What are some ritual practices in Buddhism?
There are some good answers here. I’d only add, that the only ritual practice I know of is called ‘puja’ (pronounced: puujaa). Puja means literally: “Respect”. There is an idea in Buddhism, that if one respects those who are worthy of respect, it creates or generates much good karma. When a Buddhist pay his / her respects to the Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha, they are thus accruing merit, through the performance of a good deed. Their minds then become lifted by happiness, in the trust that they are headed for brighter times ahead. The form it takes (of the puja) involves lighting oil lamps or candles (light), and offering medicinal drinks & food. This is all symbolically offerred, it should be understood. No-one expects the statue to come to life & eat it. : ) Then stanzas relating the qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha are recited, and the merit accrued from such good / skillful / wholesome actions, are shared with the gods, relatives & the whole world. People come away from such offe
