Am I right that Gauthama Budda did not teach to worship the Hindu Gods? Did he teach not to worship them? Maybe my questions sound stupid to a Buddhist but I am practising Islam and do not know very much about Buddhism. Peace be with you, and thank you for you help.

What are difference between the Yoga practiced in Hinduism and Meditation practiced by Buddhism? Does they differ by principles and practice, or they are same?

Why should we worship Lord Buddha statues with flowers, lights and food, even when we know Lord Buddha is not alive and does not exist? Did Lord Buddha instruct us to do so or is there any other reason?

If someone asked, "What? My father, teacher, ... are not just friends?" -- how would one explain significant differences between "tolerance" and "deep respect and regard", of people being in front and what is called a "person worthy of respect"? Since it might sometimes occur, in modern or western world, that one gives the gift of appreciation to someone who you count as an equal -- how to make best, or explain now the further step, respect, reverence and even refuge and total devotion? Does anybody have, can provide, a good answer, strategy, to solve such? Maybe under the headline, "Neither your father, your teachers and many others, nor the Buddha, are your "homies" or your "colleagues" (co-worker on same stage), proper to call and address by name or with 'friend'". Practical try, as well possible inspiration to answer this, might be found under the question: "[Why should one not address a venerable as friend?](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/25218/why-should-one-not-address-a-venerable-as-friend) ", by Upasaka Chris. And why the question is very importand and reasonable, why "homie"-like meetings and ways are destructive for a grow, might be also find inspiring answers later possible [here](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/25222/what-are-the-consequence-of-speaking-without-having-got-leave) . *(this is later addition)* ___ *[It's not required to try to answer if the significant different is not really traced yet. Possible better to ask another question. And yes it's another challenging and possible not much broadly beloved question. And yes, feel free to upvote the question as well, if thinking that this gives release.* *Note: This is a gift of Dhamma and not meant for commercial purpose or other low wordily gains by means of trade and exchange.]*

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?

What is the purpose or significance of devotion in Buddhism? Are there differences in acts of devotion in Mahayana and Theravada tradition?

I would like to make a little temple in my home. Something that has my little singing bowl and its' pillow and a container for incense and maybe a little Buddha in a pagoda. Like a desktop thing. I'd use it for meditation. Is this frowned upon or allowed or even addressed? I see little temples at businesses and I didnt know how that all worked. Honestly I dont really care about a reputation or anything like that. I just need a tenable, defendable position about it if asked and you people are smarter than I.

Why do Buddhists pray to Buddhas in temples? I heard that Sakyamuni didn't approve of that and even criticized Bodhisattva for telling other people that he can help them with things that only God can help with. Sakyamuni considered himself and Bodhisattva as ordinary human beings without any divine abilities. Is that true? Is there any reference or source which confirms this?

Quoted below is from Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara. > I cry aloud, looking for protection. And I worship the Lord of the Thunderbolt. When they have seen him, the messengers of death and the other evil beings are frightened and they flee to the four directions. I now go terrified to you for refuge—after having neglected your instruction, because of beholding fear. May you quickly extinguish fear. What is the Buddhist explanation of this text? Considering the list of excellence such as compassion, wisdom etc. mentioned prior to this text in the form of Bodhisattva, is it right to understand this as a personification of courage? or is it literally worship of the Lord of the Thunderbolt, be it Zeus or Indra, to extinguish fear?

I read about this from time to time-- usually in reference to the stupas in India that held the Buddha's relics. What was the point of circumambulation? Do any sects of Buddhism still practice this?

How do Buddhists worship Buddha. What is the purpose of Buddhists in worshiping and making Buddha images?

Buddhism teaches the concept of *anattā* or *anātman*. In short: >There is no "soul" or "essence", only "processes" within the framework of the five *skandha*s. This gives the illusion of the individual self/soul. *NOTE: This is just an approximation. I'm sure it can be put more elegantly, but you get the picture.* With this understanding, what is the basis for ancestor worship/veneration? Who/What is being honoured or worshiped? Basically, how do practicing Buddhists reconcile the two world-views? Is it about remembering shared experiences? Or a way of remembering family traditions and history? Any insights are appreciated!

How much is known to support, to refute, or to expand upon the following viewpoint? *The Buddha shaved his head like all his bhikkhus.* Supposed reasons to backup this viewpoint are: - There are references in the Pali Canon where someone calls Gotama a shaven-headed recluse. - There are other references, like in the Ariyapariyesana Sutta (MN 26), where The Buddha explains that he shaved his head when he went forth. - Buddhism arose during an an-iconic period, so depictions of the Buddha were frowned upon. - Artistic depictions of the Buddha are relics of the Ghandara Buddha-statues, created long after the Buddha's death. - This representation was spread to other Buddhist regions over time. Quite curious what can be said about this topic.

I understand Buddhists don't technically worship, but pray to the Buddha or meditate (apologies for any mistakes). My question is: do Buddhists have a certain number of times a day to worship/pray/meditate? And is there a certain day/days out of the week they congregate together to worship/pray/meditate?