Theravadin Cultural Practices

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Wizard in the Forest
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Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by Wizard in the Forest »

What are some unique cultural practices in Theravadin Countries you know about that the average layman might not be familiar with?

I can think of a few things I know about for example of Phra Mae Thorani is the witness to the Buddha's rout of Mara's army, and that the Four Heavenly Kings are guardians of the four directions and several intersections of non-human beings, and that Brahma Sahampati was the one who knelt and encouraged the Buddha to teach, and the Arahant Sivali (who was foremost at obtaining requisites) and is considered auspicious enough that there's like little amulets and trinkets which are seen as good luck in Thailand with his form. There's also pirit nula threads that sort of grant a reminder of practice, but I only have small ideas of how these cultural practices arose. What are some more cultural practices that we might not be so familiar with and what are some resources that demonstrate the origin of the different traditional practices?

Which traditional practices are important to know and understand as a matter of paying proper respect? Which ones are best known and disregarded in personal practice as merely wrong rites and rituals? I wish to practice well, and good conduct is important to me so I want to know.
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Sam Vara
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by Sam Vara »

This thread might be of interest:
SarathW
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by SarathW »

Which traditional practices are important to know and understand as a matter of paying proper respect? Which ones are best known and disregarded in personal practice as merely wrong rites and rituals? I wish to practice well, and good conduct is important to me so I want to know.
They are numerous to mention here.
However, the rule of thumb is whether you know whether they are Sila, Samadhi, Panna or some rituals serve no purpose at all.
If you think those rituals increase your wholesome mental states please follow them.
Walking around the stupa is a ritual or could be the walking meditation.
Pouring milk to a Bodhi tree is the waste of milk however if you pour water could be good.
Bow down to a senior monk could be good but Some Tibetan prostrations could be meaningless.
However, this could be good for a person who breaks the precepts as a habit.
It is the gradual training, so you have to start somewhere and move on towards Nibbana.
The problem is some people never go beyond rituals.
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
48vows
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Question about Sivali

Post by 48vows »

Wizard in the Forest wrote: Fri Dec 06, 2019 9:48 pm the Arahant Sivali (who was foremost at obtaining requisites)
Hello,
In Burma is Sivali generally shown holding a fan in the hand that he is often shown holding the parasol ?
thank you
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Wizard in the Forest
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by Wizard in the Forest »

Yes, he is the same monk.
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48vows
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by 48vows »

Wizard in the Forest wrote: Sat Nov 07, 2020 1:21 pm Yes, he is the same monk.
Thank you!
Any idea why he is shown with a fan in burma ?

Also, I acquired an statue of buddha sitting on a throne of elephants, any thoughts on the meaning of this? Is it common in burma to show buddha like that ?
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by Dhammavamsa »

48vows wrote: Mon Nov 09, 2020 10:16 am
Wizard in the Forest wrote: Sat Nov 07, 2020 1:21 pm Yes, he is the same monk.
Thank you!
Any idea why he is shown with a fan in burma ?

Also, I acquired an statue of buddha sitting on a throne of elephants, any thoughts on the meaning of this? Is it common in burma to show buddha like that ?
It is just artist's own preference.
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Aloka
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by Aloka »

SarathW wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2019 2:33 am
Bow down to a senior monk could be good but Some Tibetan prostrations could be meaningless.
Tibetan Buddhist prostrations are not considered to be "meaningless," SarathW.

Here's " The Meaning of Prostrations"- by Lama Gendyn Rinpoche .

https://learning.tergar.org/wp-content/ ... ations.pdf


:anjali:


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SarathW
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by SarathW »

Aloka wrote: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:54 pm
SarathW wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2019 2:33 am
Bow down to a senior monk could be good but Some Tibetan prostrations could be meaningless.
Tibetan Buddhist prostrations are not considered to be "meaningless," SarathW.

Here's " The Meaning of Prostrations"- by Lama Gendyn Rinpoche .

https://learning.tergar.org/wp-content/ ... ations.pdf


:anjali:


.
Good posting but I do not agree with all ponts.
Some are against Theravada.
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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Aloka
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Re: Theravadin Cultural Practices

Post by Aloka »

SarathW wrote: Sat Jun 05, 2021 10:38 pm
Good posting but I do not agree with all ponts.
Some are against Theravada.
There are many differences between Theravada and Vajrayana practices.


:shrug:

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