Personal Narrative: My Experience At The Dharma Buddhist Temple

For my religious study event, I attended the Dharma Buddhist temple, in Springfield, Mo, on November 14th, 2015. As I perambulated into the temple, I took off my shoes and sat them on the little rack they had next to the front door. I proceeded to walk forward and in front of me was this altar with pictures of whom I believe to be the founders of the temple, and statues of the deities. Along with the pictures, were bowls of fruits and vegetables; Oranges and tomatoes of some sort, to be exact. As I continued into the meditation room I notice the scenery painted on the wall. The wall was covered in clouds, representing the earth is what I supposed. The clouds weren't the only thing painted on the wall. As I continued to observe the walls, I noticed a goddess riding two different animals. On one side of the wall the woman is riding a mystical looking lion. The lion is standing on lotus flowers, which is a common theme found in Buddhism, to represent beauty and fortune. On the other side of the wall is the same god, only this time she is riding an elephant. The elephant is a creature of wisdom and strength, which is what I feel is being represented through the painting, showing that the deity of strength and wisdom is looking upon us.
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I showed up in yoga pants and a T-shirt, and have never felt more at home while attending a religious event, than I did there. I feel that this style of comfort and relaxation really speaks for the type of people that make up this community, and their beliefs. I don’t think I’ll dedicate every Saturday morning to going to early meditations, but I would definitely love to go again sometime. I believe that Buddhism is so popular because it’s so much more than just a religion, it’s a way of life and there’s nothing in that religion that says you must follow these rules or there will be consequences, like most