Question about Bhuddism.

[notself]

Yes, the quote is Indo-Tibetan.

If by “worship”, you mean “expressive devotion”, then, yes, Theravada does not evidence as much “worship” as other Buddhist traditions.

However, having said that, Theravada does recognize the reality of “praying” to the Buddha, as part of the Triple Gem:

Yep, Buddhism comes in 84,000 flavors.

Yes, I’m Buddhist, of the Theravada school, Dhammayut Nikaya, which, in my estimation, contains everything Mahayanic and Vajrayanic (and, indeed, everything Dharmic), if only in bija, or seed, form.

I edited your response so this will be easier to read. I hope you don’t mind.

If you define praying as a form of concentration of the mind and showing reverence to the teachings, then I agree with you. The prayer asking for forgiveness is charming but is not something I interpret as being a prayer to anyone or anything but our own commitment to follow the path.

The concept of “forgiveness” from a divine being or from the Buddha is in conflict with the concept of Kamma, but of course, there is always room for us to forgive ourselves and each other.

It appears we are probably talking about minutia the way Christian philosophers used to argue about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

I particularly enjoy the teachings of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Brahm, and of course, Thanissaro Bhikkhu. I am reading the biography of Ajahn Mun, now. Interesting stuff.

Mainly, I rely on the Suttas of the Pali Canon. I have not paid much attention to the other baskets or to the commentaries. I just don’t have the time. When I have a clearer understanding of the Suttas, then I will move on to the Abhidhamma and the Vinaya.

May you be well and happy,
notself

 

[Ahimsa]

If you define praying as a form of concentration of the mind and showing reverence to the teachings, then I agree with you. The prayer asking for forgiveness is charming but is not something I interpret as being a prayer to anyone or anything but our own commitment to follow the path.

I wouldn’t quibble with such an interpretation of “prayer”. But, surely, you agree that other people exist, and that it is spiritually beneficial to actually request forgiveness from those people we have wronged? And if you’re part of a Buddhist community, or Sangha, especially if you’re a monk or nun; then you have a group of other people to whom you are responsible. If you commit an unwholesome deed against someone in that community, then you have to ask for forgiveness:

(When one person is asking forgiveness)

Repeat Namo… three times.

Then:

•         [Mahaathere]****** pamaadena, dvaarattayena katam,
      Sabbam aparaadham khamatha me bhante.
      (Three times.)

Venerable Sir, may you forgive me for any wrong I have done you out of carelessness in thought, word, or deed.
* Mahathere is used for very senior & highly respected monks. Change it to There for somewhat less senior monks, Upajjhaaye for one’s preceptor, AAcariye for one’s teacher, and AAyasmante for monks in general.]

I particularly enjoy the teachings of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Brahm, and of course, Thanissaro Bhikkhu. I am reading the biography of Ajahn Mun, now. Interesting stuff.

Ajahn Mun is ‘da bomb’, as we say in the Bible Belt.

May you be well and happy,
notself

And you, as well.

 

[notself]

I wouldn’t quibble with such an interpretation of “prayer”. But, surely, you agree that other people exist, and that it is spiritually beneficial to actually request forgiveness from those people we have wronged? And if you’re part of a Buddhist community, or Sangha, especially if you’re a monk or nun; then you have a group of other people to whom you are responsible. If you commit an unwholesome deed against someone in that community, then you have to ask for forgiveness…
Ajahn Mun is ‘da bomb’, as we say in the Bible Belt.

And you, as well.

Of course asking forgiveness from the people I have harmed is very important whether they are members of the Sangha or non Buddhists. If I were a monastic, I would certainly follow the rules of the Vinaya in confessing my faults and breaches of the rules to the other members.

However, forgiveness it is not always given. The foolish are always with us.

*"Monks, these two are fools. Which two? The one who doesn’t see his transgression as a transgression, and the one who doesn’t rightfully pardon another who has confessed his transgression. These two are fools.

“These two are wise people. Which two? The one who sees his transgression as a transgression, and the one who rightfully pardons another who has confessed his transgression. These two are wise people.” --AN2.21*

It is best to avoid needing forgiveness by being mindful of one’s thoughts and actions. From the Dhammapada:

379. By oneself one must censure oneself and scrutinize oneself. The self-guarded and mindful monk will always live in happiness.
380. One is one’s own protector, one is one’s own refuge. Therefore, one should control oneself, even as a trader controls a noble steed.

I live in the Bible Belt as well. It is wonderful to live among people who try to live their faith and respect the beliefs of others. The is only one problem. I believe I am the only Buddhist in town.
Metta
notself