of it was a cemetary that was categorized by different faiths. I thought it really interesting that while there might be strong differences between the religions that they may be laid to rest right next to on another. A roman catholic lay boardering the buddhist. The aura of the entire space was contagious. It was not the sunniest of days, but the overall feeling was hard to dismiss. I walked accross the small curved bridge that lead to the temple and immediately was overwhelmed with a peaceful sense. I walked around the premesis, …show more content…
It smelled smokey, but not in a cigarette in a dive bar kind of way, more of a spiritual guidance kind of smokey. I sat on a bench looking over the Buddha and thinking about my life. It was spectacular to just sit and become part of my surroundings. Although this Temple was not active, I felt what it resembled. After about an hour I decided to leave the building and wander around the grounds. There was a large pond with two black swans that gracefully danced upon the murky waters. As I journeyed on, I came upon a large rock with engraved plaques that stated loved one 's names. I believe it was a place to hold ashes. I also saw what I have found to be called a "peace pole" with another very intricate designed Buddha statue next to it. I saw several frog fountains that spat water into smaller ponds. There was a small tea house toward the exit where I decided to stop for a cup. I went inside and immediately noticed a small bracelet with purple and red beads and small charms on it. I purchased the bracelet and have not taken it off since. I think of it as my good luck momento. In the past week I have wondered what the charms really mean. They are chinese I believe, and the charms have chinese symbols along with carved pictures on them. I decided to research their meanings and use the bracelet as a Buddhist spiritual