What do you think about those people who kneel at buddha?

Question

1 - wrong view?

2 - buddha won't be happy seeing them kneel?

3 - kneeling show equal?

4 - why not sit and pray in heart but to kneel? underestimating buddha power? buddha in our heart?

5 - kneeling show worship? you love someone and they kneel in front of you what would you think?

6 - what do you think?

Answer 1

Well, I can’t speak for ALL schools of Buddhism, but for the most part it's not about worship in the western sense of the word. Buddhist do not bow to shoe subservience or capitulation or the acknowledgment of superiority or deification. Bowing is a show of respect akin to the Salute given to the Flag of the untied states, the shaking of hands done in the west or the bow performed in most martial arts schools.

The prostrations to the Buddha are done for many reasons. One a method of showing respect. A method for instilling humility. And most importantly, at lest is some schools, a form of meditation. Like many aspects of Buddhism, the meaning is not always inherently clear to us in the west and we have a tendency of applying traditional western meanings to the things we don’t understand as opposed to asking or researching. Another common miss conception in that Chanting is a form of prayer or mystical incantation. Generally speaking, although it does very from school to school, chanting is a form of "together meditation" that is used as a tool to gain enlightenment.

Student: "Why do we bow to the Buddha?"
Monk: "Because the Buddha is there."
Student: "But master, why do we chant?"
Monk: "Why do the birds sing in the trees?"
Student: "Master, then why do we meditate?"
Monk: "Why must I answer the same question three time?"

The purpose of bowing (prostrations) is more of device for understand ourselves and reality then it is about worship although it also serves to remind us of our desire to achieve enlightenment and our gratitude and respect to Gautama Buddha and his legacy for his teachings. You could say this is akin to the western traditions of leaving a place setting (or sometimes an empty stein or cup) at the table to remember a deceased friend or family member found in some cultures.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Believing their philosophy that human happiness cannot be found through material wealth is indeed a right view. Kneeling is a form of worship and respect to the founder of Buddha. I don't think there is something wrong with that. Buddha would indeed be greatful worshipping his likeness. Gestures like sitting while praying are just forms of worship. What is important is you have relayed your message. It may be in any form - i don't see any difference.

Thanks for asking. Have a great day!

Answer 3

In Buddhist theology, Buddha is NOT a god. It does seem at times, though, that he is still worshiped in much the same fashion, albeit perhaps not quite as fervently as other religions worship their gods and saviors. Still, in the Buddhist services I've attended with my wife, the focus was by and large on his teachings, not on worship.

Of course, kneeling isn't necessarily a form of worship, it could also be reverence or respect. Buddhism is not my religion (I'm atheist), so I don't feel qualified to judge how others go about performing the rituals of their religion. To each their own, or as Gotama Buddha supposedly said, "Doubt everything. Find your own light."

Answer 4

First of all Buddha is not big belly. There is another god in Buddhism and Taoism that symbolizes prosperity and happiness. Thus he has a large belly to symbolize prosperity and abundance of food. He is always happy and sometimes with him there many children because Asian values family happiness. And children are a couples important wealth.
People have different beliefs. Some pay their respect to prayer and kneeling. Sometimes through offerings.
If there is really a god. Do you actually think he will punish the atheist who remains good, law abiding, helpful and treats his/her fellowmen well despite not believing there is a punishment of hell for sins. They are actually the most unbelievably good people for remaining decent enough despite not believing in life after death and punishment.
Does anyone actually think, if there is a god he will punish people who calls to the heavens a name that they think this is his name and really been good. I think if there is a god he answers anyone's calling be it in any language, race, name, tradition.
There is a story, about a king who love his three prince equally that he gave equal, indistinguishable rings to all three. And in the end the author explains it is like god. Who know all forms of faith in different race may all be calling one god by the name the assigned messiah or angel of the race was sent to.
If there is a god. I believe he wouldn't care how he is called as long as you are good. And have not cause harm, ruin and hurt to others.

Answer 5

Okay, I love philosophy questions, both asking and answering, especially the asking. May I ask what religious beliefs you have? As for mine, I don't really have them, I'm atheist.
1.) Yes, but Buddhists aren't bad people; people aren't what religion they are, it doesn't really matter
2.) He can't see them, he's dead, now nonexistent
3.) No, they are showing submission
4.) Kneeling is symbolic; I mean, Christians bow their heads and close their eyes, it's similar to that. I personally don't think he has power, but they do. I guess, like any human, you can revere and respect them, therefore creating some homage to them
5.) Depends, in most scenarios, shows worship, respect, or submission. It can also show love and devotion, though. I'd think it was a romantic gesture and appreciate it
6.) They are good people, any person can be good. They are just people like you and I, they just have different religion.

Answer 6

Kneeling to someone or anything under the sun is an act of worship. Kneeling to buddha is the practice of budhism. But if you seek the Bible it tells us that it is an idolatry.

Answer 7

Buddha is all about the right way of living:
Right speech
Right work
Right thought
and Right turns in the Right lane at the Right time [lol]
I've studied most religions of the world and apparently THIS IS THE RIGHT ONE! [lol]

Answer 8

hopefully they just mean respect by it. i know i would realize who respects buddha by simply kneeling and maybe saying a quick prayer or thank u and who worships him. they would go waaay over the top.

Answer 9

I usually think people kneeling at Buddha are Buddhists.

Sometimes I thank God they're not Muslim.
;-)

Answer 10

I think to myself, "Wow, that person kneels 'at' Buddha!"