 | A R T A N D C U L T U R E ·· W O R S H I P
Shrines | 
|
| INTRO | FAITH | SHRINES | TEMPLES | PRAYER | MERIT | PILGRIMAGE | ||
 |
For most Buddhists a shrine is the common focus for worship. It can be something very simple and small or complex and large or small and complex or colourful and large and ... get the idea? Just about anything can be called a shrine. What is of primary importance is your perception; does the structure, or the objects on it, cause feelings of devotion or worship to arise? Can you 'ascribe worth' to those objects? Do they in some way symbolise your personal aspirations?
Buddha images and buddhist 'stuff' in general has become popular in a wide social spectrum and many of the objects have taken on an aesthetic value. There is a danger that a shrine is created more as a decoration or possession - objet d'art - than as revered objects for worship. There can be as much tendency to spiritual materialism as toward any other form of consumerism. It is good to be clear about your intention, your aim in relation to the object(s), what is your perception of its function? Basically - is there a point to your having a shrine? What is it? An image of the Buddha is usually the most prominent object on a shrine and a wide range of symbols can be considered here [§]. His enlightenment is the most common foundation of Buddhist faith so it is useful to read and consider his life story [§]. Does this inspire you? Imagine a human being 2500 years ago in northern India with no mobile phone and no e-mails - shudder, not even a land phone system. How did the word get around? And even more amazing, what was it about 'the words' that caused them to last all this time; or the truth behind-within the words? The traditional image that we have now most likely bears no physical resemblance to the man that lived but one advantage of traditional symbols is that a large number of people can share a common perception and so share a common shrine and worship there together. | |
 individuality - at a price | It is useful to develop your own personal symbols but the down side is that you always need your own personal shrine. There is much to be said for investigating popular perceptions and cultivating both personal and shared values. The structure or content of the shrine is not so important. The critical element is perception - how do you ascribe value to the various objects? | |
 |
link to craft shrine [§] | |
 |
The grandness of the temple is intended to humiliate the worshipper - as in make humble. The temple is a place of sacrifice. Thematic worship. for those who need some familiarity to feel that they are worshipping. (tr) to show profound religious devotion and respect to; adore or venerate (God or any person or thing considered divine) rites, prayers, etc., admiring love or devotion
a homage or reverence paid to a deity, esp. in a formal service. b the acts, rites, or ceremonies of worship.
2adoration or devotion comparable to religious homage shown towards a person or principle (the worship of wealth; regarded them with worship in their eyes).
3archaic worthiness, merit; recognition given or due to these; honour and respect.
1tr. adore as divine; honour with religious rites. . - PILGRIMAGE: info on the 4 main sites, etc see: lifestyle - blessings & puja Tree worship is possibly one of the earliest forms of worship among Buddhists. reposition the link to here by setting bookmark from lifstyl/refu-4.htm [refuges-summary] All of this does not devalue concentration practice and the arising of insight | |
|
connect with bowing - what do you bow to? relate to lay practice - how to set up a shrine - see craft any elements can go on a shrine see: lifestyl\bowing.htm [lifestyle - rituals] check link from lifestyl/res-refuges [Three Refuges
as symbolic elements on a shrine] | ||
| insert 2 | ||