Issues

A MAJOR misconception of what Buddhism is all about has arisen because the large Chinese population of Malaysia ticks “Buddhism” in the Agama/Religion column in official forms. Yet, in most cases, many are ignorant of what Buddhism is really all about.
~ Article from the STAR  Sunday lifestyle-vestibule 7th June 2003

Basically, I feel there are more temples than “true” Buddhists in Malaysia. By true Buddhists, I mean those who really know the meaning of the faith and practice living on the Noble Eight Fold Path, regardless of the sect they are in.
~ Article from the STAR from Sunday lifestyle-vestibule 7th June 2003


I have also observed that there is a growing number of aspiring female nuns. However, the support and facilities for these Meichi in the Theravadian tradition is sadly lacking.

~Article From The STAR Sunday lifestyle-vestibule 7th June 2003

The above statement indicates the major misconception of being a Buddhist and practicing the faith. Another major misconception is on the temple itself that has lose out it’s function of being an educational center of Buddhism(or maybe cultivation) to being a mere place to present offering to the Buddha. Even the real meaning of offering to the Buddha is a total misconception as a means of idolatry for some ignorant so called ‘Buddhist’. Apart from the function of a Buddhist temple serves offering, in different parts of the world. Some have created a center of martial arts and some ancient temples with reputations have changed into tourism activity. However the real meaning of a temple is beyond that. It traces to the time of the Buddha still preaching in India. 

Based on writings and stories in the various sutras of Buddhism, the temple is a place of education for lay followers( to be detailed), a place for refuge for the Order of Sangha( to be detailed). The temple after the Death of Buddha (parinirvana) evolved to great universities and monasteries such as the ancient Nalanda University(now in ruins)(to be detailed). Hence clearly, a temple is a place of refuge-seeker, education and cultivation rather than mere offering during Wesak festivals. The question is:
a. what does the temple holds in it’s meaning nowadays?
b. How should the temple serves as a community center or a center for cultivation? How should it be done architecturally?

This is a thesis website by ressox studio.