World Religion:Buddhism

Worship

Objects of Worship 1

• Bells are used at the beginning of worship to signal when to start. It is also used as a signal of change during worship.

• Some Buddhists also believe the sound is symbolic as it spreads around the room, reminding them of the effects of kamma.

Objects of Worship 2

• Prayer Wheels are used to focus the mind during Tibetan Buddhist meditation.

• The turning of the wheel moves prayers and mantras held inside, and this is believed to bring good kamma

Objects of Worship 3

• There will always be a Buddha Image in any shrine, at home or in a temple

• It is worshipped as a sign of devotion to Buddhism and to inspire people to follow his teachings

Objects of Worship 4

• Incense is used during worship, not only for it’s nice smell, but it reminds them of the law of kamma.

• The smell spreads around the room, like the consequences of our actions will have effects all over the world.

Objects of Worship 5

• Flowers are used in worship to remind Buddhists of the most important Buddhist teaching – that nothing lasts forever.

• The flower is fresh and beautiful, but it will soon wilt and die – everything constantly changes.

Objects of Worship 6

• Candles represent the light of wisdom, shining to light the right path through life.

Places of Worship 1

• Temples (sometimes referred to as a Wat) can be found all over the world.

• They do not have to be a specific design – they can be as simple or as elaborate as you like

Places of Worship 2• Samye-Ling is a Tibetan

Buddhist community in the Scottish Borders.

• This is the main shrine in their temple.

• Look for the objects of worship – how many can you see?

Samye-Ling

Shrines in Bhutan and Sri-Lanka

Worship in Temples

• Buddhists will take their shoes off when entering a temple (for cleanliness and as a sign of respect)

• Worship in temples is usually led by the monks, although you can also worship at home or in groups

• Buddhist worship includes giving offerings (candles, flowers, etc)

• Much of the worship will be meditation, usually on mats on the floor

• They will usually chant mantras to help concentration / bring good kamma

Why do Buddhists Worship?Some people wonder what the point in worship is if

Buddhists are not worshipping / trying to please a God like other religions do.

Buddhist worship is for:• Helping develop concentration and become

better at meditation• Developing a deeper understanding of their

religion through communal and individual activity• Giving time to reflecting on the concepts of the

religion, and considering the symbolic aspects of the activity.

• Inspiring and helping people achieve more in their religion

What do you remember about Buddhist Worship?

1. What are bells used for? (2)2. What 2 things does worshiping a Buddha image do /

show? (2)3. What do flowers symbolise? (1)4. What do candles symbolise? (1)5. Where can you find Buddhist temples? (1)6. What are Buddhist temples like? (1)7. What do Buddhists do before going into a temple? (1)8. What 3 things might they do during worship? (3)

Total ?/12 Marks: 10 - 12 /12 Very Good8 or 9 /12 Good6 or 7 /12 Okayless than 6/12 Revise!