http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/attraction/lama-temple.htm
The sky broke for an amazing 8 hours of relatively light pollution on Saturday! It was perfect for a trip to the Lama Temple, where 70 practicing monks continue to pray to Buddha. The temple is open to the public, so there was a mix of monks, Buddhists praying, and westerners snapping photos.
Our taxi let us out in front of the entrance. Newly painted Hutong shops sold many types of different incense sticks. The sticks will be used to honor the different Buddhas that are located in several halls located on the temple grounds.
The entrance walk was very nicely shaded. Nothing could get me ready for the peacefulness and spiritual feeling I felt as I walked around the temple. Where is my sister Jen when I need her to experience this with me?
There is an outside worship area in front of every hall. On the left side of the photo you see a kneeling cushion where people kneel to pray. Incense is lit and put into a container outside every hall. There is no burning inside the buildings, so people will place unburned incense sticks as an offering. The monks will later burn these sticks in their ceremonies.
Inside the Hall of Ten Thousand Happiness stands an unbelievable site. I was awestruck by the 52 foot high wood carved Buddha named Maitreya. No photos are allowed to be taken inside, so I have included one from the Internet below.
Here is the kneeling pads, as well as the incense burner.
This was carved from one single piece of White Sandalwood. Completely Awesome!
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