Vihāra

Imagine you live in a big community with lots of people around you all the time. Sometimes you need a quiet place to be alone, relax and meditate. That's what a vihāra is for.

A vihāra is a type of building where Buddhist monks and nuns live, study and practice their religion. It's kind of like a dorm or a house where they can have their own private rooms to sleep in and then shared spaces to study and worship.

Vihāras were first created a long time ago in ancient India, but they still exist today in many countries where Buddhism is practiced. They can be really simple buildings made from wood or bamboo, or they can be large, ornate structures made from stone or brick.

Vihāras have been around for a very long time and have been important places for Buddhists to come together, support each other and focus on their spiritual practices. They are a very special place where people can take some time away from the busy world around them and find a sense of calm and peace within themselves.