Why do Buddhists practice a lot of rites and rituals?
Buddhist rites and rituals comprise of very intricate and detailed prayers. It is a way of expressing dedication towards God and making offerings to Him, subduing the evil spirits amongst others. It also includes prostration and meditation. Following of the rituals is said to move a person forward, on the path to enlightenment as it consists of the body, the speech and the mind. For instance, during prostrations, five parts of the body touch the ground. These five body parts include the two palms, the two knees and the forehead, signifying the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space. The touching of the ten fingers with each other symbolizes the ten directions. The right hand represents the male, active, yang energy, while the left hand represents the female, receptive, yin energy. When both the hands join, they epitomize the Buddha’s enlightening activity of upayakaushalya. Protestations are also said to symbolize the five wisdoms emanating from the five Buddha families and
