I can't say that I regularly practice Buddhism, nor can I say I know what goes on at these places. Last year I had heard about the Cambodian Temple in Minnesota, and I also heard that they just completed a large temple out in Hampton, MN. Having no idea what to expect at the temple or any knowledge of what they did there, I was urged by my parents to go and check it out (because they had a huge celebration for the new temple). My parents wanted me to see what they were not able to participate in because they lived in Michigan and just didn't have the chance to come and celebrate with the those who could go.
The temple is way out in the suburbs of Minneapolis...farmland area...not a place I expected to find a temple, but at the same time I could see why. The new temple sat high on a hill with architectural details like no other! It was a beautiful sight to see and I could see why monks would be able to practice Buddhism here. There were statues that sat high atop the temple that looked like women holding up the roof and it was absolutely breathtaking. The stairways had large serpent statues that ran high up the stairs that acted as the railing. I can't say how much detail was put into the temple, but it is amazing. The place was just filled with such rich culture and serenity.
Not too many people know much about the Cambodian culture nor do they know much about Buddhism, and I am Cambodian, and I could say that I am one of those people who don't know much about the culture. My parents and my husband's parents have urged me to go to Cambodia to see the culture and have always been afraid to, but being at the temple has given me some inkling to go. We'll see.... read more