Beals Abroad: [Seth] Buddhism and Mormonism -- a visual, non-doctrinal comparison

I live in California and I have travelled enough to have had exposure to Buddhism before this trip, but this is the first time that I have spent multiple sequential weeks in places where Buddhism is the dominant religion (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and soon Nepal). Since I don't profess to understand Buddhist doctrine, I often found myself struck by how different the outward trappings of Buddhism were from Mormonism.

Mormons tend not to favor colorful, lavish and extravagant displays of religious piety. Buddhism is different. It is a pageantry for the senses. From the orange and yellow robes of the monks to the giant golden buddhas, it is a religion that favors the bright and colorful. Even in relatively poor countries like Laos, Buddhist temples and shrines are found at every turn. In many, the thick aromatic smell of incense combines with brightly colored gold ornamentation to create a rich tapestry of religious sensations.

Church Buildings

With very few exceptions, Mormon church buildings favor function over form. For example, here are pictures of our church building in Los Altos, and several others we have seen on our trip.

Los Altos, CA

Christchurch, NZ

Singapore

Buddhist temples and shrines, on the other hand, are far more decorated and come in all shapes and sizes.

Buddhist Temple in Luang Prabang

Small household Buddhist shrine

Buddhist shrine in Pak Ou Cave, Laos

Inside of Pak Ou Cave

Buddhist Pagoda in Hoi An, Vietnam

Religious Art

Most of Mormon religious art tends to realistic images of our doctrine over the mystical.

Sermon on the Mount

First Vision

Christ at the Second Coming

As the worldwide church grows, we have seen some changes -- for instance, my parents were missionaries in Malawi where they met Joseph Banda, an artist who creates Mormon-themed paintings with bright colors and African themes.

Banda with two unfinished works. The top is a Tree of Life motif and the bottom shows two mormon missionaries in an African village.

Buddhist art is brighter and more varied. While it takes many forms, it is commonly observed in the thousands of statues of Buddha that are throughout this part of the world. They come in every size imaginable and are made out of many materials. Often found in close proximity are symbolic animals and plants from the life of Buddha.

Numerous statues of Buddha

Buddha being sheltered by a great snake (Naga) who protected the Buddha from the elements like rain and storm after he attained enlightenment.

Glass mosaic portraying the Buddhist Tree of Life

Dragon decorating a Buddhist temple

Religious Clothing for Church Ministers

Mormon missionaries serve throughout the world making Mormon missionaries perhaps the most visible symbol of Mormonism. While serving, male missionaries are instructed to "Wear business-style suits in conservative colors. If you wear lighter-colored suits, choose shades of grey or brown. . . . Suits with pinstripes or patterns should be simple and subtle in design." Thankfully, the growing number of female missionaries have been given more latitude to employ color in their attire. Compare this to Buddhist monks, who are brightly clad in orange and yellow Kasaya robes while they chant their prayers, gather alms and live their daily lives.