Significance and Role of Mass Bai

Works of Fabrice Midal

Hoang Phong translation

Introduction by the translator:

In a little book titled «Buddhist Briefings» (ABC du Bouddhisme, n Galaxy Grancher Publishing, 2008) Fabrice Midal author has succinctly summarized the key issues in Buddhism helps bring give the reader a comprehensive insight on one of the oldest religion of mankind. Particularly for us, then these articles are worth more attention because it is a look «distance» of a Western Buddhist scholar in a religious direction «very close» to us.

On na Buddhist medicine is rapidly growing in the West, but the worship and worship is what it was extremely strange to them. So what Westerners think and how the concept of rites and ceremonies in Buddhism? Chapter 7 of this book is dedicated to the subject, and here is the transfer terms.

Setting thousand well i would add is the author notes Fabrice Midal to Buddhism as a student and after shaving hair refuge after which he took up a very solemn Buddhist altar in accordance with Tibetan tradition at his home.

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The Meaning and Role of Mass Bai in Buddhism

Why is there the rites and ceremonies in Buddhism? Buddhists, or at least to a Western Buddhists is that the worship should avoid or not?

The reflection and contemplation in Buddhism is aimed at helping intentionally arouse compassion, respect and gratitude, there is also what is essential in meditation allowed that many (Western) are known and regularly carry out training. But the majority did not have a little knowledge about the role of worship in Buddhism (the author would like to say that most Westerners are Buddhists focus on meditation practice and not pay attention to find understand the role of worship) .

Disregard as to how much they worship we have even that much of its value. Those who had attended the ceremony, it seems generally optimistic or feeling things that it is false. And then we just wish that Buddhism rid of her abstract forms.

Therefore we should also explore more deeply on the emotional fears over here so that we can understand it a more thorough way.

In Western countries today, that sacred relationship (between worship and religion) gradually lost its meaning (in France is only 4.50% people go to church) . Still does not mean that in the Western world sacred bond has been completely cut off. The work of art as well as natural scenery still causes many effects in the heart of some people and that has proved to be a powerful spiritual bonds above did not disappear. Indeed we feel that sometimes you also need a few moments of relaxation, freedom and openness that before reality - such as when looking at a painting or a stroll on the beach the sea. In the moments that give a sense of peace fill our hearts.

But that sacred bond no longer be a monopoly of religion, and for most of us the fact that it was just a way to take advantage of religion to influence and strengthen the rights force, rather than help people find the source of life. So, for us (the West) the ritual ceremony has become something left over from the shackles of the old era, which today has completely obsolete. That is what is seen as superstition or things and tools used to dominate and should be removed.

Actually, this trend also has another reason too.

Time of our day do not believe in these things rite, myth, symbol or other kinds of things symbolized, just look at the character of the rational transparency - though not aware rigid aspects of that transparency. In this day and we only want to remove the veil of myth and ignorance insisted that such rituals have to do anything useful. For our generation, then the world know this worship of the only effective integrity may become restless when the meaning of existence has been completely eliminated, and all activities invariably must be reachable under the control of the standards set by the principle of efficiency.

But the purpose of the rite is to bring people back to their roots, to cut the bonds of earth and eliminate practices that no conventional wisdom - that means what wealth-effect- results. If you look under that respect any form of worship would always keep a little poetic moment in time to help us find a little sense of his life and to bring for life was a deeper side.

It is to that which many Buddhists have created for themselves a life in a way that harmony is always in harmony with the rite, the rite is sometimes also just what is simple (such as light a Buddhist incense on the altar, or strike a bell in the morning) . First of all there is to know how to help them focus more on beauty in them and people of this world and to connect them with their roots.

How such application if you want to find profound meaning of the ritual is indeed quite difficult for us Westerners. Because not only implement the rite is sufficient, but also must be aware of its significance in everyday life and figure out meaning that in every second p smoked one.

Meaning of Bai in Buddhism Ceremony

Mass marketing is a synthesis of i includes a number of action represents a compromise between the acts, words and our attention. In harmony was every gesture were unearthed, the eager, to form a real and complete sense, and every word they were keeping the pure. We can not be sure there is something unique, unique or represent an intelligence at all - in fact there is simply what exists right nh U.

If you want to rite achieve this sense, it must be coupled with a permit to practice accurate and dignified. Zen Zen ritual spells developed an extraordinary beauty, such as tea ceremony for example. Tea was brought into Japan in the twelfth century and is regarded as a medicinal herb. Forever four centuries later, the new tea is a Zen master is God Retirement Benefits (Rikyu) turned into an art and a practice permit but really, by giving a precise ritual, and especially to unearthed during construction of the rite.

For any rites and ceremonies which, the body adapt to each language when uttered - that is, every gesture must be compatible with every word. They all join together to become a consistent routine.

The reflection and theoretical analysis will bring character does not at all likely to need. What matters most is the accuracy and serious gestures. No need to find more ways to create something more that just the simple implementation of what to do.

Thus the role of first ritual is to help us integrate a certain regulated to help us set foot on earth and also connected to the vastness of the whole universe, and help for all spread around also enjoy the atmosphere.

For the Western world, the ritual is not necessarily religious in nature. For example, to hear a concert can also help us realize the deep meaning and real purpose of the ritual is. We walk into the hall and sat down. The musicians entered later and began playing. The music gives us a certain pleasure. We feel like what always relieve the burden of his life. We warmly applauded to reward and thank them.

Worship also has a similar intent. That's what is simple, we did not start to think of trouble, but could help us find freedom always overshadowed and burdened by things of danger and anxiety, by the loss and the horrors of life.

Buddhist perspective, the purpose of worship is to help us come closer to the Buddha, the vote was open space and know how warm, there is truth in every moment that we do not rarely be found. Buddhism is an atheistic religion of worship should therefore have even created a direct induction and really what the Buddha or not is not so good relationship. So, each time reflecting on the Buddha, of Jesus or just a grass - it is important above all is the soul, the expansion of the heart and breathing on their own.

At the time of Buddhism originated in India, the rite most crucial concerns only the architecture represents the spirit of the Buddha called the stupa (ie stupas) . Chedi built everywhere in Asia. Rite is simply a way around that architecture in a clockwise direction. Inside the architecture that usually does not have any rooms at all. Getting Around the stupa is called a parade (circumambulation - marched around a symbolic religious nature) . The walk was stately and attention to each movement of his body that helps to integrate with the presence of the Buddha. The walk around a building - such as a stupa in the case above and the axis of the stupa is a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth - just a symbolic form of a very universal nature, cases such as presbyters (druide / druid) in the primitive tribes (of Europe in ancient times) to go around the tree or the stream.

According to the history of the rite has become increasingly more complex, and the rituals that are based on the routine availability of Indian customs as almost to a house guests. Invitations are sent to house guests to express their joy if people visit, how much further then this person is, the more common gifts are invited to a feast, after all, put off all people with respect commensurate with the rank of the person. Also instead welcome a certain character, then we open ourselves to receive the Buddha - see the Buddha as a guest. We set up the altar, placed on a chilled bowl of fragrant flowers and a few gifts. Then we can also sang Buddha acclaim. This is creating an open space vote and bring moments of praise for a certain crispness.

It's very unfortunate that we often forget that ceremony and the rites and ceremonies can also help liberate their minds, to think that only allow meditation and learning (French director) can make does so. Anyway, if only as a ritual performance habits without realizing what the meaning is also the only Hoai. When integrated with rituals and understand what it is then the ritual can become a great force to be supported.

Every lecture will not stand out much when I'm interested in the implementation of the rites and ceremonies in accordance with tradition (ie the ritual recitation before the lecture, and would also allow additional notes alongside the author tu set according to Tibetan Buddhism and is very active in their missionary, and he is also president and founder of a Buddhist association) necessarily focus only and refers to the practice of meditation. This is simply sit down and do not need a fancy any other form. Not to let any one thing becomes redundant. Just direct integration with the most naked form possible in the person of our own - and with what grip it and confine it. This means that only need to take out the beauty show in the present.

But apart from that time to teach then I always let the dominant rite my life through each of my actions. Set sometimes think we should also implement worship, but must always be attentive to reveal its meaning and to live with it a completely conscious.

Why set up Buddhist shrine?

One of the main reasons that we do not like the worship of Buddhist altars and set up a thought for that matter not related to spirituality.

Buddhism advocates no distinction between matter and spirit, between body and mind but advised us to remove any clinging restrictive and other things, and had to expand their hearts. What do others have proved more practical to be! However, it could only make sense through experience in daily life only (that is needed to the control of the rite in his life) .

All of us are kept in some photographs of parents and their children, a few jars offspring travel memories of his past. Indeed we do have mind enough to remember all the pictures of loved ones and memories of previous trips. Is it so that we often decorate their homes with their animals recall the old memories?

The object was to keep a huge role in the lives of each one of us. Sometimes we had to put all his mind on the selection of the closest things to me.

So why do not we know more grafted into his life a little more spiritual nature like that? For example, a few things can remind us to remember the Buddha? (author meant to establish a Buddhist shrine or a Buddha presented in the house) .

Offering also a way to express his affection for the Enlightened, say their concern is always to remember the Buddha.

However, there may occur a certain danger that Buddhism is not of course have been inevitable: it is how to deform the poetic aspect of this that it becomes a tangle of rigid rules , and if you miss that there are violations incurred in the «unhappy». It was only a morality based on the character standard in duty and superstition. Offerings to the Buddha is not helping her avoid what misfortune, or to prove that he was a Buddhist model, but rather it is their actions that could help expand the hearts and minds his own.

Such as when we make a gift for a friend voila also means his heart for sympathy you have more important is the value of the gift. We found a certain pleasure through gestures offered. Also, offering action is significant internal rather than the value of consecrated animals - meaning that symbolizes inner gratitude, confidence and affection of his heart.

Why should we make offerings to the Buddha statues represent?

The answer was very simple, it is because we often forgot the presence of the Buddha, of love and affection. Thus, we need to reveal a practical actions that help us integrate with the elected space open it.

However the following are more common interpretation. Many schools of the policy if it wants to achieve enlightenment on the one hand to open his mind (mind) and my heart (compassion) and one side must create scenes misbehavior (ethics) . It is the combination of intellectual and moral. Meditation and learning (French director) helped us to achieve the first aspect (wisdom) . Action will bring the second aspect (ethics) . Gestures offered Buddha a flower even symbolically indicative go again but there is the best way to evoke the presence of the Buddha.

The first aspect (intelligence) to the ultimate nature, the second aspect (moral) nature relative. Buddhism advocates would always have two aspects go together.

All ritual is it

forms of worship the image or not?

The religion is based on Buddhist sutras evaluated as a religion of idolatry.

But what is worship the image? This is how to make the absolute halt in the image helps us to conquer it and gain access to it, and also feel a love force yourself into that image. For religion is based on sutras that is helping to achieve the realization of God beyond all forms of expression of human beings.

But Buddhism also necessarily opposed thoroughly for any form of worship of any image. Indeed, just as other religions based on the sutras, Buddhist also denied making the absolute must be dry, but Buddhism uses a method other than. Not only Buddhism rejects any form of any determination of an absolute property after having shrunk to turn it into the image shows, but also more Buddhist view that what is wrong and hallucinations. For Buddhism, the concept of a formless God brings man is an absolute narrowing, a form of worship the image. And even though Buddhism advocates honor iconic way, Buddhism is also aware that it is just helping to get a concrete sense of the experience of the Buddha himself, ie the What can not describe with words.

Owner unless he a pure Buddhist belief, completely rational and non-holidays-cult is just a fiction of the Western world. If you think you need to purge to remove from the life of Buddha brought all the way to rewrite a legendary history more rational, it will be removed from the Buddhist character complex review of teaching books, and there is also a way not seen the importance of the suspected t hức in the practice of worship. That's how dry the blood stream of Buddhism.

Why worship is very similar to poetry?

In China under the Tang dynasty (518-907) , one sees a tendency arises to see inspiration in poetry and intuition derived from experience a sense of meditation are very close together. Tche-poet Li-yi in a letter written you have a question thus: "There is no difference between the path of Buddha and poetry; of enlightenment where the brush is no different than Enlightenment of the Buddha '.

Entering the era of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) , stated policy of the importance of this relationship (between poetry and the feel when you meditate) have achieved a very high level, and this policy was transmitted to Japan in the twelfth century. Zen Zen is based on a true scholarly method has raised what we call «poetry» to a very important position. Under the policy that poetry is not only a «done» or a «creative» but also a way to help step into the silence. Most human action can be brought into the path towards perfection, or a practice helps to wake up the mind to help it live in our dialogue with itself, similar to very- sing with the wealth-formation.

Zen Zen creating a path, or rather a ritual to guide most of the actions of man: such as plugging in a flower pot or pour a cup of tea. In fact, tea is a simple means but have raised is how the Buddhist ethics. Attention on how to use tools (tea) and in each gesture will reveal the relationship with the world, and also the whole world is abetting the correlation to praise him (conscious relation to the whole world is a means to help reveal compassion) .

The most focused on tea tea but also get along at the same time breathing and his movements with breathing and movements of the guests are seated in front. The servant of tea using a silk scarf to wipe the bottle of tea and bamboo tea scoop spoon. Accurate in every move a. Then use a small scoop of bamboo to draw water in the kettle boiling and pour into a bowl. Water used to wash in a bowl grabbed brooms and after washing finished, grabbed brooms are also examined carefully. The water in the bowl is poured off and the bowl is cleaned with a damp towel with only thorns.

Hours in warm water bubbling softly cried. The servant of tea for tea powder into a bowl (tea using tea grind into powder) , pour hot water, grabbed brooms used to stir until well combined, then add a little more water, stir again are finished, and after stirring first invited guests.

At first glance, the ceremony seemed simple and natural, but in fact it was extremely subtle and it takes years to learn and practice. Each stage of the tea ceremony are allowed to prescribe a precise way that is: start the preparatory work and invited guests, followed by the servant with tea tea movements precisely, the last time the guests are turn instead to enjoy together. Do not let any little loopholes that may occur unexpectedly. The movement of the body and the movements of each finger are all smooth like a dance! At the same time radiating an atmosphere as a natural manifestation quite strict and formal.

The atmosphere that will make people enjoy tea with the impression that you are going through a moment that goes beyond all dimensions of time, or rather there is also an integration with the pure time where there was what most profound of life dominate. In fact tea etiquette help me integrate with others and with the nature.

It c chain is where the reign of what is important and the most mysterious of Buddhist compassion. The compassion that lurks behind the movement was confidential, it is the attention to detail so small to create a context favorable food transformed her heart beat with each action. And this is also the true meaning of the ritual worship.

Should we set before adding the new rite or not?

The rites and ceremonies, whether by the Tibetan teachers or the Zen teacher also executed, are all true rites and ceremonies of Buddhism, but at the same time, the ritual was also heavily influenced masonry from the culture and the local spirit. Although the practice was to worship what is totally strange to Westerners but they still brought out for execution. Of course, the implementation does not bring many benefits to them, the reason is understandable because that is not what has been ingrained in the language, style as well as their history (the translator also like chronic allowed to contribute a little more opinion. It is true that the Western Buddhist schools of thought depending on your can recite in Japanese, Tibetan, English Pa-li ... and dress according to the Japanese monk , or Theravada Tibet ... But they took that did not reflect whether the language, style and their history, but also help them integrate with the origin and history of Buddhism in general. Please a single election is quite specific evidence before the French Assembly Zen Zen Studies Heart Sutra translated into French all for chanting, but it was soon decided to return to the recitation of texts in Japanese, by because reciting the French did not seem to bring the desired effect) .

As I shall be laid out more than rituals, eating further into the existing culture of the West and more relevant to the context of their lives (this opinion is quite right because of your meditation practice by Study Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, Sri Lanka, China ... chanting in different languages, dress and rites and ceremonies is also somewhat different, but also has many very close together. So if the West really want to find yourself the rites and ceremonies in accordance with the culture and its history is necessarily a good thing to do, but also not an easy task. It is often seen author Fabrice Midal wear shirt and black jacket, tie the Buddhist flag on his chest, then what a brooch shaped Bodhi leaves, then shaves his head first. There are affordable here is how he wanted to highlight the typical image of a Western Buddhist monk - translator's note added) . Please also be recalled that allows chronic intentionally deep ritual is to help create an integration of body, the experience feeling as well as their emotions in the presence of the Buddha, to help me beyond the nature of the relationship completely «brain» of this world. Bottom line is indeed very difficult for us (ie the West) have to learn by the rites and ceremonies practiced in China or Cambodia from time immemorial.

Of course not too difficult for Westerners to learn and practice the tea ceremony ritual or ceremony ordained of tan-tra of the Tibetans. All of the rite are really very great, but only a few Westerners can keep up. Therefore it is difficult to Buddhism can help to come alive and thriving in the hearts of people across n vomiting.

Should have been more solemn ceremony was held

to mark the great event and

in the life of each person or reasonable?

Ethnicity has its gaudy ritual ceremonies take more or less related to the meaning of life. The formal ceremony was to mark the great event and in every human life: such as birth, the transition from childhood to old stage childhood (Jewish ceremonies held to mark the transition or 'mature », ie when the child is 13 years for boys and for girls 12 years old) , married on or after death.

We will not live there 'as if the incident in his life had no meaning any more offers. There are many normal people were indifferent to religion but still turn to religion when the occurrence of major events in his life. Even for the most extreme atheist, sometimes people still see them held in a church wedding or would do to the occasion of the Mass funeral (the author refers to what happens in Western societies method, but that reality was universal and can occur in any society or a country) .

We always need to act, the words and gestures help us integrate a bunch of icons to help us find that a substantial assistance. Buddhism has always advised us to choose for themselves the most appropriate symbols in each of the scenes. Therefore it is always ready and always I find great joy as he stood out as the ceremony of marriage and I always view that as an opportunity to make manifest what is true in love.

Nowadays people often see death as an event that brought violent character, a failure in life. But the ceremonies marking the separation from our midst and the deceased no longer seems to be the same again. Many sociologists and psychologists are interested in the problems generated by such indifference. The removal of the ritual is a way deny the importance of separation from death caused by both demand and desire to find yourself a spiritual consolation always present in every human heart. Buddhism is a religion can help us solve these problems.

Buddhism is a non-dogmatic beliefs can help so many different countries to create more new rite.

Buddhism also offers non-religious aspects-Catholic and therefore can help us see what practical easier: it is invoking the movements and symbols (ie that the suspected worship mode) says is a particular sense of reality and joy of his existence in the present moment is happening.

Buddhism also necessarily advocate atheism, and so that every moment is also true that, no need to append to it a meaning other alien (like reality is no need to discuss hands of a Supreme Being at all) . rite is intended to reveal the truth in each other contexts such au.

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A few notes of the translator

P song Mahayana offers many rites and ceremonies are sometimes picky and Theravada Buddhism has many rituals though seemingly simple but actually is just as solemn and serious t Australia. Meanwhile, some Western Buddhists tend to want to turn Buddhism into a «religious» entirely scientific, practical and rational. This trend represents a Zen master and Buddhist scholar Stephen Batchelor is brilliant, and his tendency is also caused much controversy in the West.

The reason stated on the above facts is that some Western scholars often melding the wrong way on this trend with the policy of Stephan Batchelor practice of a great monk and Buddhist thinkers of stature Thailand is great Bhikkhu Buddhadasa (1906-1993). Stephen Batchelor Buddhism advocates transforming to adapt to trends in the rational Western society, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, while they still respect the one hand the pure teachings of Buddhism and a raised surface and only develop real practical ways to help practitioners straight into enlightenment. This policy can be seen quite clearly a very famous work of his is titled « Book for Mankind ».

Anyway, the rites and ceremonies in a wide sense, it is essential to any one creed, that is the source of religious vitality in general. In the case of Buddhism, Mahayana, or whether it is Primitive also have their ritual ceremony brought together the true meaning. Indeed, if a Mahayana Buddhists visiting a Theravada Buddhist countries such as Burma, Thailand or Sri Lanka is also probably will not feel a bit strange at all.

In Vietnam it often occurs a «mixed» very strange and interesting, many Mahayana Buddhists worship the Theravada Buddhist temple, they burn incense and worship as well as no different they come with a Mahayana Buddhist temple, and vice versa, the Theravada Buddhists also regularly participate in the occasion of celebration of the Mahayana.

If Theravada Buddhists focus on the implementation of the rite was purified help bring her an inner throughout the Mahayana Buddhists to the care and attention to detail reflects the very small through each action and language to help their feelings of compassion for the inner strength and an extraordinary rise and filled his heart.

Design thinking should also set up a few comments on the above Zen Zen authors also presented a few things about the meaning of tea. Indeed, although superficially Zen Zen advocated simplicity and purity that, but actually created a multitude of rules and rites and ceremonies accurately, regulated and highly refined.

The following examples highlight the progress of a meditation session will also be able to say that subtlety. Before entering the meditation hall, the person must remove shoes and place it neatly and place the order at the door steps of the hall, sandals nose outward. When held to coordinate specific steps they must step into the left foot, and then immediately look to the Buddhist altar and devout bowing before finding a spot to sit down. When you step inside, they must keep quiet and not allowed to say another word. Do not go cross-level meditation room, or walk before the Buddhist altar to keep straight direction, if you want to change their direction, they must rotate by an angle of 90 degrees and keep going straight back, if necessary, to change direction again when found seats. To the specific place to sit down, put the coordinates, the coordinates of specific fabric straps to the front direction. Before sitting, then turned and aimed at devout Buddhist altar bowed, then grab yourself devout seating and coffee ven-sa real neat shirt and sat on the specific coordinates. It should be noted compared directly with the people sitting along a row with her, and keep a distance to the front wall as others. If you have to sit on the second row are not allowed to sit in the back who sit in front of which sits right on the distance between the two front ...

While meditating, the meditation hall at the four corners there are four teacher sat facing the meditator to «watch», hands, holding a small bell. If there are any peace or mind can be distracted, the mode of vibration that will reflect on a sitting position, such as restlessness, correct posture regularly, not straight back or shoulders droop down suddenly , .., and the star signs do not escape the observation of the teacher in charge of the guard, and then beat you this ring a bell to alert and very softly to pull the meditator can return to form attention. Lead the teacher to sit on a low platform, focus on Buddhist altar in the full import regulations. This position may occasionally take words to set up a koan, or teaching a few short verses with a very low voice, slowly and very smoothly.

In summary, if the meditator does not understand the meaning of the rites mentioned above, this will probably think these are too demanding strict rules, rigid and uptight. But when the intended sense of the profound rite of meditation, the person will also understand that the solemn and serious it is a means to help her forget her own self and to integrate space with the election calm, dignified and warm are spreading around, a vote was deep space and pure, beyond space and time, cut off the knot his tie to the world mundane.

After about an hour (or week incense), the meditation session temporarily stopped, people stood up tandem thien.Viec meditation practice is also governed by many rules it is no less stringent than the provisions for a sitting.

After the practice ended, each in turn go back to their place to continue to meditate and this time it also last about an hour. Meditation session ends with three monks bell of lead, and followed by nine in empty meditation vigorously pulled back to the reality around us. People are turning their backs, facing each other and recited to the beat of gong. Then they all stood up facing each indent devout knelt down and bowed to each other three times. After all, each one holding his court-appointed tandem walk slowly out of the hall. When near the door, then turned back towards the devout Buddhist altar to bow one last time. Prior to that it is a teacher available to stand beside the door, holding a small bell sound has just hit a devout bowing slightly and regain his devout also have to pay for holidays. When walking out the door with his right foot step must be ...

Above is a summary of the typical progression of a session to study Zen meditation, some details may vary depending on the tribe or the chair. In conclusion just by looking at aspects of «rational» and «practical» of the above protocol, we can also perceive there is a way of demonstrating the vitality of a faith, the power of determination where each individual mind, and all are closely linked to the survival of a religion. Indeed, if a religion is no longer enough to preserve and maintain their own rites and ceremonies is also in oblivion only. If aware of a more deeply so they can understand the rite is one of the «skilful means' ( upaya ) helps us follow the path more steadily. In otherwise it is the embodiment of the teachings or perhaps that's what it claims is the incarnation ( Nirmanakaya ) of whom N Lai damage.

Bures-sur-Yvette, 10/03/2012

END=VIETNAMESE TRANSLATE ENGLISH BY BACH LIEN HOA.( TAM THANH ).MHDT.11/5/2012.NAM MO SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA.( 3 TIMES ).