Buddhist places of worship in Britain and elsewhere

Buddhist Places of Worship

Temples are the traditional place of worship in Buddhism.
Buddha images are usually placed near the altar in the shrine room.
Meditation halls are used for both study and meditation.
Offerings of flowers, candles and incense may be made as gestures showing deep respect and gratitude towards the Three Jewels (the Buddha, his teachings, and the spiritual community).
Stupas or chortens can be seen in temple compounds, which are often symbolising the enlightened mind of a Buddha.

There are different styles of Buddhist temples in Britain, reflecting diverse Buddhist traditions from around the globe.
One notable temple in Britain is the London Buddhist Vihara, the first Theravada Buddhist temple outside Asia.
The Birmingham Buddhist Vihara offers opportunities for Theravada Buddhists to practise their faith.
The Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland is a significant centre for Tibetan Buddhism and attracts visitors for retreats and courses.

Viharas are monastery temples and were originally used to provide shelter for wandering monks during the rainy period in India.
British viharas, such as the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England, provide a place for both monastic and lay communities to practise.

Buddhist centres, such as the London Buddhist Centre and Manchester Buddhist Centre, are more than just places of worship. They provide resources for studying Buddhism and opportunities to learn meditation and mindfulness practises.
Some centres follow particular Buddhist traditions, such as Tibetan or Zen Buddhism.

One of the most famous Buddhist structures in the world is the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, marking the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
In Thailand, the Wat Phra Kaew is a significant Theravada Buddhist temple that houses the revered Emerald Buddha statue.
The Todai-ji Temple in Japan is home to the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana.