TraditionsFrom Welcome to Chinatown NYCBuddhismBeing both the largest religion in China, Buddhism also has a noticeable presence in the Chinese communities of New York. This is evident from many souvenir shops that sell a number of Buddhist accessories and statues, as well as the small Buddhist shrines set up in the backs of restaurants. Mahayana Buddhist TempleThere are several Buddhist temples located in Chinatown. The most well known temple is The Mahayana Buddhist Temple, which is located right at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge off Canal Street. This red and gold pagoda-themed building is guarded by two bronze lion statues, standing ever vigilant at the front entrance. The temple’s vestibule houses a large urn filled with burning incense. Visitors can drop a dollar into the slot and reach down for their fortune. Next to this urn is a small shrine devoted to Guan-Ying, Bodhisattva of mercy and compassion. The ceiling and walls of the temple are covered with illustrations depicting the story of Buddha in both Chinese and English, decorated with bamboo and jade pieces. The main floor of the temple houses a magnificent, sixteen-foot statue of the Buddha. He sits calmly on a lotus, surrounded by a garden of red and gold flowers and a series of illuminated pagodas on either side. A large neon blue halo with a flame pattern lights the statue from behind, while the stainless floor reflects the image of the statue below.
References Eastern States Buddhist TempleThe Eastern States Buddhist Temple, located on 64 Mott Street between Canal and Bayard, is a smaller, more casual prayer space.
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