1. World Religion: Buddhism
Worship

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Objects of Worship 6
Candles represent the light of wisdom, shining to light the right path through life.

8. 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

9. 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?

10. Samye-Ling

11. Shrines in Bhutan and Sri-Lanka

12. 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

13. 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

14. What do you remember about Buddhist Worship?
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: /12 Very Good
8 or 9 /12 Good
6 or 7 /12 Okay
less than 6/12 Revise!