Do Not Blame "Lack of Affinity" – Why Do Buddhists Come to the Temple?

Have you ever asked yourself why you come to the temple? Some say it is because they like it, feel peaceful, or have faith. However, there is a truth that not everyone fully realizes: the temple must be a truly attractive spiritual destination. It should be a place where those who visit wish to return, and where those who have never been feel invited to come.

Two Types of Visitors

According to Venerable Thich Chan Quang, there are two categories of Buddhists who come to the temple. The first group possesses good roots from many past lives and naturally feels drawn to the practice. The second group lacks this affinity and does not initially wish to come. Yet, the important point is not to categorize people, but to recognize the responsibility of the monastics. They must protect the good conditions for those who already have them and inspire new conditions for those who do not.

Venerable Chan Quang teaches that we must strive to preserve the good karma of those with affinity so they may forever love the temple. For those without affinity, our duty is to plant seeds of goodness rather than neglecting them. We should not hastily conclude that someone has poor affinity with the Buddha's teachings (Dharma). Perhaps they are simply waiting for a hand to hold, just as we once were.

The Temple Must Be an Attractive Destination

If a temple is empty, do not blame fate. Venerable Chan Quang states clearly that we should not excuse ourselves by saying we had few connections in past lives. Instead, we must admit if the temple itself is unattractive. A temple becomes dull when it lacks something beneficial, joyful, profound, spiritual, or miraculous. Monastics must reflect deeply to identify what is missing and fill that gap. The temple is not merely a place for worship; it must offer practical benefits to all levels of society.

Meeting Countless Needs

Each person arrives at the temple with different needs. Some seek peace, others pray for the departed, some wish to study doctrine, while parents look for guidance to raise their children well. Others need a safe environment to entrust their young ones. The temple must remain flexible and avoid rigidity. If people seek peace but are given rituals for the dead, they will feel disappointed and disconnected.

The temple must meet every legitimate need, from food and sanitation to listening to dharma talks, learning ethics, and even enjoying sacred music. Let us make the temple vibrant. We can open weekend ethics classes for children, organize deep and meaningful dharma talks, teach sacred music to attract youth, and create a warm, joyful, and relaxing atmosphere.

The Virtue of Monastics Is the Foundation

Monastics must serve as a solid support. The power of a teacher lies not only in words but in moral discipline, meditative concentration, and wisdom. Venerable Chan Quang compares teachers to sturdy mountains standing tall for beings to rely upon, or great trees that do not fall, allowing birds to perch safely. The temple must be a sanctuary. Buddhists, especially women, must feel absolutely secure when sending their children there. The purity of the teacher is a prerequisite condition.

Building the Temple Is Repaying the Buddha’s Kindness

We live on the offerings of donors and under the majestic name of the Buddha. Failing to fulfill our responsibilities is a grave error. Repaying the Buddha’s kindness means transforming the temple into a safe, attractive, and beneficial spiritual destination for all beings. Each of us, whether a monastic or a lay Buddhist, can contribute to making the temple a true spiritual home. Let us come with our whole hearts and work together to make our temple a place worth living in and returning to.