Rituals

Rituals Buddhists believe rituals help them achieve enlightenment, either in the present life or in the future Rituals also bond them with the Buddhist community (sangha) The main rituals are: Meditation Worship at home or at a temple or shrine Rituals marking milestones in life Festivals marking history of Buddhism

Meditation The Buddha used the Hindu techniques of meditation to gain enlightenment As Buddhism spread, meditation techniques from other traditions were added to the Hindu methods practiced by earlier Buddhists Meditation quiets the mind so the meditator can more fully enter the spiritual world Helps identify with the founder of the faith as well

Here and Now Meditation is more than thinking deeply Removing distractions and being present in the moment, free from memories of the past or anxieties about the future Buddhists who meditate can bring about a state of mindfulness by focusing on the act of breathing Meditators can also focus on a visual object, such as a flame, a sacred diagram, or a mandala Mandala is a visual object, usually in the form of a circle They can recite or chant a word or phrase, called a mantra, such as the Mahayana Om Mani Padme Hum mantra (Hail the jewel in the lotus)

Worship Buddhist worship (puja) can include individual worship at a home shrine, or a temple service led by monks with a formal chanting Buddhists venerate (regard with deep respect) the Buddha, but most do not worship him Similarly, Catholics venerate, but do not worship, Mary and the saints Worship practices vary between cultures and interpretations of Buddhism, but can include Silent mediation Chanting in deep, rhythmical voices Sermons about applying some aspect of the dharma to daily life Example: A Japanese Zen Buddhist ceremony includes longer periods of meditation and less preaching on the dharma.

Buddhist Holy Buildings Buddhist temples and shrines are usually built to symbolize the five elements on the faith Sky (vertical line) Water (horizontal line) Fire (circle) Air (oval) Earth (square) Broad base to symbolize earth and a spire or point at the top the symbolize sky Entrance ways usually include large cylinders with Buddhist teachings on them As people pass the cylinders, they spin them, asking for guidance

The Three Jewels Worshipper entering a monastery, temple, or stupa bows to show devotion and respect Worshipper may bow three times (once for each of the Three Jewels – Buddha, dharma, and the sangha) Bowing can range from simply lowering one’s head with palms together to kneeling and touching the head to the floor Buddhists make offerings to the Three Jewels by burning incense, lighting candles, and giving food and flowers Offerings symbolize respect for the Three Jewels, can help a Buddhist get closer to enlightenment, and give material support so the monks can live The Buddhist creed can be summed up in the words Buddhists repeat every day: “I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the dharma. I take refuge in the sangha”

Homework Mandala Colouring