Thank you for the info L. Years ago my son's then-girlfriend now wife took me to a Buddhist Temple when we were there in Honolulu on a visit. You had to remove your shoes before you could enter. The grounds were beautifully manicured. it was so peaceful there. In back there was a huge GONG with a long piece of lumber mounted horizontally hanging by it. It was oriented so that you could hit the end of the wood and it hit the Gong and made a sound that reverberated for awhile thereafter. It was quite mystical and other-worldly. There were others there but no one talked. It was as if silence were the best way to pay your respects.
This post was edited by RosieG at October 31, 2018 5:27 AM MDT
It was amazingly peaceful. I have a bookmark with its name somewhere. If I can find it I shall tell you its name. I feel at peace right now just recalling that experience L! :)
Found it! It is the Byodo-In Temple on Oahu. But my memory was faulty. It was not a gong but a bell! The temple was built as a tribute to the Hawaiian Japanese population and is a replica of a Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, Japan.
Well, they have temples. They have many, many familial gatherings based on the many holidays they worship which usually extend into a week or longer. Let's put it this way, the Hindus are always praying in one fashion or another. They name their children after the God's or references to worshipping the Gods. They oftentimes are mistaken for simply Pagan worshippers since their God has so many aspects. But, do not kid yourself, look closer. That is still ONE God. It is Brahma. Brahma has all forms.
Brahma is the Source of Creation. All springs from the Source.
SpunkySenior 