Took DW to the temple today
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:26 am
We are in Bangkok and hit up a few Buddhist temples (Emerald Buddha, Reclining Buddha). I found some commonalities with LDS temples, and certainly many differences.
Both require payment for admission (LDS 10% of gross or net income, audited by the BP : Biddhist payment of flat rate tithing / admission ticket).
Both have strict dress codes (LDS modesty enforcing undies : Buddhist no shorts, sleeveless, shoes, or miniskirts).
Both rent clothes to visitors who come unprepared for the dress requirements (LDS, Inc rents directly : Buddhist have vendors outside to rent pants and shirts to cover immodest legs and arms/shoulders).
Both have strict codes of health (LDS use self proclaimed compliance with abstinence of prohibited smoking and drinking : Buddhists charge fines up to $5k USD for smoking onsite and up to $10k USD for drinking onsite).
Both require the removal of street shoes.
Both have holy areas where only the worthy of certain criteria may enter.
Both have symbolic hand signals/tokens used during worship.
Both have space that has moved me to a higher plan, frame of mind, and eternal perspective. (We meditated in front of a buddha for 20 minutes and I found it profoundly moving and centering).
Both discouraged the use of tattoos by its adherents.
Both had worshipers who appeared more focused on outward appearances than inward connection to spirituality.
Only one claims to have authority to speak and act for god.
Only one claims to be the excluding source of salvation and eternal purpose.
Only one acknowledges suffering as the common human experience.
Only one let's visitors in with open arms.
Both require payment for admission (LDS 10% of gross or net income, audited by the BP : Biddhist payment of flat rate tithing / admission ticket).
Both have strict dress codes (LDS modesty enforcing undies : Buddhist no shorts, sleeveless, shoes, or miniskirts).
Both rent clothes to visitors who come unprepared for the dress requirements (LDS, Inc rents directly : Buddhist have vendors outside to rent pants and shirts to cover immodest legs and arms/shoulders).
Both have strict codes of health (LDS use self proclaimed compliance with abstinence of prohibited smoking and drinking : Buddhists charge fines up to $5k USD for smoking onsite and up to $10k USD for drinking onsite).
Both require the removal of street shoes.
Both have holy areas where only the worthy of certain criteria may enter.
Both have symbolic hand signals/tokens used during worship.
Both have space that has moved me to a higher plan, frame of mind, and eternal perspective. (We meditated in front of a buddha for 20 minutes and I found it profoundly moving and centering).
Both discouraged the use of tattoos by its adherents.
Both had worshipers who appeared more focused on outward appearances than inward connection to spirituality.
Only one claims to have authority to speak and act for god.
Only one claims to be the excluding source of salvation and eternal purpose.
Only one acknowledges suffering as the common human experience.
Only one let's visitors in with open arms.