Praying in Buddhism

Why We take Refuge in the Buddha

Buddhists do not take refuge in the Buddha with the belief that He is a god or son of god. The Buddha never claimed any divinity. He was the Enlightened One, the most Compassionate, Wise, and Holy One who ever lived in this world. Therefore, people take refuge in the Buddha as a Teacher or Master who has shown the real path of emancipation. They pay homage to Him to show their gratitude and respect, but they do not ask for material favors. Buddhists do not pray to the Buddha thinking that He is a god who will reward them or punish or curse them. They recite verses or some sutras not in the sense of supplication but as a means of recalling His great virtues and good qualities to get more inspiration and guidance for themselves and to develop the confidence to follow His Teachings. There are critics who condemn this attitude of taking refuge in the Buddha. They do not know the true meaning of the concept of taking refuge in and paying homage to a great religious Teacher. They have learned only about praying which is the only thing that some people do in the name of religion. When Buddhists seek refuge it means they accept the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha as the means by which they can eradicate all the causes of their fear and other mental disturbances. Many people, especially those with animistic beliefs, seek protection in certain objects around them which they believe are inhabited by spirits.

~By Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda

Comments

  1. Michael Howell

    April 17, 2013

    GREAT INFO..  +Jendhamuni Sos GREAT WAY OF THINKING..THE MIND IS MOST POWERFUL .AND ONLY MY MIND CAN BRING ME PEACE AND HAPPINESS..THIS IM LEARNING…AND THIS I WILL PRACTICE….MIND CONTROL..

  2. Rob Robinson

    April 17, 2013

    +Jendhamuni Sos , nice explanation of paying homage 2 Buddha, I can rel8 2 prayer bein all th@ sum do in the name of religion, thanx 🙂

  3. Tina Gray

    April 17, 2013

    We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.

  4. Charles van Dijk

    April 18, 2013

    In Christianity there are different perceptions in the concept of Son of God . It is the believe in God which makes somebody a spiritual son of God. The relationship of the Trinity is a mystery which will be revealed after our life on earth. +Jendhamuni Sos Jesus revealed us this concept. That's why He is called the Son of God. Since God is infinite mercy God doesn't put anyone in hell. People have the choice where they want to go. Sadly many select to go just there.

  5. Jacqueline Jordan

    April 18, 2013

    Thinking posiive thoughts will not deal with the issue of sin…interesting that there is no mention of that. The Word of God tells us that the soul that sinneth must die (as a result and Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden).  Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. First it was the animals that God killed to make clothing to cover the now shameful nakedness of man. Later, it would be sacrifices of lambs, bulls, goats, and other animals as the law was given to Moses. But grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, the sinless, unblemished lamb of God, who shed his precious blood once and for all so that man would not have to suffer death – eternal death and damnation in hell, a lake of burning fire created for Satan and the angels that rebelled with him. God is doing everything to stop men from going there, even to the point of Christ dying on the cross in place of man, taking on all the sin of the world. Please get a Bible and discover the truth. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

  6. Kevin Gilmore

    April 18, 2013

    We all have the potenial of Chenrezig.
    Om Mani Padme Hum.

  7. Tina Gray

    April 18, 2013

    The transcendental state of Being lies beyond all seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting ~ beyond all thinking and beyond all feeling.   ~ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ~

  8. Charles van Dijk

    April 18, 2013

    The problem with sin is, it is naughty but nice. Finished on a lighter note.

  9. Tina Gray

    April 18, 2013

    Oh ? Your sin might be naughty but nice which I am happy for you 😎 but not all sin has a nice side…does it?

  10. Charles van Dijk

    April 18, 2013

    +Tina Gray I said on a lighter note, like a spiritual person can also be an alcoholic. I never said mine sin. I used the article "the". I'm also the first to admit I'm not a saint. Have a nice night or morning where ever you may be. I know below a rose is always a thorn.

  11. Tina Gray

    April 18, 2013

    No, I have to agree you didn't say your sin, I am sorry if I made you feel that I was insinuating you are a sinner, that was never, will never be my intention. I thought I was being light-hearted in my comment so as to share a little joviality between us., instead of joviality my comment has caused a small rift between us. Please accept my apology x Love Today x  Tina

  12. Doug B

    April 29, 2013

    You are what you think…

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