What is the difference between a temple and a monastery? It’s easy to understand. Just look at the differences here.
Many people may think that temples and monasteries are the same because they are home to monks and are places for practicing Buddhist religious activities. But in reality, these two things are different in terms of legal status, structure, and religious functions. Let’s see how they differ.
What is the difference between a temple and a monastery? It’s easy to understand. Just look at the differences here.
What is a temple?
A temple is a religious place that is officially recognized by the state and has the เล่นบาคาร่า UFABET เว็บตรง ค่าคอมสูง status of a juristic person. It must have at least 5 monks residing there, as well as a building or structure used for the activities of the monks, such as a church, a temple, a sala, a monk’s hut, etc.
There are two types of temples.
- Royal temples – temples that are under the patronage of the state or the monarchy, such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, etc.
- Public temples – temples built and maintained by the people themselves, such as temples in general communities.
What is a monastery?
A monastery is a place for monks or practitioners to perform religious duties, but it has not been officially registered as a temple and does not have the status of a juristic person.
Highlights of the monastery
- There may be less than 5 monks residing during the Buddhist Lent.
- There is no church (Ubosot) for performing religious ceremonies such as ordination as a monk.
- Some places focus more on practicing Dhamma and being a training center than on religious ceremonies.
- Most of them are developed sites waiting to be registered as temples in the future.
Summary of the differences between temples and monasteries
| difference | measure | Monastery |
| Legal status | It is a legal entity certified by the state. | Not yet registered as a temple |
| Number of monks | There must be at least 5 photos. | There may be less than 5 pictures. |
| Is there a church (Ubosot)? | have | do not have |
| Religious ceremonies | Complete the religious rituals | Some rituals cannot be performed, such as ordination. |
| Care | Supported by the government and the people | Mostly relying on donations and faith. |
Or to summarize simply, a temple is a religious place that is certified by the state, has the status of a juristic person, and can perform all religious ceremonies. As for a monastery , it is a place for monks or laymen to practice Dhamma, but it has not been officially registered as a temple and cannot perform certain rituals.