Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
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Is there a tradition within Buddhism of praying in an easterly direction?
Is there a tradition within Buddhism of praying in an easterly direction? If there is what is the oldest known reference to it. Sorry for the simplicity of the question, but I am not a Buddhist.
Is there a tradition within Buddhism of praying in an easterly direction? If there is what is the oldest known reference to it.
Sorry for the simplicity of the question, but I am not a Buddhist.
Ken Graham
(103 rep)
Jul 25, 2025, 10:17 PM
• Last activity: Aug 8, 2025, 07:06 AM
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Hope for low worship buddhists
Can buddism help those who just worship a few statutes and have a small book and keep seeing the god in people online. Would god give a job and wife and maybe back to mainline plans or different.
Can buddism help those who just worship a few statutes and have a small book and keep seeing the god in people online. Would god give a job and wife and maybe back to mainline plans or different.
Dr. Harish Ravi
(11 rep)
Dec 10, 2024, 06:17 PM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2024, 12:22 PM
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What does this prayer flag say?
I don't know much about Buddhism. Sorry if this is off-topic. Where I live, Buddhism is rather uncommon, but in recent years, Tibetan prayer flags have become more and more widespread. These ones were installed close to my workplace, and made me curious. For what I've learned, these are _lungdhar_ o...
I don't know much about Buddhism. Sorry if this is off-topic.
Where I live, Buddhism is rather uncommon, but in recent years, Tibetan prayer flags have become more and more widespread. These ones were installed close to my workplace, and made me curious.
For what I've learned, these are _lungdhar_ or _lung ta_, and the design involves the _lung ta_ horse in the center, as well as the "four mythical animals, tiger, snow lion, dragon and Garuda" in each corner.
But there is one thing I have found little information about, and it involves the text. I've read they are supposed to be mantras, but I have a (composite) question about the meaning:
**What exactly do they say?** Is the text always the same, or it varies from one to the other? If the latter is the case, **I'm particularly interested in this specific flag**. I believe they are written in Tibetan script, but Google translate wasn't able to tell the language or give a translation.
I'm sorry for the low quality of the photo. I know I just cut the text, but I hope it's enough to identify at least some of the general meaning (if the text is different from flag to flag).
Rafael
(111 rep)
Apr 5, 2024, 12:07 AM
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Prayer in Soto Zen. Is it practiced? If so, how do I start, or where do i go for resources
So, I know prayer is a subject in Buddhism, but recently i started trying to learn about prayer in the Soto Zen tradition. I cant seem to find any posts that really help, or some that take me one way and another that takes me the complete other direction. I really just need some good solid place to...
So, I know prayer is a subject in Buddhism, but recently i started trying to learn about prayer in the Soto Zen tradition. I cant seem to find any posts that really help, or some that take me one way and another that takes me the complete other direction. I really just need some good solid place to start.
Mr. Wierdo
(21 rep)
Jan 30, 2022, 07:03 PM
• Last activity: Jan 31, 2022, 01:15 AM
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Providing a prayer for others
As someone that is actively seeking to be a Buddhist, how does one show emotional support for others in time of need? Christians offer to pray for them if someone or some person is going through a difficult situation. For example, during 9/11 often leaders would pray for people and their nation who...
As someone that is actively seeking to be a Buddhist, how does one show emotional support for others in time of need?
Christians offer to pray for them if someone or some person is going through a difficult situation.
For example, during 9/11 often leaders would pray for people and their nation who are going through loss.
Is there something in Buddhism that is similar? Is there something similar that Buddhists can offer to show that they are offering emotional or spiritual support.
chrisl-921fb74d
(253 rep)
Sep 4, 2015, 07:35 PM
• Last activity: Mar 24, 2021, 09:49 PM
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How to bless someone?
How to bless someone with special words in Buddhism ? My friends ask me for keep them in my pray but we don't believe in praying. So what should my answer to them ?
How to bless someone with special words in Buddhism ?
My friends ask me for keep them in my pray but we don't believe in praying.
So what should my answer to them ?
Swapnil
(2164 rep)
Mar 29, 2016, 06:32 PM
• Last activity: Oct 14, 2019, 11:34 PM
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How do you pray correctly in Buddhism?
I have been calling myself a Buddhist for as long as I can remember, but I have never done it right. I notice that my mom would chant the mantras from the book, while usually I would just say anything while I pray. I am wondering... is there a right or respectful way of praying in Buddhism? Just out...
I have been calling myself a Buddhist for as long as I can remember, but I have never done it right. I notice that my mom would chant the mantras from the book, while usually I would just say anything while I pray. I am wondering... is there a right or respectful way of praying in Buddhism?
Just out of curiosity. Thank you!
Tina
(31 rep)
Feb 20, 2019, 04:06 PM
• Last activity: Feb 21, 2019, 11:45 PM
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What tools does a Buddhist have to engender others to take a wiser approach?
Mum is regularly woken in the night by panic attacks which bring on uncomfortable physical sensations that she takes so seriously she has been known to ring the paramedics (always unnecessarily). After many months I am still unable to get her to even entertain the notion of 'staying with the discomf...
Mum is regularly woken in the night by panic attacks which bring on uncomfortable physical sensations that she takes so seriously she has been known to ring the paramedics (always unnecessarily). After many months I am still unable to get her to even entertain the notion of 'staying with the discomfort, just as it is'. Does a Buddhist have any tools (metta/prayer/mantras - sorry I don't know the words) to manifest/stir-up a change in someone else’s approach? Or do I have to work on cultivating my own acceptance of the situation - however resigned that might make me feel?
Robin P
(53 rep)
Nov 18, 2018, 07:33 PM
• Last activity: Nov 20, 2018, 02:58 PM
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What do Buddhists think in quick prayers (at graves, near altars etc.)?
When declared Buddhists and Eastern Asians in general quickly pray next to graves and altars in silence, what kinds of thoughts go on their minds? Of course, it's not possible to read people's minds, but how are they taught to pray in such occasions and places? I'm curious especially about non-pract...
When declared Buddhists and Eastern Asians in general quickly pray next to graves and altars in silence, what kinds of thoughts go on their minds? Of course, it's not possible to read people's minds, but how are they taught to pray in such occasions and places? I'm curious especially about non-practicing Buddhists who aren't very religious in general and may not know things like mantras by heart, but still do that.
user14361
(23 rep)
Nov 5, 2018, 09:33 AM
• Last activity: Nov 5, 2018, 01:50 PM
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Praying to God - What are the consequences?
I was raised in a Catholic environment, however I'm adding more and more Dhamma in my life, currently I spend much more time with Buddhists practices than Catholics. the point is that I still keep the habit of praying to God before going to sleep (and before flying too), but if I'm not mistaken this...
I was raised in a Catholic environment, however I'm adding more and more Dhamma in my life, currently I spend much more time with Buddhists practices than Catholics.
the point is that I still keep the habit of praying to God before going to sleep (and before flying too), but if I'm not mistaken this is seen as something bad in Buddhism (wrong view/attachment to rituals)
Can someone explain what are the bad consequences, from a Buddhist's perspective of praying to God? If any.
konrad01
(9897 rep)
Oct 7, 2014, 07:18 PM
• Last activity: Oct 28, 2018, 05:28 AM
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Do the gods help us if we pray to them according to Buddhism?
Will the action of praying to / worshipping gods for something be fruitful according to Buddhism? Is there any reference where a god (deva) has helped a person who has prayed to / asked help from the deva ? In Jainism, it is said that if the followers insist on praying to god, it's advised that they...
Will the action of praying to / worshipping gods for something be fruitful according to Buddhism?
Is there any reference where a god (deva) has helped a person who has prayed to / asked help from the deva ?
In Jainism, it is said that if the followers insist on praying to god, it's advised that they should pray (ask for help) only for the knowledge that leads to Nirvana.
**Edit:**
I asked this **NOT** because I wanted help from god or believed in god. I asked this because, Buddha said that there are heavenly beings (gods) with powers, but are themselves mortal too.. So, I just wanted to know, why Buddhists pray to those gods (I've seen many Buddhists praying to god, not all Buddhists). Is that even fruitful?
Gokul NC
(635 rep)
Jan 6, 2016, 04:06 PM
• Last activity: Sep 8, 2018, 02:14 AM
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Prayer vs Meditation
When we have a powerful practice called Meditation, why prayer? Does the prayer deals with the worldly things, because everyone pray to god like I want a car or I wanna be rich. Is that only deals with the law of attraction. So what are the difference between them. Does prayer too take us to levels...
When we have a powerful practice called Meditation, why prayer?
Does the prayer deals with the worldly things, because everyone pray to god like I want a car or I wanna be rich. Is that only deals with the law of attraction.
So what are the difference between them. Does prayer too take us to levels of enlightenment. How effective is Meditation compared to prayer.
RBK
(191 rep)
Apr 12, 2018, 09:16 AM
• Last activity: Apr 12, 2018, 04:04 PM
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Devotion in Buddhism
What is the purpose or significance of devotion in Buddhism? Are there differences in acts of devotion in Mahayana and Theravada tradition?
What is the purpose or significance of devotion in Buddhism? Are there differences in acts of devotion in Mahayana and Theravada tradition?
Hari
(484 rep)
Mar 13, 2018, 01:13 PM
• Last activity: Mar 16, 2018, 05:36 PM
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Does anyone know the origin of the Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness?
> **Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness** > If I have harmed anyone in any way either knowingly or unknowingly through my own confusions I ask their forgiveness. > If anyone has harmed me in any way either knowingly or unknowingly through their own confusions I forgive them. > And if there is a situation...
> **Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness**
> If I have harmed anyone in any way either knowingly or unknowingly
through my own confusions I ask their forgiveness.
> If anyone has harmed me in any way either knowingly or unknowingly
through their own confusions I forgive them.
> And if there is a situation I am not yet ready to forgive
I forgive myself for that.
> For all the ways that I harm myself, negate, doubt, belittle myself,
judge or be unkind to myself through my own confusions
I forgive myself.
I love this prayer. It is found on many sites on the Internet as the Buddhist Prayer of Forgiveness. Can someone guide me to the origin i.e the sutta where this prayer can be found?
user68706
(521 rep)
Mar 7, 2018, 05:36 PM
• Last activity: Mar 9, 2018, 12:16 PM
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prayer ettiquette in a wheelchair
Is it (in a strict view) possible to go to inside a temple/pagoda sanctum with a wheelchair or should it be placed outside? and/or orthotics? Ihave spina bifida and sit mostly in a wheelchair. I can walk a few steps with help but need orthotics to support my ankles (without them its werry difficult...
Is it (in a strict view) possible to go to inside a temple/pagoda sanctum with a wheelchair or should it be placed outside? and/or orthotics? Ihave spina bifida and sit mostly in a wheelchair. I can walk a few steps with help but need orthotics to support my ankles (without them its werry difficult to walk because i will stand on my toes.)
I ask cause my friend is buddhist (i write from his account)
user11416
(41 rep)
May 27, 2017, 09:09 PM
• Last activity: May 31, 2017, 01:58 AM
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Supplication in buddhist practice
Does any Buddhist practice consists of supplication, or is there too much merit being exchanged for that? > Supplication (also known as petitioning) is a form of prayer, wherein > one party humbly or earnestly asks another party to provide something, > either for the party who is doing the supplicat...
Does any Buddhist practice consists of supplication, or is there too much merit being exchanged for that?
> Supplication (also known as petitioning) is a form of prayer, wherein
> one party humbly or earnestly asks another party to provide something,
> either for the party who is doing the supplicating (e.g., "Please
> spare my life.") or on behalf of someone else (e.g., "Please spare my
> child's life.").
user2512
Jan 11, 2015, 12:19 PM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2016, 01:52 PM
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Buddhist Prayer Beads, Malas
How are Malas used in the spiritual Buddhist practice? Are there instructions and introductions for use? I am equally interested in responses from the Buddhist practice of monks and lay people (less New Age theories). I am particularly interested the application of Malas uses of all Buddhist lineage...
How are Malas used in the spiritual Buddhist practice?
Are there instructions and introductions for use?
I am equally interested in responses from the Buddhist practice of monks and lay people (less New Age theories). I am particularly interested the application of Malas uses of all Buddhist lineages in everyday life.
Louis
(479 rep)
Apr 6, 2016, 01:48 PM
• Last activity: Apr 7, 2016, 03:01 AM
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Saying Grace before meals
When I was in rehab (15 years ago) I was at a [Camp Hill][1] community. It wasn't really that helpful for my drug problem. Maybe I wasn't ready at the time and because I don't believe in God, I had a lot of resistance to the [antroposofic cosmology][2]. Also, Camp Hill is very hierarchic and not rea...
When I was in rehab (15 years ago) I was at a Camp Hill community. It wasn't really that helpful for my drug problem. Maybe I wasn't ready at the time and because I don't believe in God, I had a lot of resistance to the antroposofic cosmology . Also, Camp Hill is very hierarchic and not really a drug treatment program; it's for mentally disabled people. I find Buddhist meditation practices on non-self, suffering and impermanence much more helpful.
What I did like about Camp Hill was that we always had a little prayer before meals. When I am about to eat, I very often wish I could have some kind of Saying Grace that could express gratitude (I don't know if 'Saying Grace' is the right term, in Norwegian it's called "table prayer").
Does anybody know any Buddhist prayers like that? It's not so important what tradition it comes from.
Mr. Concept
(2683 rep)
Dec 7, 2015, 09:59 AM
• Last activity: Dec 8, 2015, 02:29 PM
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I'm just interested in buddhism
Do buddhists pray? Do they ever speak to the universe in a spiritual manner? What are buddhists views on suicide? Do you help plan out your life before being reincarnated?
Do buddhists pray? Do they ever speak to the universe in a spiritual manner? What are buddhists views on suicide? Do you help plan out your life before being reincarnated?
danisnotonfire
(21 rep)
Nov 19, 2015, 03:30 AM
• Last activity: Nov 19, 2015, 05:10 AM
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How is prayer different in Buddhism when compared to theistic religions?
We all know the concept of kamma-vipaka and that we should strive and create the causes of our happiness. I understand the Buddhas only point the way, they teach the Dhamma and we are responsible for walking the path. In this context, why it is so commom for Buddhists to pray? For example, does pray...
We all know the concept of kamma-vipaka and that we should strive and create the causes of our happiness.
I understand the Buddhas only point the way, they teach the Dhamma and we are responsible for walking the path. In this context, why it is so commom for Buddhists to pray? For example, does prayer in Buddhism have a different meaning when compared to for example Christianity?
I can understand why praying is so important in religions with a creator God, because that is the way you ask for all sorts of blessings, but in Buddhism it is not so clear, does praying have a different meaning or purpose?
konrad01
(9897 rep)
Jul 21, 2014, 11:07 PM
• Last activity: May 12, 2015, 01:19 PM
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