1. Rituals

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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”

8. Homework
Mandala Colouring