Buddhist Worship

Understanding Buddhist Worship

In Buddhism, worship is mainly a way to express devotion to the Buddha and to cultivate positive mental attributes.
Unlike many religions, there is not necessarily a belief in a personal god who is worshipped.
Instead, worship is seen as a practice that benefits the individual engaged in it, transforming their mind and behaviour.

Different Forms of Buddhist Worship

Practitioners may choose to participate in daily chanting, also called puja, at a shrine in their home or at a temple.
Meditation is another key aspect of Buddhist worship which helps in generating Enlightenment.
Prostration, the act of bowing or kneeling to a Buddha statue, is a physical expression of respect and humility.
Some Buddhists participate in pilgrimage to sacred places, like the city of Bodh Gaya in India, where Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment.

Significance of Buddhist Worship

Worship practices such as puja, meditation or prostration aim to help individuals overcome ignorance, desire and anger - seen as the root causes of suffering.
The act of worship allows Buddhists to show their gratitude for the teachings of the Buddha – the Dhamma.
Through worship, Buddhists aim to cultivate the perfections (paramitas) necessary for Enlightenment.

Buddhist Sacred Places

The main place of worship for Buddhists is the temple or vihara.
Within a temple, the main focus is the Buddha image or statue where devotees make offerings, including candles, flowers, incense, and food.
Other sacred places include stupas (structures containing relics of the Buddha or other holy persons), and Bodhi trees (which symbolise the Buddha’s Enlightenment).

Effect of Buddhist Worship on Everyday Life

Worship helps Buddhists be reminded of the teachings of the Buddha and their commitment to follow the Eightfold Path.
Worship ritual can be a practice of mindfulness, helping individuals to focus their mind on the present moment and cultivate a positive mental state.
The cultivation of positive qualities through worship, such as compassion and wisdom, is seen as benefiting the individual’s behaviour in their daily life.