Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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Worship
Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple. There are many forms of worship such as devotion to Buddha and to Bodhisattvas (Scriptures), and recitation of mantra (sacred word or phrase).
At home: Buddhists will often set aside a room or a part of a room as a shrine. There will be a statue of Buddha, candles, and an incense burner.
Temples: Buddhist temples are designed to symbolise the five elements: Fire, Air, Earth (symbolised by the square base), Water, Wisdom (symbolised by the pinnacle at the top). All Buddhist temples contain an image or a statue of Buddha.
Holy texts
are in Pali language (translation in English available). They are: The Southern Canon: Tipitaka (three baskets containing palm leaf manuscript): Vinay-pitaka, Sutta-pitaka & Abhidhammapitaka and The Northern Canon: Agama and Sutras
Festivals
include Dharma Day (to mark Buddha's first sermon - July/August), Kathina (largest alms-giving ceremony (October/November), Sangha Day (November), Parinirvana Day (nirvana of Buddha 15th February), Wesak (Buddha's Birth Day in May)
Celebration in Britain: There is much preparation and excitement around the Buddhist festivals that take place in British temples and monasteries at various times of the year. Food is prepared at or taken to the temples, and gifts are presented by lay people to the monks of money, sometimes robes, household goods, and food for the kitchen storeroom.
Diet
Buddhists are vegetarians, but some will take meat of the animals that are not killed for them. Alcohol and habit forming drugs are strictly prohibited. Smoking is discouraged.
Buddhism and other faiths
Buddhist active part in interfaith activities; respect others faiths and are expected to treat members of other faiths with friendship and peace.
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