Puja, which means offering in Sanskrit and worship in Pali, is one of the principle rituals in Buddhism and is commended by Buddhists all around the world. Puja can be conducted anywhere but primarily, it is conducted either at home or in a temple. Puja has no specific time or rules rather it is up to the individual on how the ritual is performed. In spite of this, some aspects are deemed disrespectful during puja. These include wearing shoes and pointing the feet in the direction of the Buddha statue. This is prohibited in temple puja. The Puja is slightly different in the three schools of Buddhism. For example, in Mahayana Buddhism Puja is long and ornate and sometimes seen as having special powers. Nevertheless, certain elements of the Puja …show more content…
Flowers, candles and incense are offered and placed near the statue of the Buddha during Puja. The flowers are placed in water. When the flowers are blooming it symbolises the beauty and benefits of enlightenment. Sometimes particular verses such as “I worship the Buddha with these flowers by merit may I attain freedom…as these flowers fade so does my body come to destruction” are recited. This verse alludes to the notion of Annica and the cycle of samsara. Both these notions are chief beliefs in Buddhism. The candles are symbolic of enlightenment and the expulsion of ignorance. Finally, the incense represents the notion that the teachings of the Buddha can be spread around the world just like the fragrant smell of the incense spreading around space. Therefore, the offerings placed near the statue of the Buddha are indispensable and deep in symbolic meaning. Furthermore, it reflects the rudimentary beliefs of …show more content…
It is done for various reasons such as warding off evil spirits (Mara), desires, problems and disease. It is also performed in funerals and by all schools of Buddhism. Chanting succours individuals to gain further insight into their daily life and purpose. In addition, it is a way to achieving enlightenment. For instance by chanting “Hail Jewel of lotus”. It is believed that chanting during puja increases one’s positive Karma. Karma is the consequences of one’s action and a build-up of positive karma is necessary for attaining enlightenment and escaping from the cycle of samsara. Chants also help in blocking of worldly desires, comforts and problems. It allows the individual to focus deeply in their chants and experience tranquillity. On the whole, chanting is a necessary part of Puja and is conducted so that the adherent becomes closer to achieving
The statue that will be the focus of this paper portrays the figure “Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light.” Like many other statues of the Buddha, this Amida Buddha was portrayed to be deep in meditation, sitting cross-legged. A viewer could observe that the Amida Buddha is making a hand gesture while in deep meditation. These gestures, also known as “mudras,” are symbolic in the Buddhist religion, and they are used to convey certain ideas (O’Riley 70). In this case, the Amida Buddha is making the mudra of appeasement (“Amida”). More physical observations could be made by pointing out the “balanced form, divine features, and flowing drapery” (“Amida”) of the Amida Buddha. Those qualities represent the nature of the Buddha, revealing him as “transcendent, graceful, and compassionate” (“Amida”). Features common to other Buddha sculptures show up on this Amida Buddha, like the elongated earlobes, the mole on his forehead, and patterned hair. At first glance, the Am...
The teachings of buddhism, the Dalai Lama and the Temple Puja can all impact a Buddhist adherents on the ethical issues of the individual. The buddhist teachings consist of lists of rules that can be followed in order to live a peaceful and humble life, which nirvana can be met. Temple Puja are acts and ways the buddhist teaching can be applied to the life of Buddhist adherents. The Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader of the tibetan people who expand on the teachings of Buddhism worldwide. All these factors influences the decision making of challenging ethical issues of Buddhist adherents.
The temple puja is identified as a public and formal form of worship and devotion undertaken by adherents of Buddhism. Within puja each of the steps of the Eightfold path can be approached and there is the opportunity for one to reach Nirvana with puja alone. The last step of the Eightfold Path, right concentration is the end point for the chanting and the meditation. Adherents enter the temple in a physical and mental state of reverence or Puja, and inside they primarily recognise the importance of the Three Refuges. Additionally, temple puja has great significance for the community as it intrinsically reflects on the significance of the community as part of the Sangha, and strengthens relationship and devotion within the community. The temple itself is often in the centre of a Buddhist town or village, symbolising that is the heart and the central point of the Sangha, and acts as a daily reminder for the community to remain devoted. Thus reinforcing a quote written by Buddhaghosa in 5th century India, “[Nirvana] can only be reached, not produced, by the Path . . . it transcends the intrinsic nature of matter . . . being attainable through special insight affected by strong effort” (Stimulus). The quote is explaining that by remaining devoted, one can reach Nirvana through total enlightenment. Temple Puja provides social cohesion in that the role and function of participants demonstrate the social status of the individuals and their connection with each other, for example, the role of members of the Sangha lead the participants in prayer and reflection. Overall, temple puja has a profound impact on the individual and the greater community as it allows them to reach
behind the creation of chant was to fight the political, and somewhat social, stress and
The principles, elements and structures of Buddhism have been practiced for hundreds of years. Artistic renditions of Buddha have also been portrayed in many different ways. Drawings, sculptures and statues are just a few of the many types of art forms created since the beginning of Buddhism. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has many different stylistic artworks that are exceptionally intriguing. In particular, I have chosen two pieces of artwork I consider to be most interesting. Both depict an image of Buddha from different time periods. This essay will compare and contrast “Seated Buddha” (image 1), a sculpture from the Gupta period, India, and “Seated Buddha” (image 2), a hard stone from the Qing Dynasty, China. By looking at these two images of Asian art, Seated Buddha from India and Seated Buddha from China, they are each associated with Buddhism and originated from one similar form. However, they are representative of two separate, major theologies throughout Asia: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism images exclusive to each time period.
Puja is an auspicious activity that Buddhist adherents practice at a Temple or at home in their daily lives which may assist their path to nirvana. “Single-minded intense sitting…” is the key to proper meditation (Dogen) highlights that for one to transcend into a higher state, they must be able to meditate without the need to burn incense which distracts their senses from the environment. Puja portrays that rather than having the focus on physical matters, one should give focus on the spiritual side. Hence, the belief of mind over matter exists. Temple Puja is a place which adherents may practice rituals, allowing adherents to take on Buddhahood and contemplate about one’s self. The practice involves reciting prayers, chanting, bowing, and lighting incense which is all symbolic; Incense symbolises the purifying of oneself which represents the concept of achieving nirvana as the incense distracts one from their senses. During Puja, the adherents see the image of Buddha, hear the chanting, and smell the burning incense which make their experience multi-sensory. The monks of the Sangha usually chant ‘Hail Jewel of the Lotus’, bringing the adherent closer to nirvana, or they chant ‘Perfection of Wisdom’, enhancing the adherent’s understanding of their life. In Temple Puja, offerings are also made to bring about good Karma. Temple Puja is the interaction point between the Sangha and the adherent, thus creating a connection in the Buddhist community. The three jewels become non-existent if the connection between the Sangha and adherent did not exist. The Eightfold path plays an immense role in Puja: Right intention and view relates to the way an individual offers something. Right speech and action is the making of offering, bowing and chanting. Right effort and mindfulness is much more difficult for an adherent to attain but belongs to the meditation and chanting process. Right
As I pulled into the parking lot of the Buddhist temple here in Sioux Falls, SD, I didn’t know what to expect. I sat in my car pulling up the courage to go inside because I had no idea what to expect. As I walked in to the Buddhist temple it was nothing to what I was used to. As being a Catholic as I walk in there’s not much to see other than a few paintings on the wall. Everything is put away nicely and there’s a ton of space. When I walked into the Buddhist temple there were Buddhists, cloths, and a whole bunch of flowers. There were so many flowers in such a small place that it looked like a flower shop and smelled like a flower shop.
The smell of burning incense seeped inside the temple walls, the ocean breeze always drafted though the house frequently giving me chills whenever we chanted, however, sitting next to my grandmother and seeing her smile always made me feel cozy and comforted. The shades of orange saffrons varied between each monk and always contrasted against the white walls of the temple. Shrines filled every corner of the temple but the shrine upstairs astonished me every time I visited. The complex layout and detailing of the vivid hues of food, candles, flowers, and crystals in the shrines was impeccable and necessary to express reverence and gratitude for Buddha. The strong scent of lemongrass meat, fresh rice, and seasonal fruit flowed from the kitchen to the living room. Which always used to distract me. On the contrary, ever since my grandmother passed away I am now unable to attend temples. My grandpa would always tease me and bug me if I were to ever visit the temple again and thus, would be one of the conflicts I experienced. My mom would state that I didn’t believe in God nor Jesus because I didn't go to sermons. In like manner, my peers would always argue that I can only believe in one religion, not two. The fading conflict of attending temples was a relief but food was another opponent on the rise to introduce another conflict
Chinese artwork is a form that contains and demonstrates many different meanings and morals that can be linked back to not only religion, but the overall meaning of life. This paper will discuss the sculpture titled Seated Buddha and how it represents peace, enlightenment, and the overall importance of how these two components influence the mindset of the people involved in the Buddhist religion. The Seated Buddha was created between the 5th and 6th century in China. The artist of this piece is unknown, but this does not hinder us at all from seeing what the artist was trying to portray through the different aspects that they included in the Seated Buddha sculpture. This piece is crafted from stone and a chisel was then used to create the
On Sunday, September 8, 2013, I visited the Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist temple of Miami in Homestead. Every Sunday, they present a meditation service in English for two hours from three to five in the afternoon. Once I parked, the place of ritual was conveniently located across the parking lot. There was a shoe rack outside of the temple. Before I came to this temple, I read the guidelines from their website. The requirements for new guests are to remove your shoes before entering inside. Therefore, when I saw the shoe rack, I was not in shock. I was relieved to see that the temple provided a neat spot to place shoes rather than having them scattered on the floor.
“Pilgrimage is first mentioned in the Pali Tipitaka where the Buddha says that one should try to visit at least once in Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Isipatana and Kusinara. He says that if such a journey is undertaken with a 'devout heart' it will be very beneficial to one's spiritual growth. Obviously pilgrimage, like worshipping Buddha statues or performing pujas, is a behaviour growing out of and able to reinforce positive emotions like faith, determination and humility which in turn strengthens one's practice.” http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/dharmadata/fdd39.htm
I was always fascinated in the Buddhist religion and this class assignment was a great opportunity for me to take advantage of my curiosity. I decided I would visit a Buddhist center. With the company of my mother, I went to the Diamond Way Buddhist Center in Miami. According to my interview with the Buddhist that instructed the meditation service, every Monday and Friday they have a meditation service for the 16th Karmapa meditation from 8:00pm to 8:30pm. This center is part of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism (Anonymous). Upon arriving, I realized that it was in someone’s home. Many Buddhist offer their homes for Buddhist centers and are unpaid for their services. However, they do accept donations. Before entering the house, we had to remove our shoes. When we entered I could smell the scent of incense burning. As presented in World-Faiths, removing your shoes before entering a Buddhist center or temple is a form of worship. Also, incense and candles are used to represent Buddha’s enlightenment (World-Faiths).
... the questions hindus raise? Well, that can be a good issue for debate, but then what about Buddhism? And other disciplines which also talk about the importance of meditation.
But what are the origins of this tradition? This essay will present various sources of information on the subject from various traditions, with an emphasis on celibacy within Buddhism. Celibacy is an age-old, multi-religious practice to which both men and women, abstain from sexual relations because of religious vows. But most monastic celibacy implies a devaluing, and hostile attitude towards the world, life, the body, sex, and the opposite gender. Which directly conflicts with both monastic and Buddhist life.
Most people in the world derive their religious beliefs and traditions from their parents and peer influences. From a religious point of view, “There are many definitions for the term ‘religion’ in common usage. [Broadly defined], in order to include the greatest number of belief systems: ‘Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, and a philosophy of life’” (Robinson, 1996). However, in examining Hinduism, it is difficult to label the practices as a religion. This paper will expound upon the Hindu traditions, taking into account the characteristics of sacred elements, their meaning, and significance.