To access a word document of the Temple Visit  page click here
To access a word document of the Monk Interview page click here
To access a word document of the Layperson Interview page click here
To access a word document of the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path page click here
To access a word document of the Meditation page click here

I am fortunate to live in Southern California where we have every religion represented.  It is very
easy for my students to visit various houses of worship or gathering.  The Pluralism Project (see
website in the Links page) can help you locate the nearest Buddhist temple in your area if you are not familiar with any and there is one near by. If you are able to have your students go to a Buddhist temple, here are some questions they can use to enhance their experience.  You can adapt it to any religion as well. 

Before going to the temple the students should have some time to think about what they will be
doing.  Have them fill out the first two questions on the work sheet.  The last question should be
filled out at home after the visit, but the rest of the questions should be finished while they are at the temple. 
 
 
 
 

Name: _________________________________________________________________ 
 

Questions to help you discuss your impressions of your visit to the Buddhist Temple 
 

Before you go to the temple, what do you expect to see? 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What are some thoughts about going to a new religious place?  Do you have any apprehensions
or concerns? 
 
 
 
 
 
 

When you look at the temple what do you see?  How do you feel about it? 
 
 
 
 
 
 

When you go inside, describe what you see?  What seems to be the focal point? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Are there pews, chairs, cushions on which the people sit? 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Are there statues or images of God or gods, a founder or saints? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Are there any smells that stand out (incense, candle wax, etc.)?  Describe what you smell. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Are there people around?  What are they doing? 
 
 
 
 
 

 What is the service like?  Who leads the service?  What do they do?  What do the people do? 
How is it different from what you usually do at worship? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Answer this question at home.  How do you feel now that you have been there?  What impressions
of the religion do you have?