Comparative Review of Worship Spaces in Buddhist and Cistercian Monasteries: The Three Temples of Guoqing Si (China) and the Church of the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Poblet (Spain)

A comparative analysis of worship spaces in Buddhist and Cistercian monasteries reveals significant architectural similarities despite their distinct religious, cultural, and constructional backgrounds. The study focuses on the Three Temples of Guoqing Si (China) and the Church of the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Poblet (Spain), highlighting two fundamental parallels: both worship spaces derive from imperial prototypes, hold priority in construction, occupy central positions within their respective sacred venues, and serve as foundational references for monastic layout. Additionally, they share a similar programmed functional layout, including analogous space dominators and itineraries. While surface similarities abound, the research further explores three key differences rooted in differing conceptions of deities, worship practices, and spatial relationships with divine figures. The study leverages field research and firsthand experience of monastic life to draw these insights, offering a nuanced understanding of how worship spaces mediate interactions between deities, monks, and pilgrims.

Wang, W. (2021). Comparative Review of Worship Spaces in Buddhist and Cistercian Monasteries: The Three Temples of Guoqing Si (China) and the Church of the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Poblet (Spain). Religions, 12(11), 972. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12110972