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What is a vihara used for?
A vihara usually refers to a Buddhist monastery that is inhabited by Buddhist monks. However, the term can have different meanings. For instance, in other religious texts, such as Hindu, Ajivika, and Jain, a vihara refers to a temporary dwelling place for wandering monks seeking refuge or rest during the rainy season.
What were Viharas What was the purpose of building it?
The viharas in India were originally constructed to shelter the monks during the rainy season, when it became difficult for them to lead the wanderer’s life. They took on a sacred character when small stupas (housing sacred relics) and images of the Buddha were installed in the central court.
What is Buddhism place of worship?
In Buddhism there is no single place of worship. This is because Buddhists can worship in the home or in the temple. Although Buddhists show devotion at home, they also use the temple as this is the heart of the community.
What does Vihara mean in English?
Buddhist temple
noun. A Buddhist temple or monastery. ‘Scholarship came from the Buddhist monks and their viharas, stupas and monasteries. ‘This ritual is also often carried out in the vihara or Buddhist temple. ‘
What Dhamma means?
to uphold
Dhamma means ‘to uphold’, and therefore it is central to Buddhist belief as it ‘holds up’ the religion and Buddhists may also believe that it upholds the natural order of the universe. Dhamma is based upon the actions and teachings of the Buddha, which Buddhists are encouraged to follow.
What did bhikkhus mean?
Definition. Bhikkhu literally means “beggar” or “one who lives by alms”.
Who built Karle Chaitya?
This Great Chaitya cave, the largest in South Asia, was constructed between 50-70 CE, and 120 CE, during the reign of the Western Satraps ruler Nahapana, who recorded the dedication of the cave in an inscription.
What Buddha said about Jesus?
Some high level Buddhists have drawn analogies between Jesus and Buddhism, e.g. in 2001 the Dalai Lama stated that “Jesus Christ also lived previous lives”, and added that “So, you see, he reached a high state, either as a Bodhisattva, or an enlightened person, through Buddhist practice or something like that.” Thich …
Who do the Buddhist worship?
Public worship Most Buddhists do not believe in God. Although they respect and look up to the Buddha , they do not believe he was a god but they worship him as a form of respect. By doing this they show reverence and devotion to the Buddha and to bodhisattas .
Who are the main gods in Buddhism?
Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions also recognize five primary Buddhas: Vairocana, Aksobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitābha, and Amoghasiddhi. Each is associated with a different consort, direction, aggregate (or, aspect of the personality), emotion, element, color, symbol, and mount.
Which is the best description of a vihara?
Buddha statue in the Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok, Thailand. A vihara usually refers to a Buddhist monastery that is inhabited by Buddhist monks. However, the term can have different meanings.
Who was the first person to start a vihara?
After Ashoka converted to Buddhism, states Lahiri, he started dharma yatras around mid 3rd century BCE instead of hedonistic royal vihara yatras. The early history of viharas is unclear. Monasteries in the form of caves are dated to centuries before the start of the common era, for Ajivikas, Buddhists and Jainas.
What are the four practices of the Brahma vihara?
The brahma viharas, often referred to as the “heart practices,” are cultivated via specific meditation practices, but they also permeate our mindfulness and concentration practices. The term Brahma-vihara is Pali, and comes from two words.
What does the term vihara mean in Jainism?
In modern Jainism, the monks continue to wander from town to town except during the rainy season ( Chaturmas ), the term “vihara” refers their wanderings. Vihara or vihara hall has a more specific meaning in the architecture of India, especially ancient Indian rock-cut architecture.