Buddhist rituals and practices is an integer part in Buddhism. Buddhism incorporates a variety of buddhist rituals practices intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others.

The practice of meditation is central to nearly all forms of Buddhism, and it derives directly from the Buddha’s experiences and teachings. Meditation is is the central focus of Zen Buddhism and the only way to liberation in Theravada Buddhism.

In addition to meditation, the Mahayana schools of Buddhism have developed a variety of other ritual and devotional practices, many of which were inspired or influenced by the existing religious cultures of India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Tibet.

Orgine Of Buddhist Rituals

How did Buddhist rituals come to be? Since pre-historic times, man has always needed rituals in life, be they religious or mundane, such as marriage and graduation convocation. It is thus not surprising that Buddhist rituals originated in the Buddha's time itself, in the presence of the Buddha Himself. For example, if you study the Mahayana sutras, you will find certain repeated rituals within. For instance, when a monk, say Sariputra, wishes to ask the Buddha a question, he moves forward to kneel upon one knee with his right shoulder bared, placing his palms together in reverence. This is an ancient Indian formal custom for respectful request of knowledge. Rituals such as these were not necessarily advocated by the Buddha, but sometimes carried over from the culture that surrounded the Buddha at that time.