Visit to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum : Aug-11

Quite remarkable that we actually visited our 2nd museum in a month!

This time we visited one of the largest Buddhist temple on our lands, called "Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum". The temple is simply magnificent, from the elaborated architecture to its detailed internal design and countless Buddha statues and historical artifacts. Anyone visiting the place would be impressed by the splendid efforts incurred.

My sentiments after the visit were mixed. While I am proud to visit the place as a Buddhist, I somehow felt something is amiss. Buddhism teaches us about entirety of life, and how to apply Buddhism in life to achieve happiness for everyone. For some reason, I cannot feel that Buddhist purpose there. Instead what is more prominent to me is the kind of "God-human being" relationship. Looking at some devotees praying to Buddha statues, I wonder if they are "throwing" their problems or wishes to the Buddha and expecting the Buddha up there (the "God") to solve their problems or grant their wishes? Is Buddhism merely that? I ponder as I admire the exhibits in the museum... and at the end, I just feel so grateful to be able to encounter Nichiren Buddhism through Soka, which is based on the Lotus Sutra, king of the sutras which Shakyamuni Buddha preached in the final 8 years of his life. Nichiren Daishonin teaches us to apply Buddhism to our lives, taking personal responsibility and accountability in achieving happiness for self and others. There should be no greater joy then when you are in control of your own life.