Dharma Hall | |||||||
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Traditional Chinese | 法堂 | ||||||
Simplified Chinese | 法堂 | ||||||
Literal meaning | Lecture Hall | ||||||
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The Dharma Hall, also known as Lecture Hall, is an important building in Han Chinese Buddhist temples. [1] The Dharma Hall is the place for senior monks to preach and generally ranks right after the Mahavira Hall. [1]
With the similar architecture form with other halls, the Dharma Hall is more spacious. [1] In the central back, there is a high platform with a sitting chair putting in the middle. [1] In front of the chair is a table with a small sitting Buddha on it, behind the platform is a screen or a picture of lion which is also known as "Roaring lion" (獅子吼) in Buddhism Dharma hung on the wall. [1] Seats are placed on both sides of the platform with bells and drums for senior monks to beat when they are preaching. [1] There are also seats on both sides of the monks' seats for laymen to listen to the Buddha Dharma by senior monks. [2] [3]