Dear David,
<< Since most Buddhists don't believe in God, or that Buddha talked about
God, who are they praying to? Or is it just a personal development strategy?>>
The Buddhist devotional book I have explains the purpose of Buddhist
devotional practice is effectively to express reverence and devotion to Buddha,
generally through homage to the Triple Gem (Buddha, dhamma, and Sangha). From this
regular devotional *practice* comes spiritual solace and development. It
stresses that this is not just for times of trouble, but a daily remembrance of
Buddha. It includes recitations for the departed, pregnant women, the sick, etc.
While it is different from prayer as practiced in Western religion, the
functions are largely the same. And the main object of this devotion is Buddha, who,
as made clear in the words below, is effectively the most Supreme Being to
Buddhists.
"Those who believe in God would pray to him for help and protection when they
experience fear, sorrow, or disturbance. Many Buddhists [laity] ask whom
could they turn to when confronted with the thoughts of fear, insecurity and
helplessness. Under such circumstances, we can turn our minds to the Buddha and
seek solace through him." (K. Sri Dhammananda)
"...according to the Buddha, there are some people who pray to gods or devas
in times of danger for their own protection not realizing that these same gods
are themselves not free from greed, anger, ignorance andimpermanence. ...
Therefore, for our protection, it is more advisable to remember Buddha, Dhamma,
and Sangha." (p. 38, Daily Buddhist Devotions)
"The Buddha was the holiest, most viruous, wisest and most spiritually
perfect personality who ever lived. His Dhamma (doctrine) is the Ultimate Truth
about the Universe which explains the real nature of the world and of life as
well." (p. 26)
"The Buddhas in the past are infinite in number. Of the known 28 Buddhas,
only four Buddhas belong to this present world cycle, the fourth being Gotama the
Buddha whose teachings we now follow. In time to come and during the course
of the present universe itself, one more Buddha will appear. He will be the
Maitreya Buddha.... Buddhists pay their homage in veneration to all these
Buddhas. In essense, all these Buddhas are exactly the same as the Buddha of this
world cycle. They have all realized the same Universal Truth (Dhamma) that
Sakyamuni Buddha had realized and they have all His qualities." (p. 48)
"It is good to start our daily work after offering some ... objects [incense,
flowers, etc.] to the Buddha as a mark of respect to the holy religious
teacher who has shown us the correct Path for our peace, happiness and salvation.
However, Buddhists should not be satisfied by simply offering something in the
name of the Buddha and reciting in a parrot-fashion some verses or Suttas
thinking their duty is done. To become good Buddhists they have to do something
more, they have to correct themselves by following the Buddha's advice."
"A fervent wish takes the place of prayer in Buddhism.... A wish has more the
function of contemplation and meditation rather than a petition or
supplication." (p. 72)
"If by deeds, speech or thought heedlessly,
I have done anything wrong,
forgive me O master!
O Teacher, Most Wise!"
(translation of Khamatha me Bhante, p. 77)
"Protect me and my loved ones tonight,
O Blessed One.
Keep us away from harm and danger.
Let our sleep be peaceful so that we awake in the morning refreshed in body
and mind." (p. 124, excerpted from Evening Recitals)
"I revere the Buddha, highest jewel and best balm ever, beneficial to gods
and men. By the Buddha's glory, safely, may all obstacles and suffering cease."
(translated from the Maha Jaya Mangala gatha, verse 3, p. 135)
"There is no other refuge for me. The Buddha is my matchless refuge. By these
words of truth may joyous victory be mine!" (Maha Jaya Mangala gatha, verse
9, p. 137)
"It is impossible to visualize the Buddha even in His Rupakaya (physical
form). How much more inconceivable is His Dharmakaya (doctrinal body) of unique
wisdom?" (Buddhanussati, v. 11, p. 166)
Warmest,
Michael
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