Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Rituals

The ritual calendar of Buddhism includes events that are celebrated with other religions and or even national traditions. For instances, the New Year is the biggest holiday of the year in many Asian countries, and activities can last for a week or more.Some traditions are followed, that are specifically related to Buddhism. Special foods are prepared, and some Buddhist temples will offer food to their people.On New Year's Eve in Japan, at midnight, Buddhist temples ring the temple bell 108 times, at the larger temples, a huge crowds of people will attend this event. Buddha's birthday is probably the most widely observed Buddhist holiday, but what is interesting is that it is celebrated on different days, with different rituals, and in different countries. At some temples there will be a statue of the Buddha over which visiting followers can pour water or a special tea. Even some temples will kindly offer a free vegetarian meal to all visitors. Buddhists can make charitable donations on this day, or they can even purchase any animals from slaughterhouses,then release them, and provide for their future. Some Buddhist countries also celebrate "Sangha Day," which honors a day in the life of the historical Buddha, when the monks gathered to honor him. On this day, people bring food and gifts to the local temples. There are many other holidays that honor Buddha, such as his death is celebrated in some Buddhist countries. Many Asian countries have some form of Buddhist pilgrimage that one can do at any time of the pilgrim's choosing. From what I have read that pilgrimage sites in China are Putuo Shan, whish is an island on the east coast of China. Other popular Chinese pilgrimage sites are Buddhist sacred mountains. Japan also from what I have read has a number of popular pilgrimages too, such as the pilgrimage to the thirty-three temples of Kannon ( sacred place). Families or individuals must visit one of these temples on a weekend over the course of several years.

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