What do they do?
BUDDHISM
Upon entering the monastery, Buddhists take off their shoes and sit on mats facing the image of Buddha. They put their hands in 'Anjali', which translates to respect; placing the palms of their hands together before their foreheads then stretching them up towards the Buddha's image. They do so three times in honor of the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma (teachings of Buddha), and Sangha (Buddhist community). There is a recitation of a mantra, instructing believers how to behave and act.
Meditation is also another essential aspect of Buddhist life. Gautama does not believe in the kind in Hindu traditions as it is inadequate for enlightenment. There are two types of meditation with the first being the In-and-Out Breathing Meditation. This involves sitting upright with legs crossed while focusing on your own breathing. This type of meditation enhances your powers of concentration. The second type involves a concentrated awareness of all daily conduct.
Upon entering the monastery, Buddhists take off their shoes and sit on mats facing the image of Buddha. They put their hands in 'Anjali', which translates to respect; placing the palms of their hands together before their foreheads then stretching them up towards the Buddha's image. They do so three times in honor of the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma (teachings of Buddha), and Sangha (Buddhist community). There is a recitation of a mantra, instructing believers how to behave and act.
Meditation is also another essential aspect of Buddhist life. Gautama does not believe in the kind in Hindu traditions as it is inadequate for enlightenment. There are two types of meditation with the first being the In-and-Out Breathing Meditation. This involves sitting upright with legs crossed while focusing on your own breathing. This type of meditation enhances your powers of concentration. The second type involves a concentrated awareness of all daily conduct.
CHRISTIANITY
Church meetings on Sunday (Sabbath in Christianity; Sabbath in seventh-day churches is an exception. Meetings include bible readings, sometimes communion (Eucharist), music (either choral or congregational, either with or without instrumental accompaniment), prayer, teaching in the form of a sermon, and a collection of offering. Contemporary worship is widespread and can be found in many churches, including those that do not subscribe to a charismatic theology. It is written in the style of popular music or folk music and differs considerably from traditional hymns. This music is frequently played on a range of instruments that would not have previously been used in churches such as guitars (including electric) and drum kits. The use of the pipe organ is therefore less prevalent. In addition, they also advocate having a heart of worship to God in whatever they do. The personal and intimate worship time that Christians have is very different to other religions. Christians use worship as a way to communicate and connect with God, which other religions don't do.
Church meetings on Sunday (Sabbath in Christianity; Sabbath in seventh-day churches is an exception. Meetings include bible readings, sometimes communion (Eucharist), music (either choral or congregational, either with or without instrumental accompaniment), prayer, teaching in the form of a sermon, and a collection of offering. Contemporary worship is widespread and can be found in many churches, including those that do not subscribe to a charismatic theology. It is written in the style of popular music or folk music and differs considerably from traditional hymns. This music is frequently played on a range of instruments that would not have previously been used in churches such as guitars (including electric) and drum kits. The use of the pipe organ is therefore less prevalent. In addition, they also advocate having a heart of worship to God in whatever they do. The personal and intimate worship time that Christians have is very different to other religions. Christians use worship as a way to communicate and connect with God, which other religions don't do.
HINDUISM
Rituals and Pujas (the worshiping of personal gods) are done to respect and acknowledge gods in Hinduism. The meaning of Puja, translated into English, is a combination of reverence, honor, adoration, and worship. In this religious ritual, Hindus gives offerings to deities, distinguished persons, and special guests. There are different variations and methods on how it is done, depending on the deity or situation. Rituals are usually carried out at home, in temple ceremonies, and large festivals. The main idea of doing this is to give an offering or gift to someone important in order for the devotee to receive Ashirbad (blessings). Puja is a ritual that is performed worldwide by Hindus and includes the Aarti.
The Aarti is a procedure where light from wicks are soaked in purified butter (ghee), or camphor (waxy transparent solid) are offered to one or more deities. It is also the devotional song that is sung to the worshiped deity during the ritual. It is performed along with the puja in all Hindu ceremonies and occasions. In this ritual, the priest would circulate an Aarti plate or lamp, symbolizing the acquiring of power from the deity, around the worshiped one. The priest would then repeat this to all those present in the ceremony. The Aarti is sometimes accompanied by songs in praise of that deity. The devotees and worshipers would then cup their hands over a flame and put their palms to their foreheads. This acted as a purificatory blessing from the deva to the flame and to the worshiper. In Hinduism, every soul, or Atman, comes from the Brahman. In another words, every human being is technically the part of the ultimate force, which is why Hindus say "shanti", or "peace" to each other, giving respect to the divine soul.
The below video is an example of how a Puja is done at home. There is no absolute set way to do this, but the following shows a common method.
Rituals and Pujas (the worshiping of personal gods) are done to respect and acknowledge gods in Hinduism. The meaning of Puja, translated into English, is a combination of reverence, honor, adoration, and worship. In this religious ritual, Hindus gives offerings to deities, distinguished persons, and special guests. There are different variations and methods on how it is done, depending on the deity or situation. Rituals are usually carried out at home, in temple ceremonies, and large festivals. The main idea of doing this is to give an offering or gift to someone important in order for the devotee to receive Ashirbad (blessings). Puja is a ritual that is performed worldwide by Hindus and includes the Aarti.
The Aarti is a procedure where light from wicks are soaked in purified butter (ghee), or camphor (waxy transparent solid) are offered to one or more deities. It is also the devotional song that is sung to the worshiped deity during the ritual. It is performed along with the puja in all Hindu ceremonies and occasions. In this ritual, the priest would circulate an Aarti plate or lamp, symbolizing the acquiring of power from the deity, around the worshiped one. The priest would then repeat this to all those present in the ceremony. The Aarti is sometimes accompanied by songs in praise of that deity. The devotees and worshipers would then cup their hands over a flame and put their palms to their foreheads. This acted as a purificatory blessing from the deva to the flame and to the worshiper. In Hinduism, every soul, or Atman, comes from the Brahman. In another words, every human being is technically the part of the ultimate force, which is why Hindus say "shanti", or "peace" to each other, giving respect to the divine soul.
The below video is an example of how a Puja is done at home. There is no absolute set way to do this, but the following shows a common method.
ISLAM
Muslims dedicate their lives to Allah in many areas, the Five Pillars of Islam being one method. Within the Five Pillars, Salat, or the pillar of prayer, is one of the main channels of worship towards Allah.
Another form of worship for muslims involve reciting of the Quran, which is their holy book. one of these acts is the Fatihah, which is the recital of the first chapter of the Quran. This recital is said in conjunction with the Salat.
Muslims dedicate their lives to Allah in many areas, the Five Pillars of Islam being one method. Within the Five Pillars, Salat, or the pillar of prayer, is one of the main channels of worship towards Allah.
- Salat is a fixed prayer performed at fixed times, five times each day.
- Prior to Salat, it is customary to perform ritual washing, also known as Wudu.
- The purpose of Salat is to unite one's being in body, mind, and soul. It is crucial to pray with the proper mindset, as Muslims pray for the benefit of themselves, not Allah. Prayer is the reflection of a Muslim's desire to submit and follow Allah.
- To emphasise this, Muslims worship in a prostrate position, to symbolise humility before Allah.
Another form of worship for muslims involve reciting of the Quran, which is their holy book. one of these acts is the Fatihah, which is the recital of the first chapter of the Quran. This recital is said in conjunction with the Salat.
JUDAISM
Jews worship three times a day daily and recite prayers of thanks and say blessings whenever they see a beautiful natural event. They keep their shoes on during worship while some men might where a kippah or yarmulke: a special head covering. Women may sit separately from men (orthodox). There's also the kashrut dietary law which concerns the kosher foods. During a prayer service, prayers from Siddur (the main prayer book) is read from a chumash copy of the Torah in Hebrew, which usually includes an English translation. Prayers vary depending on the time of the day, day of the month, and the branch of Judaism that one belong in. Rituals can vary in different branches such as Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform etc.
While the Orthodox are very tradition, with a heavy emphasis on special prayers and synagogue services in Hebrew and prohibited use of musical instruments in public worship, Conservative are less formal in worship and rituals are expression of values of loving God and helping others. Even so, Conservatives are still guided by traditional rituals. Reforms are the least strict, with no specific forms of daily religious worship. The morning synagogue service goes as this:
Jews worship three times a day daily and recite prayers of thanks and say blessings whenever they see a beautiful natural event. They keep their shoes on during worship while some men might where a kippah or yarmulke: a special head covering. Women may sit separately from men (orthodox). There's also the kashrut dietary law which concerns the kosher foods. During a prayer service, prayers from Siddur (the main prayer book) is read from a chumash copy of the Torah in Hebrew, which usually includes an English translation. Prayers vary depending on the time of the day, day of the month, and the branch of Judaism that one belong in. Rituals can vary in different branches such as Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform etc.
While the Orthodox are very tradition, with a heavy emphasis on special prayers and synagogue services in Hebrew and prohibited use of musical instruments in public worship, Conservative are less formal in worship and rituals are expression of values of loving God and helping others. Even so, Conservatives are still guided by traditional rituals. Reforms are the least strict, with no specific forms of daily religious worship. The morning synagogue service goes as this:
- Birchot Hashachar: morning blessings and P’sukei D’Zimra: Verses of Song
- Shema
- Amidah/ Shemoneh Esrei
- Torah Service: take Torah from ark, read Torah, read Haftarah (selections from Nevi’im (Prophets) and Tanach (Hebrew Bible)
- Aleinu and concluding prayers- Aleinu (“It is our duty to praise”)