what are the rituals of mahayana buddhism?
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What branch of Mahayana Buddhism?  Ch'an, Zen, etc? Even , Vajrayana is a extension of Mahayana.  The rituals are too numerous to list.  There are multiple types of meditations, Chanting of sutra, mantra recitation, the reciting of the names of the Buddha's, Taking refuge, the practice of mudra, etc...  \n\nIf you want to know more about a particular branch, ask about that branch. Or, you can go to any one of the links I have listed bellow and read more about Mahayana Buddhism itself. \n\nI hope this helps.
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Vajrayāna Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism, Mantrayana, Tantrayana, Esoteric Buddhism, Diamond Vehicle, True Words Sect,) is an extension of Mahayana Buddhism consisting of differences in the adoption of additional techniques (upaya, or 'skilful means') rather than in philosophy. The Vajrayana is often viewed as the third major 'vehicle' (Yana) of Buddhism, alongside the Theravada and Mahayana.\n\nVajrayana Buddhism claims to provide an accelerated path to enlightenment. This is achieved through use of tantra techniques, which are practical aids to spiritual development, and esoteric transmission (explained below). Whereas earlier schools might provide ways to achieve nirvana over the course of many lifetimes, Vajrayana techniques are said to make full enlightenment or buddhahood possible in a shorter time, perhaps in a single lifetime. Vajrayana Buddhists do not claim that Theravada or Mahayana practices are invalid, only that they represent slower paths. It should also be noted that the goal of the Mahayana and Vajrayana sects is to become a bodhisattva, whereas the goal for Theravada practice is liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) by achieving nirvana.\n\nVajrayana relies partially on various tantric techniques rooted in scriptures known as tantras, written in India. The most important aspect of the tantric path is to 'use the result as the Path', which means that, rather than placing full enlightenment as a goal far away in the future, one tries to identify with the enlightened body, speech and mind of a buddha. The buddha-form which one can best relate to is called the yidam (Tibetan) or ishtadevata (Sanskrit) or 'personal buddha-form'. In order to achieve this self-identification with a buddha-form, much symbolism and visualization is used in Buddhist tantric techniques.\n\n \nDetail of the mandala shown above. This is a Garbhadhatu mandala, representing Vairocana Buddha surrounded by eight Buddhas and bodhisattvas (clockwise from top: Ratnaketu, Samantabhadra, Samkusumitaraja, Manjusri, Amitabha, Avalokitesvara, Dundubhinirghosa, Maitreya).Secrecy is a cornerstone of tantric Buddhism, simply to avoid harming oneself and others through practising without proper guidance. It is not even allowed to explain the full symbolism and psychology of the practice to the uninitiated, which leads to misunderstanding and dismissal. Tantric techniques may appear initially to consist of ritualistic nonsense. They should only be practiced on the basis of a thorough understanding of Buddhist philosophy and strict adherence to the traditions.
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Every buddhist shold be avoid doing sins(bad things) and practice doing merits,(good things)\n\n\nhttp://www.metta.lk/
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In Japan, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on April 8, but is not a national holiday.\n\nSome places have a public holiday one week later, on the fifteen day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, to coincide with the full moon.\n\nThe birth of the Buddha (Buddha Purnima in India) is often celebrated by Buddhists for an entire month.
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try\nhttp://www.buddhism.org/email/\nWhen completed it should help.
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I'm not a Tibetan practitioner, but I'm very intrested in all Mahayana schools, especially anything to do with the Lotus Sutra,\nEmail me at Shinai_Inaozuke@yahoo.com, if you want to talk
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First off, happy Ostara to all those of the Northern Hemisphere, and happy Mabon to all those of the Southern Hemisphere!\n \nI've never attended a group ceremony, as I am a solitary Wiccan, but it's not hard to find out. The links you gave are wonderful! I use Religioustolerance.org for all my religious information if I can't get it strait from someone of the religion in question.\n \nAs far as Wicca goes, all rituals will tend to consist of a few basic things: the area is swept with a besom (ritual broom of sorts) to clear the area of negative energy. All practitioners ground and center (prepare oneself for spellwork - you can find details in nearly any witchcraft book - try Llewellyn authors!), and a circle is drawn using an athame (ritual knife - it's usually not sharp as it's not used for cutting) walking deosil around the circle (the direction of the path of the sun in the sky - clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere; counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). The four elements are called walking deosil: north is earth, east is air, south is fire, west is water.\n\nAfter the ritual is complete, the elements are dismissed walking widdershins around the circle (opposite the direction of the path of the sun in the sky - counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere; clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere), the circle is undrawn walking widdershins, and all practitioners ground and center again to finalize the ritual.\n\nThere are many books out there describing rituals that are traditionally performed during the eight Sabbats (solstices, equinoxes and mid-points). I use “Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows” by Ann Moura as a guide for all the things I do. It’s a great source for all kinds of information about Wicca and related witchcraft, and my fiancé uses it to learn more about Wicca (so it works as a great learning guide even for people who don’t practice). I’d recommend you look into it if you’re really interested.
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If you are referring to the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, you simply respect the eight rules. This includes:\n\nRight Livelihood (you should not earn your money as a soldier, weapons-dealer, sex trade worker, drug dealer or butcher)\n\nRight Meditation\n\nRight Thought (keeping the mind clear of negative/hateful/intolerant thoughts)\n\nRight Speech (words that are honest, kind, worthy and nurturing)\n\nRight Conduct (do no harm to others)\n\nRight Mindfulness (i.e. awareness)\n\nRight Effort (effort to putting the other parts of the path into action)\n\nRight Concentration
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The four face buddha is one that is commonly revered in thailand.\nIt is a well known granter of wishes, each face corresponding to particular aspect; wish, wealth, romance, health and career.\nIt is also known to be the least forgiving buddha because if you do not return to give thanks once your wishes have been granted, bad luck will follow
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My dear friend, \n\nBelow I have done my best to try and explain the sects of Buddhism to level comprehensible to the general public; I sincerely hope it helps you.\n\nHowever, I first must briefly touch on the answer given by [Ronin], which is undoubtedly more a source than an answer.  To comment, our friend here has asked us to help her understand the differences between the branches of Buddhism, as she hasn't "been able to understand them perfectly and was wondering if anyone could put them into layman’s terms for [her]".  Citing wikipedia does neither for her, and I believe you may even insult her by suggesting she does not know how to search for information.  People come her, to the answers services because they have been unsuccessful in their quest for an answer; hence it is up to people who may know the answer to try and assist them in any way that we can, and not simply throw them more incomprehensible information.\n\nA period after the pir-nirvana of the Lord Buddha, the "Elders" and the "Novices" of Buddhism had an argument regarding the preservation of offerings for an overnight situation.  This let to a fine separation into 2 factions of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahasamghika (Elders and Novices) - the terms used previously are given in the ancient language Sanskrit.  In fact, the Mahasamghika was the stepping stone or hint that another form of Buddhism would take place, and that form would be known as Mahayana Buddhism.  Mahayana Buddhism was introduced to the world by Nagarjuna Buddha (or Nagarjuna Bodhisattva - depending on tradition), and the Mahasamghika slowly dissipated into another form of Buddhism, known as Hinayana.\n\nSo to briefly bring things into perspective:  Hinayana, Mahayana and Theravada.  However, this is not the end yet.  Some people actually place Theravada Buddhism under the banner of Hinayana Buddhism.  So, there are mainly the two branches: Hinayana and Mahayana (but readers please take note, it is not that I am in total agreement of this; I merely wish to use it as an example to simplify matters).  Now, to help you understand the differences.  Places like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, India etc are all examples where Hinayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are easily distinguished tending to look like a very large cloth wrapped around their body.  Countries like China, Taiwan, Korea, Tibet, Japan etc are all examples where Mahayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are not so easily distinguished tending to vary from tradition, but one thing is certain, and that is they often have a look of Chinese Tang Dynasty Royal Family robes.\n\nWell, "is that all", you ask?  No, because within the Mahayana tradition there is another lineage of Buddhism, known as the Tantrayana (or Vajrayana).  All the countries mentioned in the category of Mahayana fit this description, but please take note that there is an extremely large amount of overlapping.  And to complicate matter even further, these branches of Buddhism are separated in another general manner:  Exoteric and Esoteric.\n\nSo to conclude:\nExoteric Buddhism - Hinayana Buddhism (Thailand, Sri Lanka...etc)\n             - Mahayana Buddhism (Taiwan, Korea, China)\n\nEsoteric Buddhism-Tantrayana Buddhism (China, Tibet, Japan)\n\nRemember, it all depends in what context you are speaking of.\n\nI hope I have helped you, and would appreciate criticism and education from the learned friends of the world wide web.\n\nvhy
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I once saw a one legged witch turn a storm.\n\nMy first ritual, we were all comfortable throughout the ritual, but the instant the ritual ended, we realized that the room was cold. The heat hadn't been on and the whole time and it was spring equinox.\n\nI do spiritual healing with singing bowls. I play the bowl in someone's hand, and feel the vibrations as they extend through the person, and can tell them where the vibrations are and what they're doing.\n\nI used to work with a Reiki master who could put healing energy into people and tell people many details about their lives while we were doing our energy work. Very specific things\n\nI have this one singing bowl which plays differently, responding to the place where it's played, or what chakra it's played on. I use it to locate blockages for spiritual healing. I also used it to find the perfect place to set up my tent the first time I camped in Kansas. One night the wind ripped through the camp. By morning, just about every tent had blown over except mine.\n\nFor a while, a friend and I maintained a karmic connection through an object which was divided and each of us kept half, and sometimes I would smell something, and call her up, and it was exactly what she was smelling.\n"Did you just make cookies?"\n"Was the dog just breathing in your face?"\n"Did you just disinfect something?"\n\nAs a child the chandelier used to swing from side to side, and the radio would turn on by itself in the middle of the night.\n\nOne time on a camping trip I was walking back from the bathrooms at that moment right between day and night and I saw someone walk across the front of the site and stop behind a tree. So I figure one of the people is going to jump out and try to surprise me, so I pull out my flashlight, walk up to the tree, turn on the light, and there's no one there.\n\nOne time I was alone in a house, and I felt a presence. I looked at a mobile hanging motionless, and said, "If there is anyone else here, make the mobile spin." The next moment, the mobile began to spin.\n\nOne time I was driving into Ponca State Park to set up a large camping gathering, and the sides of the road were lined with spirits. All standing there, clearly visible to everyone, calmly welcoming us back.\n\nOn another camping trip, we felt a spirit near the bon-fire. We had a ring of 40 tiki-torches around the bonfire. It was a still and windless night, but all the tiki flames near the spirit bent in. One of the people in the circle had a fancy camera. After the campout she went to get the film developed, and all the photos from before the visitor turned out, but after that all the film was blank. She took the camera in to be repaired. The repairman asked if she'd been in a nuclear power plant. All the innards were fried from electromagnetism\n\nMy grandmother died while my niece was in utero. After my niece was born, she would look up at areas where no one was standing, and laugh and giggle. We all knew that she was looking at gramma, so we never showed her any pictures. Finally, at about a year old, she could speak, and my sister showed her the family photo album. My niece picked out her photo and said, "That's Old Gramma."\n\nOne time, on a camping trip, it was an especially magickal night. At some point, everyone in the camp noticed that something was missing, including a necklace from around one woman's neck. The area where we were camping was separate from any other areas and so no one came into the area. Suspecting activity of the Fae, everyone put out offerings, except for the woman who lost her necklace. She cursed the fairies. The next morning, everything was returned except the necklace. To this day, the necklace has never been found.\n\nOn another camping trip, I put my tent right in the middle of a natural faery ring. When I camp, I always have a flashlight with me at all times. The only place I could have lost i
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First, ignore the bible thumpers.  Here is a good consecration ritual. \n\n1. Stand before the altar and pick up the first item to be consecrated.\n2. Imagine a glowing light from the heavens spotlighting the item.\n3. Pass the item over the incense and say:\n\n"I cleanse and consecrate this ________ for positive means.\nAll negativity is removed from it in any time and space"\n\n4. Repeat this process through the remaining three elements. Pass it through the flame, sprinkle it with water and finally with the earth element.\n5. Now lay the item down on top of your pentacle.\n6. Now place your palms about one inch from the item, then form a triangular opening with your hands.\n7. Imagine a silver orb in the opening of your hands.\n8. Let it glow brighter and brighter.\n9. Raise energy from your body and gently push it out between your hands and into the silver orb.\n10. With your mind, lower the orb onto the item and let it be encompassed.\n11. When the energy dissipates, say:\n\n"By the Will of the Lord and Lady I have empowered this ______.\nMay their blessings shine upon and through it always.\nBy the Free Will of All And with harm to none As I will\nSo shall it be done!"\n\n12. Do this for each tool that you wish to cleanse and consecrate\n13. Thank the Goddess and the God as well as the elements\n14. Ground your energy\n15. Raise your right hand over your head and in a counter clockwise motion; circle it around the room and say:\n\n"The circle is open May it never be broken!"\n\n16. Take the remaining earth and Holy Water and pour it into the ground, and Say:\n\n \n"I thank thee for the use of thy Power"\n\n17. After you have put everything away relax and go find something to eat and drink before you record the event. This will help you to ground your extra energy .a little bird told me that it also helps to run water over your hands!
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All I could think of is the religion Buddhism.\nOh, and martial arts too. (Kung fu).
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You are invited to \n\nwww.buddhanet.com\n\nwww.meditationthai.org
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Dhammakaya meditation\n\nwww.meditationthai.org
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just an example:\nhttp://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/wat_m5.htm
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What is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings?\n\nSimply speaking, this is to avoid harming others and to help them as much as possible. Another way of expressing this is, Abandon negative action; create perfect virtue; subdue your own mind. This is the teaching of the Buddha. By abandoning negative actions (killing, etc.) and destructive motivations (anger, attachment, close-mindedness, etc.), we stop harming ourselves and others. By creating perfect virtue, we develop beneficial attitudes, like impartial love and compassion, and do actions motivated by these thoughts. By subduing our mind, we cut away all false projections, thus making ourselves calm and peaceful by understanding reality.\n\nThe essence of Buddha’s teachings is also contained in the three principles of the path: definite emergence, the dedicated heart and wisdom realizing emptiness. Initially, we seek definitely to emerge from the confusion of our problems and their causes. Then, we see that other people also have problems, and with love and compassion, we dedicate our heart to becoming a Buddha so that we are capable of helping others extensively. In order to do this, we develop the wisdom understanding the real nature of ourselves and other phenomena.