Energy(?) in the Temple

[steve19800]

Hello again guys,

One quick question.
I'm wondering what makes you feel uplifted and recharged when you are in the temple (I'm talking about Buddhist temple)?
But do you notice that not all temples have that quality? Why is this so? Is that because some temples are set up differently than the other or is there any other causes? Thanks.

[daverupa]

I find uplifted energy when it is silent, when there is solitude.



Perhaps these things are present at those times you speak of.

[steve19800]

I find uplifted energy when it is silent, when there is solitude.



Perhaps these things are present at those times you speak of.

Yes maybe those things are present when you are silent. But I don't know if it is the energy or what but you don't have to be silent and solitude in the temple but as I said not all temple or monastery like that. You feel that your problem or your burden is lighter or decreasing, I know it's strange or is it not? Anyone has similar experience? I'm just wondering what makes a place has this kind of quality, very peaceful and serene. Definitely not because of the fish pond or the nice music

[SarathW]

Is that the mental preparation. When you go to a temple you are already pre programme your mind to be serine.
What you are experiencing is your inner thoughts not the material things around you.
However I see your point. I see my home shrine room is different to a temple.
I feel calm when I go to a temple than at home! Mind and matter are interdependent so there could be other explanations.
It is a good question anyway.

[pilgrim]

I believe it is psychological. Energy is a misused word. In its proper sense, energy can be measured and converted to other forms.

[ground]

Compare with the enery at different places at different times. You may find even higher energies at places you did not expect.

[Timpan]

I feel just the same as you do when i go to the temple here i Thailand that we use to go to. I have been to other temples and just like you say some feels better than others with lots of energy, why this is so i can only speculate in.

[chris98e]

Hello again guys,

One quick question.
I'm wondering what makes you feel uplifted and recharged when you are in the temple (I'm talking about Buddhist temple)?
But do you notice that not all temples have that quality? Why is this so? Is that because some temples are set up differently than the other or is there any other causes? Thanks.

I feel the same to every Temple I go to of course in a good way.

[steve19800]

I feel just the same as you do when i go to the temple here i Thailand that we use to go to. I have been to other temples and just like you say some feels better than others with lots of energy, why this is so i can only speculate in.

Maybe because of the presence of the relic, other sacred object or the practice?
But this is worth knowing as this positive atmosphere brings well-being to the people although temporarily.
Edit: I once asked the monk, according to him it depends on the set-up of the temple. Some for worship purpose and some for meditation purpose. That is basically his answer. But in fact not all temple either for meditation or worship purpose have this serene vibration.

[steve19800]

I believe it is psychological. Energy is a misused word. In its proper sense, energy can be measured and converted to other forms.

I am afraid it is not psychological, as you did not have any prejudice or preconception whatsoever before you visit the place.

[Kim OHara]

I believe it is psychological. Energy is a misused word. In its proper sense, energy can be measured and converted to other forms.

I am afraid it is not psychological, as you did not have any prejudice or preconception whatsoever before you visit the place.

Absence of preconceptions doesn't mean the feeling can't be psychological, since we take in the important aspects of any new place very quickly ... walk through the door, glance around and bang! "I like this place," or "This place scares me," or "This place feels fake," etc.
It's not so surprising that we can do that super-quick assessment when you think what a valuable survival skill it has always been. Why we respond that way comes after the response, if it ever comes at all, because it's not so significant.

That said, I have an open mind on the "energy" thing. I know there is no scientific support for it, but neither can science prove there is no such thing. Meanwhile, there is something I have felt in various places that I call "energy" for want of a better word.


Kim

[Goofaholix]

It's just one's perception of the experience coloured by pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral feeling just like anything else one experiences.

Someone might find temple A more uplifting, somebody else temple B, the temple hasn't changed the person perceiving it has.

[steve19800]

It's just one's perception of the experience coloured by pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral feeling just like anything else one experiences.

Someone might find temple A more uplifting, somebody else temple B, the temple hasn't changed the person perceiving it has.

But how about if many people say that?

[steve19800]

I believe it is psychological. Energy is a misused word. In its proper sense, energy can be measured and converted to other forms.

I am afraid it is not psychological, as you did not have any prejudice or preconception whatsoever before you visit the place.

Absence of preconceptions doesn't mean the feeling can't be psychological, since we take in the important aspects of any new place very quickly ... walk through the door, glance around and bang! "I like this place," or "This place scares me," or "This place feels fake," etc.
It's not so surprising that we can do that super-quick assessment when you think what a valuable survival skill it has always been. Why we respond that way comes after the response, if it ever comes at all, because it's not so significant.

That said, I have an open mind on the "energy" thing. I know there is no scientific support for it, but neither can science prove there is no such thing. Meanwhile, there is something I have felt in various places that I call "energy" for want of a better word.


Kim

Of course everything is psychological whether preconceptions or not, cause it is part of our emotions interconnected through our senses. When you stepped in, "I like this place" or "So comfortable", those statement is what I mean by self-suggesting.
What I meant by uplifting is when you have say problems, problems that you believe that can't be solved by only go and sit in a place but obviously you feel recharged afterwards, you feel kind of lighter and easier with your problems. You visit again next time and you feel the same. Some of your burden may be gone, some still there but again you feel lighter.

[Mr Man]

Hi there
This link was posted on another thread: http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/4778617 ... 7-meg?da=y
In the document there are the following quotes from Goenkaji:

"You will find wonderful Dhamma vibrations all over Myanmar, but the holy places you are going to visit will have even stronger Dhamma vibrations. May you meditate there and get inspiration to walk further on the path of Dhamma."

“The vibrations of the wonderful Shwedagon Pagoda, with the relics of the Enlightened One within, not only help this country but also all humankind. Those who pay respects there by offering flowers etc. are benefited by the vibrations, gain inspiration to keep walking on the Path of Dhamma, and receive merits because of their devotion; those who meditate there receive limitless merits. Now hundreds of you on pilgrimage to this revered land will meditate on the platform of Shwedagon and realize what a wonderful sacred place it is.”