The Buddha
I am a Buddhist. Before you get your shorts in a wad, don’t go thinking I believe Buddha is god. Buddha was a flesh and blood man just like all of us. Unlike most of us he was extremely loving, caring, determined and brilliant. He developed a philosophy that is the ultimate answer to humanity’s problems. Sadly, humanity doesn’t know it and people are too “attached.” Alas, I struggle with this too. I should specify that I follow Theravada Buddhism, There are no mystical elements to this sect.
Houston Buddhist Vihara
Some years ago I visited the Houston Buddhist Vihara. I was looking to expand my understanding of The Buddha and Buddhists in general and discovered The Vihara, a Therevadist retreat in South Houston. I visited there one morning when there was a celebration going on. Visitors from other temples were present, including several Monks.
I spent time talking with the Monks. It was a delightful and informative thing. One monk visiting from Port Arthur was exceptionally intriguing. He did not seem like an ordinary Monk and I found out why. He had been a Catholic Priest until he could no longer stay with a church he disagreed with. He migrated to Buddhism and became a Buddhist Priest. His was a fit ending to someone who had lost the pull of Christianity. Having had a similar background only in Protestant denominations, I admired him.
I attended a service in the Temple, a beautiful edifice with a magnificent Golden Buddha statue. It is important to understand the statuaries of The Buddha are not created for worship but for veneration. Some sects of Buddhism do follow a “mystic” Buddhist tradition but even their Buddhas are created for veneration. Houston Buddhist Vihara’s Buddha was beautiful. The service involved talks from the Monks and activities of the followers. It was very different from anything in a Christian church. It was delightful.
There was a man there like me, not someone who was part of the Vihara but there because he was delighted and intrigued. We talked and spent time together. I was happy not to be the only “interloper.” We were both much welcomed by everyone there.
At noon the Temple provided a meal, a feast really. I was invited and was happy to join with them. It was a delicious meal. Many of the people there were from Sri Lanca and were finding a bit of home at the Vihara. Manners were informal and the food was great.
I enjoyed the hours I spent at the Vihara and regret that I have never gone back. I should have. For many years I have been a loose soul, wandering around a world where I never felt at home. For a few hours on that day I must admit I had never felt more at home. Bless the Houston Buddhist Vihara, bless the members and monks, and bless The Buddha!
Visit the Facebook of The Houston Buddhist Vihara here.