Mahavira Hall

The Mahavira Hall is the centre of the temple's layout and religious life. It is used for worship, chanting, ceremonies and teaching. The figures enshrined here vary from temple to temple, but the hall always points to the Buddha's awakening, compassion and continuing presence through his teachings.

“Mahavira,” or *Daxiong* in Chinese, means “great hero.” Someone may defeat a vast army and still be unable to overcome their own greed, anger and ignorance. In this sense, that victory alone does not make a great hero.

The hall is a classroom for learning true courage. The Buddha overcame his own delusions, attachments and afflictions, and saw the truth of life and the universe. That is what makes him a great hero.

Shakyamuni Buddha: a name that addresses two everyday difficulties

Shakya, “able to be kind”: This points to compassion. People often put themselves first and hurt one another. This part of the Buddha's name asks us to meet other people with kindness.

Muni, “quiet and still”: This points to a clear, peaceful mind. Restlessness, wandering thoughts, greed, anger, ignorance and pride can fill our days. This part of his name asks us to settle our own minds.

Mahakashyapa and Ananda: practice and understanding

These two leading disciples stand for two things that Buddhist learning needs together.

Venerable Mahakashyapa, foremost in austere practice and the transmission of the Buddha's insight: The senior disciple represents putting the teachings into practice and the direct realisation stressed in Chan Buddhism. Talking about Buddhism is not enough. We need to live by it, keep the precepts and be willing to face hardship.

Venerable Ananda, foremost in learning and the collection of the scriptures: The younger disciple represents understanding through listening and study. Remembered for his fine appearance and remarkable memory, he reminds us to read the scriptures closely and keep learning.

Brahma and Shakra: leaders who protect the Dharma

Brahma, lord of the first meditation heaven: He stands for purity and disciplined conduct, and can be understood as a model of moral leadership.

Shakra, lord of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three: He stands for blessings, authority and order, and can be understood as a ruler or lawmaker.

Both stand beside the Buddha as protectors. Their presence suggests that political power and moral leadership alike need to be guided by wisdom if society is to enjoy lasting peace.