puja

• How is puja shown in Buddhist practice?

  Through bowing, chanting, or meditation
• What does puja express towards the Buddha?

  Gratitude for the teachings and reverence or respect
• Where does the word "puja" originate and how did it evolve?

  • Word comes from the root "puṣpa" meaning flower
  • Evolved from offering flowers to the Buddha on his arrival at a particular place during travels
  • Earliest pujas involved flowers, lights, and incense placed before Buddha symbol or image
• According to Buddhist perspective, what is the purpose of attending pujas?

  They aid in overcoming obstacles and removing negative conditions on one's path
• How does puja practice benefit the individual?

  It reinforces faith and devotion, enhancing one's practice of the dhamma
• What is the result of accumulating merits through pujas?

  Good kamma is generated
• Where can Buddhists perform puja and is it necessary to attend a temple?

  • Buddhists can worship at home or in a temple
  • Attending a temple is not essential
  • Home worship often involves a shrine room with a Buddha, candles, and flowers
• What are the different purposes of Tantrayana pujas?

  • Expressions of devotion
  • Induce wealth
  • Promote long life
  • Seek help from gods
  • Enrich spiritual qualities
• How are Mahayana pujas often described?

  Long, elaborate, sometimes believed to have magical power
• According to Buddhists, what elements are represented by the shape of a stupa or temple?

  Fire, air, earth, water, and wisdom
• What are the main features of Buddhist worship?

  • Shape of stupa or temple
  • Placement of Buddharupa higher than worshippers
  • Different images of the Buddha
  • Tray of flowers
  • Number of flowers
  • Lighted candles
  • Burning incense
  • Bowls of water/offering bowls for food and gifts
  • Taking off shoes/bowing
• What does a raised hand with palm outwards symbolize in Buddhist worship?

  • Fearlessness
• What does placing hands one on the other in the lap represent during Buddhist worship?

  • Meditation
• What concept is symbolized by the tray of flowers in Buddhist worship?

  Impermanence – that all things fade and die
• What is the significance of the number of flowers in Buddhist worship?

  One flower shows the unity of all things; three flowers symbolize the Three Jewels
• What do the lighted candles in Buddhist worship represent?

  • Represent the light of the Buddha's teaching
  • Symbolize enlightenment sought by worshippers
• What does burning incense represent in Buddhist worship?

  Devotion and the spread of Buddha's teachings throughout the world
• What is the significance of offering bowls of water, food, and gifts in Buddhist worship?

  They show reverence and respect by treating the Buddha as an honored guest
• What does taking off shoes and bowing signify in Buddhist worship?

  It signifies respect towards the Buddha
• According to the Mangala Sutta, what is the greatest blessing?

  Not to associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise; and to honor those who are worthy of honor
• How do Buddhists honor those worthy of honor during puja?

  • Respect the Buddha
  • Cultivate a relationship with the Buddha and Bodhisattvas (in Mahayana traditions)
  • Perform pujas as the Buddha is the ultimate example