1. A
Journey
to
Enlightenment
By
Mary-Ann Mandap
Anthropology 121
Dr. Leanna Wolfe
October 28, 2010

2. WAT THAI TEMPLE
This Wat Thai
Temple shows how
religious architecture
is often design to
inspire the faithful
and to create
atmosphere of
holiness.

3. The two gigantic warrior next to each other and the
colorful carved roof timbers mark the building as
especially important. Inside, statues of the Buddha
inspire visitors to worship and meditate.

4. BUDDHA
In this mudra, (hand position)
the Buddha’s thumb and
forefinger form a circle, with
the other fingers curving
outward. This represents the
turning of the Wheel of Law,
and reminds Buddhists of the
first sermon.

5. OFFERINGS
Buddhist make symbolic
offerings- such as flowers,
candles, and incense- at
temples and shrines.
Flowers symbolizes the
fleeting nature of earthly
life; the flame of the candle
indicates the light of
enlightenment; the smell of
the incense reflects the
spread of the dharma.

6. OFFERINGS FOR BUDDHA
Buddhists also
provides food,
money, and
clothing to show
support to their
local monks.

7. RITUALS
Buddhists pay homage
to offer thanks for his
teachings by bowing,
kneeling, and prostrating
themselves before his
image.
People leave their
shoes outside the
temple as part of their
culture.

8. Rituals cont...
Buddhist regard
meditation as the main
way of achieving nirvana
(a state of inner purity
and freedom that is rich
in death). Meditation
usually includes two
stages: samatha, which
develops concentration
and vipassara, which
leads to insight. These
square velvety mats are
used by monks during
meditation.

9. Initiation
To be accepted into the
Sangha, monks undergo a
series of initiation rituals,
including having their heads
shaved and casting off any
fine clothes so that they may
enter the monastery in
poverty.
A monk wearing a saffron
robe represent wisdom,
concentration, knowledge,
and morality.

10. Ordination
This ritual stresses
that the person is
going to devote
his/her entire life to
following the
teachings of the
religion: this is the
case when a
Buddhist is
ordained and enter
the Sangha.