Religious Tradition Essay

280 Words2 Pages
Several different teachings of Buddhism help consolidate their cultural identity. Most importantly are the Buddhist moral precepts that are undertaken by Buddhist followers to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, intoxication drinks or illicit drugs. It is also common for Buddhists to be strict vegetarians or vegans. Another cultural identity linked to Buddhist tradition is the act of puja (this may include bowing, making offerings and chanting). This is usually performed daily at home (either in the morning/evening or both) and during festivals at a temple. Meditation is also another daily activity of Buddhists. Buddhist meditation includes techniques that develop their mindfulness, concentration, tranquillity and insight. Another exquisite Buddhist tradition is ‘giving’. Buddhists believe the more you give without seeking something in return, the ‘wealthier’ you become. Giving is said to purify and transform the mid of the giver. A monk or Bhikku is also another cultural link to Buddhist tradition. A bhikku’s lifestyle is simple + meditative, the ultimate goal to attain Nirvana. Like all other religious traditions Buddhism has an important place for pilgrimage based sites where Gautama Buddha lived and taught. These are located in Northern India and Southern Nepal. In fact Gautama Buddha, identified four sites ‘worthy’ of pilgrimage that would produce a ‘spiritual urgency’. The ‘driglam namzha’ is an official behaviour and dress code based on Buddhist cultural idenity in Bhutan. It also regulated other cultural identities such as art and architecture. For example, men must wear a ‘gho’ (knee-length robe tied with a belt) and women a ‘kira’ (colourful blouses under a large rectangular cloth), while in public during daylight. Different cultural practices and traditions have helped consolidate Buddhism as a

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