RITES OF PASSAGE
Initiation
To become a Buddhist there is no special ceremony needed although one is
often held only the sincere repetition of the sacred formula, 'the Three
Refuges' and the Five Precepts. After this acceptance one investigates the
Buddha's teaching and puts effort into practicing the suggestions made.
To become a Bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) however there is a long process of
disciplinary training and education ceremony involving the novice (the name
given to a person seeking to become a monk), the abbot (head of the
monastery) and the Sangha (the community of monks). Before initiation the
naag must shave off all hair on the head and answer questions from the elder
monks. If the answers are satisfactory, and none of the monks object, the
naag is admitted to the Sangha and his religious training begins.
All monks must observe altogether 227 rules which guide them in their
everyday living. The first five are also applicable to all Buddhists, and
are known as the 'Five Precepts'. The next key five apply only to monks.
These rules state that they:
must not take the life of any living creature;
must not steal anyone's possessions;
must not be involved in sexual misconduct;
must not tell any lies;
must not use any alcohol or misuse drugs;
must not eat after midday;
must not attend shows where there is music or dancing;
must not use any perfume or personal jewellery;
must not sleep on raised or upholstered beds;
must not accept gifts of gold or silver (money).
Marriage
In most Buddhist countries marriages are arranged by the parents of the
couple. This is because parents are thought to know best since they have had
more experience of life. It is also because marriages join families, and so
the decision should be made by the families. Often the parents will ask
astrologers (people who tell the future from the stars) to suggest which
would be the best day for the wedding ceremony to be held. Modern trends
however are, as with all religions, subject to modification and change.
There is no religious wedding ceremony in the temple or monastery; instead a
simple ceremony takes place in the home. In Britain, marriages are not
allowed to be held in ordinary houses, so Buddhists often marry in Buddhist
temples. Although monks are usually invited, they do not perform the
ceremony. A male relative of the bride is usually in charge. There is also a
civil ceremony.
The bride and groom exchange vows promising to honour and respect each
other. The couple usually give each other rings, and the thumbs of their
right hands are tied together. Sometimes, their wrists are tied together
with a silk scarf, instead. This is a symbol that they are being 'joined' as
husband and wife. At a later stage the bride and groom will visit the
monastery to receive the monks' blessing and hear a sermon of the Buddha's
teaching about married life. At the end of the ceremony, everyone shares a
meal. The celebrations may go on for several days.
Funerals
Buddhists may be buried or cremated. At the place of burial the monks will
recite the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts. The relatives perform the
symbolic actions of giving the white cloth which covers the coffin to the
monks, and the mourners pour water into a cup until it overflows,
symbolising the transfer of merit to the deceased. The monks will then
recite suitable verses from Buddhist scripture and give a sermon on life and
death.
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