Until very recently, I have been mostly unaware of the cultural differences in the way various people worship around the world. Mind you, I’m no expert, but recently I had an opportunity to take a tour around Houston and visit some of the various places of worship.

At the Vietnamese Buddhist temple in southwest Houston, you can find this 72-ft sculpture of Quan Âm, the female Buddhist deity of compassion and mercy. This statue is considered to be the largest of this deity in the United States. More information can be found at their website.
 

At the Vietnamese Buddhist temple in southwest Houston, you can find this 72-ft sculpture of Quan Âm, the female Buddhist deity of compassion and mercy. This statue is considered to be the largest of this deity in the United States. More information can be found at their website. Photo by Tim Stanley Photography.