Devotional practices - puja
The word pujaThe word most Hindus use for an act of daily worship. means 鈥榳orship鈥 or 鈥榓doration鈥. It comes from the Hindu culture of the BuddhaThe founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, after his enlightenment. It is a title which means the enlightened or awakened one. childhood. Although the same word is used in Buddhism, it does not mean worship in the sense of honouring a god or gods. Instead, it is a sign of commitment to the Buddhist path, to the Dhamma (Dharma)Dhamma is Buddhist doctrine about the nature of existence and includes the teachings of the Buddha., to a Buddha or to a Bodhisattva (also spelt Bodhisatta)In Mahayana Buddhism the bodhisattva is one who has vowed to obtain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings..
Buddhist puja can be performed at a home shrineA small and special place usually dedicated to the Buddha, where Buddhists may worship alone or as families., in a temple or monastery, at a stupaA burial mound or shrine built to house relics of the Buddha or an important disciple or teacher. or at a site of pilgrimageA journey which has religious or spiritual significance, usually to an important religious place..
Images of the Buddha or a Bodhisattva may be present during puja. In addition, Buddhists may use images of lotus flowers (which symbolise enlightenmentThe realisation of the truth about life. In Buddhism it releases a person from the cycle of rebirth.) and the Wheel of Life / Wheel of ExistenceA diagram that depicts the different realms of rebirth. It is often found at the entrance of monasteries in Mahayana Buddhism. (which is the main symbol of Buddhism) to represent the Dhamma.
- TheravadaMeaning 鈥榯eachings of the elders'. It is primarily focused on the Arhat path to enlightenment. This branch of Buddhism can be found in Sri Lanka and South East Asia. puja traditions focus on 鈥榤aking merit鈥. This means earning positive karma/kammaActions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. by making offerings to monks or a monastery, chanting mantraA sacred (holy) prayer or word which often is chanted or sung rather than just spoken. and reciting Buddhist texts.
- Mahayana BuddhismOne of the major schools of Buddhism, it includes Tibetan and Zen Buddhism. puja traditions include confessing bad actions, wishing others well and celebrating the good in the world.
For many Buddhists, puja devoutHaving or showing deep religious feeling or commitment. rituals include prostrating (kneeling and bowing with forehead, hands, knees and feet touching the floor) themselves towards a Buddha image to show commitment and to request blessings. They may also make offerings, such as flowers, food, water and other gifts. When one flower is offered, this symbolises unity. When three flowers are offered, this symbolises the Three Jewels (also known as the TriratnaThe three essential components of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dhamma/Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) and the Sangha (the Buddhist monastic communities).). Gifts such as water and food represent the respect paid to the Buddha, as if he were an honoured guest.
Mudras
From the SanskritAn ancient language that is the root of most Indian languages. meaning 鈥榞esture鈥, mudraMeaning 鈥榞esture鈥, hand gestures of Buddhas or Hindu deities with symbolic meaning. are symbolic hand gestures displayed by images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Some examples include:
- Meditation mudra 鈥 the hands rest in the lap, with fingers of one hand resting on the fingers of the other and palms facing upwards. Gautama Buddha and Amida Buddha are often shown in this pose.
- Generosity mudra 鈥 one hand is held downwards with the palm open and the fingers pointing downwards. This symbolises welcome, generosity and compassion. The Bodhisattva Tara and the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara are shown making this gesture.
- Wisdom mudra 鈥 in this pose, the thumb and finger touch, to form a circle.
Question
What it symbolised when three flowers are given as a puja offering?
The Three Jewels (Triratna).