Are there any cultural habits, values, and customs that are essential to Buddhism?
Many of the cultural habits or customs of Buddhism were not originated or developed in the Buddha’s time. Within 2,500 years, in the process of its vast expansion in time and space, Buddhism underwent profound changes in emphasis and form of practice. Some of these changes were due to variations in the national temperament of the peoples among whom it spread and the absorption of local beliefs and ceremonies. These cultural habits, values, and customs may include religious ceremonies and rituals, temple etiquette, design of a typical Chinese monastery, placement of shrines and holy images etc.
