A little more about Buddhism: Buddhist Fact of the Week(s)

Terribly sorry for the long hiatus! Hope that everyone has been enjoying their holidays thus far!

#4

The Buddhist Etiquette - Full prostrations

Three prostrations infer deep respect for Buddha’s teachings. By performing three full prostrations, one expresses his/her intention to adhere to The Three Jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Likewise, the act symbolizes the discarding of the Three Poisons - hatred, ignorance and excess.

Practioners will press the elbows, knees and forehead to the ground when prostrating. In Tibet, however, prostrations involve touching all five body parts (head, legs, arms, chest and abdomen) to the ground. The posture is intended to symbolically release the ego and respect the Buddha and other sentient beings:

• Put the palms of your hands together with the thumbs aligned and tucked into the center of your palms. Your folded thumbs represent offering a wish-fulfilling jewel to the Buddhas. 
• Touch your folded hands, with thumbs tucked inside the palms, to your crown, forehead (optional), neck, and heart as above.
• Bend forward, place your hands flat upon the ground, lower your knees to the ground, and touch your forehead to the ground.
• When standing up, first the head leaves the ground, then the knees, and finally the hands.
• Begin the next prostration by immediately placing your folded hands on the crown of your head. 

Text Source: www.thranguhk.org/

#5

Offerings

We make offerings not because the Buddha needs them - the Buddha is an enlightened being, He certainly does not need an incense stick to be happy!
Nor do we make offerings to win the Buddha's favour. The Buddha developed universal loving-kindness and compassion long ago and won't be swayed by flattery and bribery the way we ordinary beings are.
We make offerings to create positive energy and develop good qualities such as giving with a respectful attitude and gratitude.• Moreover, the offerings remind us of certain teachings of the Buddha.

Offering of Light (Lamp/Candle)

 Light symbolizes wisdom.• Light drives away darkness.• Similarly, the light of wisdom dispels the darkness of ignorance.

Offering of Incense

When incense is lit, its fragrance spreads.
Incense symbolizes the fragrance of pure moral conduct.• This reminds us to cultivate good conduct.

Offering of Water

Water symbolizes purity, clarity and calmness.• This reminds us to practise the Buddha's teachings, so as to cleanse our minds, which are full of desire, ill-will and ignorance, and to attain the state of purity.

Offering of Fruit

Fruit symbolizes the ultimate fruit of Enlightenment which is our goal.• Fruit also reminds us that all actions will have their effect.

Offering of Flowers

The freshness, fragrance and beauty of flowers are impermanent.• Fresh and beautiful flowers will soon become withered, scentless and discoloured.• This reminds us of the Buddha's teaching that all things are impermanent.• We should value what we have now and live in the present.

Text Source: www.buddhanet.net