2. This Chinese Buddhist Temple located in Chinatown is a great
example of Chinesearchitecture that was originally created to
resemble the lavish temples in India andother Buddhist countries.
The sloped roof and pillars are what tell Chinese templesapart from
others.
3. Pictured is a woman bowing down andpraying, after placing
incense into thecenter of the statue. Incense is used as anaid in
prayer and it is also seen as acleanser of the surroundings.
4. One of the gods this Taoist temple is dedicated to is Guan
Yu, the god ofwars, brotherhood and righteousness. You are greeted
with this colorfuldoor art as you approach the temple entry.
5. In Chineseculture theelephant hasgreatimportance.Often seen
asa cosmiccreature itrepresentswisdom andstrength andis one of
themost commonanimals foundin Chineseart.
6. Offering of fruit and flowers for the deities arealways
found in the temple. Pictured here areoranges, which symbolize good
fortune and wealth.
7. Prayer and meditation is essential in the Buddhist and
Taoist religion. Here followerscome to kneel before the statues to
offer thanks and partake in daily prayer.
8. Statues of gods are foundaround the temple withincense
nearby. Having thesmell of incense near thestatues allows the
smokeand smell to spreaddharma, which is theprinciple of cosmic
order.
9. Incense is offered toall who come in, a litcandle is
placednearby to light theincense. Some preferto use candles
otherthan oil lampsbecause the flamerepresentsenlightenment andthe
spread of peace.Dragons are the biggest representation inChinese
culture, they symbolize adaptability,power and transformation. They
are animportant icon that is heavily used andrespected in Chinese
art.