Devotional Services: One way we honor the Buddha.
Devotional services, also known as pujas or vandanas, are one way people express their reverence for the Buddha’s enlightenment.
New to all this? Don’t worry! You can simply observe or follow along as you like. We are always happy to answer any questions.
A devotional service has several main parts:
Placing items on the shrine
Going for refuge and taking the precepts
Reciting the qualities of the Triple Gem
Reciting the Buddha’s qualities and dedicating the offering
Chanting a passage of scripture
A short guided meditation
Making Offerings
One way we show our gratitude to our teacher, the Buddha, is by making offerings. Of course, the Buddha is no longer alive and does not actually receive these gifts. By remembering his special qualities as we make the offerings, we develop a stronger sense of who he is and what he accomplished. As our trust in the Buddha’s enlightenment grows, these actions become more meaningful.
In Vimanavatthu 4.9, we learn, “If people offer something to the Supreme Buddha when he is alive or after he has passed away, as long as they have the same confident mind on both occasions, the results will be the same. Beings are reborn in heaven because of their confident minds.”
Traditional offerings, or puja items, include flowers, fragrance or incense, candles, water, and sweet drinks. On special occasions, people sometimes offer honey and different kinds of medicine. It is also common to offer food items in the morning when a meal is given to the monks.
The Language of the Buddha
The special language we use in our devotional service is called Pali. It is the ancient language in which the Buddha’s teachings are written. By continuing to use this language alongside a translation, we can maintain a direct connection with the Buddha while also understanding its meaning. It also ensures that, as modern languages change, we can always go back to the original.
The best way to learn Pali pronunciation is to listen and chant along. In brief, it’s helpful to know that in “th” the “h” is always silent, and that “c” and “ch” are both pronounced with a hard “ch.”
Sadhu!
One word we say throughout the service is “Sādhu!” It means “excellent.” You will also hear “Namo Buddhaya,” which means “Homage to the Buddha.”
Reciting the Qualities of the Buddha
As we place the puja items on the shrine, we recite the Buddha’s qualities. Through this recollection, we make the offering more beneficial for ourselves.
- Iti pi so bhagavā, araham: Such indeed is the Blessed One, Arahant, worthy one,
- sammāsambuddho: supremely enlightened,
- vijjācaranasampanno: endowed with knowledge and virtue,
- sugato: follower of the Noble Path,
- lokavidū: knower of worlds,
- anuttaro purisadammasārathi: the peerless trainer of persons,
- satthā devamanussānam: teacher of gods and humans,
- buddho: the Enlightened Teacher,
- bhagavā ti: the Blessed One
Bowing
In the time of the Buddha, as well as today, people bow, as we do, to show our respect and humility. We bow to show respect for the Buddha and his monastic followers. Even children are encouraged to bow to their own parents as a sign of respect. As with all of the practices we do here, you are welcome to participate or observe in a way that feels comfortable to you.
If you have any questions, please speak to a monk or a lay person. Everyone wants to help you feel at home here.