Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Achieving Nirvana

Last weekend I visited the Wat Buddharangsi of Miami which is a Theravada Buddhist temple. For a while I've been wanting to go because it is a rare sight here in Miami and also because always been fascinated by cultures so different from mine.

Facade and side of the temple with decorative details and carvings


 The temple is a large square room with the altar at the end featuring a large Buddha brought all the way from Thailand. it is surrounded by gardens with tropical plants and flowers, and to the side there is a greenhouse where they grow vegetables and herbs.

Seats to the side of the temple with carving decorations and names reserved for the monks

The space is very serene, peaceful and conducive to meditation. The floor is covered with a plush rug that makes it even more comfortable to sit and enjoy the environment. There are smaller figures of Buddha all over which are said to be his different representations and made with all sorts of materials including precious stones for eyes and jade.

Different representations of Buddha and main statue surrounded by the smaller ones and other items

Take some time today to sit down and relax... it is a wonderful thing!

P.S. Please don't forget to vote for you favorite photo...

13 comments:

  1. oh this is nice. i didn't know it existed in miami. maybe i will visit it for my moment of zen. :)
    be sure to enter my giveaway if you haven't already. :)
    http://cherylclarke.blogspot.com/2010/04/200-follower-honeymoon-giveaway.html

    -Cheryl

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  2. Oh wow, that temple is beautiful! Must have been such a lovely visit.

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  3. WOW this is breathtaking! Must have been an enriching experience :)

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  4. This pretty amazing, can't believe that's in miami!

    Thanks for your visit! :) xxx

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  5. I've been trying to meditate more... and it's slow going for me. I do love Buddhist temples. In Boulder, CO there's this tea house built by a Tibetan sister city - and its fashioned after a temple. It is drop dead gorgeous, and they serve a fantastic chai tea :-)

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  6. The temple looks beautiful. I would love to travel and see some temples in distant lands.

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  7. Beautiful photos! I really need to get back to Miami so I can explore!

    Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog!

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  8. Hi..Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! It is always so nice to see new faces!
    I hope to see you again and great post!
    Kisses and have a great day!

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  9. Lovely! Looks like one heck of a relaxing adventure :)

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  10. I agree about relaxation!!! :-)

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  11. Delish- I like all the gold accents and detailing.

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  12. I love how the temple balances the simple and the ornate together. It's so beautiful.

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  13. Oh, this makes me homesick for all the lovely temples in Hawaii.

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