Watching different people pay their respects to Buddha by burning incense and praying is one of the most striking sights when visiting the Yonghegong Lamasery, known simply as the Lama Temple.

Most people get down on their knees on a cushion and present joss sticks, or burning incense, to the Buddha statutes.

The statue of the Buddha usually has its hands resting gently in its lap with a quiet smile. People worship several of these statutes because they are different incarnations of him.

Buddhist worship involves bowing to express gratitude to Buddha for his teachings. The burning incense is a reminder of the influence of virtue.

Those who come to worship light incense around braziers and wave them in between their palms as they pray to the Buddha within themselves.

Buddhists do not pray directly to the statutes, as they are only symbols of the features of Buddha. The way they pay homage is to clasp their palms, kneel and say a devotional recitation.

 
Visitors' stares of quiet curiosity surround the worshippers. They don't seem to notice the chatter around them or the cameras snapping pictures as they bow. And it's a tradition that has carried on for hundreds of years.

The temple was originally built in 1694 as the residence of the son of the Qing Emperor, Kangxi. When the prince, Youngzheng, became emperor in 1723 he moved to the Forbidden City so his home was converted into a residence for monks.

Today it is still a monastery for Mongolian and Buddhist Monks. It remains one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in China.

Inside, there are many different temples and within each temple there are different statues of Buddha. There are also courtyards, alleyways and benches for visitors to wander.

As you go through each hall, each Buddha is more spectacular than the last. In the fifth hall there is a Buddha that is larger than life. Carved out of a single sandalwood tree trunk, the statue stands 18 meters above the ground and 8 meters below (about 80 feet).

Among the many temples, the ones with the yellow-tiled roofs were originally where the emperors lived in as yellow was the royal color in Imperial China.

The entrance fee to the temple is 25 RMB and there are English audio tours available.

Even if you do not practice Buddhism but would like to particpate, you can buy incense and souvenirs at the dozens of stores along the road beside the temple.

The Lama Temple is located on its own subway stop, Yonghegong. The address is

No.13 Imperial College Street in the Dongcheng District.

Travel tips:

Add: Andingmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. 010- 6404 9027.

Ticket: 25 yuan.

Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00

How to get there: Bus routes: 13, 62, 44, 406 at Yonghegong station; or take the subway to arrive at Yonghegong.

(China Daily China.org.cn July 4, 2007)