Buddhism is the education of learning the Buddhas spirit. The Buddhist spirit emphasizes the mind. Disciples of Buddha refer to themselves as people who are learning Buddhas spirit and behavior. To put it simply, to be Buddhist is to refrain from doing all bad things, diligently do all good deeds, and purify the mind. One should visit a Buddhist temple with a proper and pious mind. Temples are places where one engages in spiritual practice. Temples are also places where Buddhists can cultivate more merit: Always be respectful of others, Reflect on the Buddha’s teachings Remain quiet when visiting temples When entering the shrine room, a Buddhist practitioner may do three prostrations facing the shrine, or make a short bow with hands folded. This is done as a symbol of the surrender of oneself and the desire to benefit all beings. Revealing clothing, such as tank tops, short skirts, shorts and the like may be inappropriate attire in some temple or shrine room settings. Shoes are removed before entering the shrine room and hats are not worn. Inside the Shrine Hall Guests should always move along the right side in temples, since this action represents deep reverence for the Buddha. When many visitors have entered the Hall at once, visitors should move away from the doors to avoid disturbing the traffic flow. When other members of the laity are prostrating, one should avoid walking in front of them. Dharma materials, puja texts & dharma books should be kept off the floor and places where people sit, but on a table or cushion, and not be stepped over. Dharma items used by the Sanghas are private and for their use. It is good to obtain permission before using their items. Conversation should be kept to a minimum in and around the shrine room, as people often do silent sitting and practice there. Conduct Do not sit with the legs outstretched, as this is a sign of disrespect, and of course, lying down shows great discourtesy. The acceptable posture is to sit cross-legged on a cushion on the floor. If that is difficult because of a specific physical problem, it is permissible to sit in a chair in the back of the shrine room. Pointing your feet toward the altar or teacher is regarded as disrespectful. Do not stand with the arms akimbo in the presence of the Teachers. Do not chew food loudly or with an open mouth. In the presence of a teacher, monastic, or in a shrine room, cover the mouth when yawning, coughing or laughing with a wide gaping mouth. Respect and kindness in manner of speech, thoughts and actions towards our Sanghas and to each other are such a great source of joy and merit for everyone. Greeting the Buddhas Statue From a simple bow to a full prostration, Buddhists of different countries pay homage to the Buddha in a variety of ways. Bowing to Buddha’s statue is a sign of respect for the Buddha. Lowering oneself before the Buddha is also an act of genuine humility. Gassho Gassho means to put the hands together. The palms of both hands are placed together with the fingers and thumbs extended. Both elbows should be fairly close to the body and the hands should be at mid-chest level. To bow during gassho, the hands should be held steady, while the body is bent forward from the hips and then back to upright position. Gassho is the natural expression of reverence and gratitude. Full prostrations Three prostrations infer deep respect for Buddha’s teachings. By performing three full prostrations, one expresses his/her intention to adhere to The Three Jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Likewise, the act symbolizes the discarding of the Three Poisons - hatred, ignorance and excess. Practitioners will press the elbows, knees and forehead to the ground when prostrating. In Tibet, however, prostrations involve touching all five body parts (head, legs, arms, chest and abdomen) to the ground. The posture is intended to symbolically release the ego and respect the Buddha and other sentient beings: Put the palms of your hands together with the thumbs aligned and tucked into the center of your palms. Your folded thumbs represent offering a wish-fulfilling jewel to the Buddhas. Touch your folded hands, with thumbs tucked inside the palms, to your crown, forehead (optional), neck, and heart as above. Bend forward, place your hands flat upon the ground, lower your knees to the ground, and touch your forehead to the ground. When standing up, first the head leaves the ground, then the knees, and finally the hands. Begin the next prostration by immediately placing your folded hands on the crown of your head.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 02:52:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015