Dhamma Food for Thought
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On Buddhist Rites and Rituals (October 2000)
In practically every religion, there is a certain degree of Ceremony, rites and rituals. Meaningful rites and rituals do play a role in Buddhism. They are the devotional aspect of Buddhism, whether in Theravada, Mahayana or Vajarana. Some meaningful devotional rites and rituals can serve to :

• Enhance our confidence in the Triple Gem.
• Generate an atmosphere of serenity and spirituality.
• Help us reflect on certain Dhamma points through the symbolic meanings of the rites or rituals.
• Promote a certain degree of spiritual brotherhood or fellowship.
• Give a meaningful form to a religion which otherwise would be so drab and psychologically unappealing.

However, we need to be ever mindful and careful when it comes to rites and rituals. They can be a hindrance, a fetter to our Dhamma growth and realization especially when they are rooted in ignorance and superstition leading to attachment, clinging and delusion.

Find out more in the October issue.