BUDDHISM
AT THE VU LUONG QUANG TEMPLE
Maria Loucks and Mhena Gopal
INTRODUCTION
Began in the 6th century in Nepal, India with the Buddha
Buddhists believe in a cycle of reincarnation until you reach
enlightenment
Serenity among chaos, compassion, high ethical conduct
Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
The Middle Way and Bohi Tree (tree of awakening)
Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
Karma
Three Main Schools of Buddhism: Mahayana, Theravada and
Vajrayana
HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1990s
Vietnamese Buddhist
community
spiritual practice,
community support, and
the preservation of
Vietnamese Buddhist
traditions.
ARCHITECTURE AND
DESIGN
Stupa: A central architectural feature in many Buddhist
sites, symbolizing the enlightened mind and the path to
enlightenment.
Statues of the Buddha: Buddha statues (often depicted
in meditative poses, with hand gestures, such as the
"Dharmachakra mudra").
Shrines/Altars: Buddhist temples often have altars with
offerings like candles, incense, fruit, or flowers,
symbolizing respect and devotion.
Sacred Texts or Scriptures: scriptures and prayer flags
with sacred Buddhist symbols.
KEY RITUALS
AND PRACTICES
Everyone removes their shoes and bows towards the
Buddha statue in the front of the building when they
enter
It is very quiet and you are not suppose to touch
anything
Everyone makes donations and stands when a monk
enters
sitting posture (cross-legged) and breathing
techniques
offerings of incense and light (candles) to buddha
What ways can Catholics talk with Buddhists
VATICAN 2 Shared ethical principals
CONNECTION
Ecumenism
Vatican II emphasized the importance of ecumenism
(dialogue among Christian denominations) and
interreligious dialogue with non-Christian traditions.
Nostra Aetate
Key document in Vatican II about understanding and
respect for other religions
INTERRELIGIOUS
DIALOGUE
Interfaith groups and events. ones that include Buddhist communities and Catholic ones, such
as events focused on social justice orthose aimed at promoting peace and reducing suffering in
the community.
Catholics can learn from Buddhist practices (ex: meditation), and Buddhists can find common
ground in Catholic values (ex: compassion)
SOURCES
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/buddhism/
https://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/introduction_to_buddhism
https://www.manta.com/c/mr57gy2/vo-luong-quang-temple
https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/catholicism-and-buddhism-compatible-
beliefs/
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-
ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html
https://rabbitshorn.wordpress.com/2021/08/04/st-louis-missouri-buddhist-temples/
THANK
YOU
