chinese temple

We went to a local temple here in Nonlang this weekend!

Before our adventure we had a little time to hangout with our new bestfriend (ok chinese crush). Hes our security guard at our apartment gates. I may or may not look to see if hes there everyday. what? look... hes like the chinese prince charming ya?

.Blake.

ok so we hopped on a motorbike taxi and headed off the the temple! This was a really nice drive, and we went down some back roads we never knew existed in our little town.

the temple wasnt the prettiest building iv ever seen. but i talked to Freda about their beliefs and the different symbolism and i learned why! most other temples are tall and grand and beautiful.. the chinese believe this is to make people feel small and helpless compared to the powerful Lord. so chinese temples are smaller, and more compact to give you the feeling of a harmonious environment, feel comfort, and feel your ancestors around you.

One word to describe the temple: INCENSE The smoke and smell were coated thick all around us. The smell was SO strong i couldnt really be insde for longer than a few minutes. they had cool wick spiral burning incense hanging from the ceiling and special stands with incense. I loved the hanging ones, i want one for my future home... i just wont light it :)

{entrance into one of the rooms. so pretty and peaceful}

worshipers come and light the incense, waive it or raise it above their head while bowing to the statues of a deity or their ancestors. its supposed to be a method of purifyiing the surroundings. and then the incense sticks are placed in plaques in groups of 3. freda didnt giive me a reason why they did that.

Bridget and I of course had to participate in this unique buddist culture!

This is where you sacrifice something, and offer something to the gods/ancestors. Most things were small candies, flowers, etc.

The monk outside the temple. April and i are 90% sure he was smoking weed. that or some chinese "incense" :)

obvi im not buddist. i dont know a lot about their religion.. but i loved being here. it was so peaceful to see the chinese people come and bow and worship something they truly believe in, and show gratitude towards whatever that something is. i could really feel their sincerity in their prayers and i loved how open they were with it. it was open to the public and you could walk around wherever you wanted as long as you were being respectful

iv absolutely loved the people in china. they are the most kind-hearted people, who are so giving and helpful all the time. it was good to see whats in their hearts and see something they were passionate about. i wish i could share with them my beliefs, and my passions.

dang china.

someday.