World Religion:
Buddhism
Worship
Objects of Worship 1
• Bells are used at the
beginning of worship to
signal when to start. It is
also used as a signal of
change during worship.
• Some Buddhists also
believe the sound is
symbolic as it spreads
around the room,
reminding them of the
effects of kamma.
Objects of Worship 2
• Prayer Wheels are
used to focus the
mind during Tibetan
Buddhist meditation.
• The turning of the
wheel moves prayers
and mantras held
inside, and this is
believed to bring good
kamma
Objects of Worship 3
• There will always be a
Buddha Image in any
shrine, at home or in
a temple
• It is worshipped as a
sign of devotion to
Buddhism and to
inspire people to
follow his teachings
Objects of Worship 4
• Incense is used
during worship, not
only for it’s nice smell,
but it reminds them of
the law of kamma.
• The smell spreads
around the room, like
the consequences of
our actions will have
effects all over the
world.
Objects of Worship 5
• Flowers are used in
worship to remind
Buddhists of the most
important Buddhist
teaching – that nothing
lasts forever.
• The flower is fresh and
beautiful, but it will soon
wilt and die –
everything constantly
changes.
Objects of Worship 6
• Candles represent
the light of wisdom,
shining to light the
right path through life.
Places of Worship 1
• Temples (sometimes
referred to as a Wat)
can be found all over
the world.
• They do not have to
be a specific design –
they can be as simple
or as elaborate as
you like
Places of Worship 2
• Samye-Ling is a Tibetan
Buddhist community in the
Scottish Borders.
• This is the main shrine in
their temple.
• Look for the objects of
worship – how many can
you see?
Samye-Ling
Shrines in Bhutan and Sri-Lanka
Worship in Temples
• Buddhists will take their shoes off
when entering a temple (for
cleanliness and as a sign of
respect)
• Worship in temples is usually led by
the monks, although you can also
worship at home or in groups
• Buddhist worship includes giving
offerings (candles, flowers, etc)
• Much of the worship will be
meditation, usually on mats on the
floor
• They will usually chant mantras to
help concentration / bring good
kamma
Why do Buddhists Worship?
Some people wonder what the point in worship is if
Buddhists are not worshipping / trying to please
a God like other religions do.
Buddhist worship is for:
• Helping develop concentration and become
better at meditation
• Developing a deeper understanding of their
religion through communal and individual activity
• Giving time to reflecting on the concepts of the
religion, and considering the symbolic aspects of
the activity.
• Inspiring and helping people achieve more in
their religion
What do you remember about
Buddhist Worship?
1.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What are bells used for? (2)
What 2 things does worshiping a Buddha image do /
show? (2)
What do flowers symbolise? (1)
What do candles symbolise? (1)
Where can you find Buddhist temples? (1)
What are Buddhist temples like? (1)
What do Buddhists do before going into a temple? (1)
What 3 things might they do during worship? (3)
Total ?/12
Marks: 10 - 12 /12
Very Good
8 or 9 /12
Good
6 or 7 /12
Okay
less than 6/12
Revise!