TEMPLE PUJA
Significant Practice – BUDDHISM

1 Define Temple Puja and discuss where it can occur

Puja is word derived from India. It may also refer to certain devotional practices performed by Buddhists, Balmikis, Jains and Hinduism. Puja has multiple meanings and they could be either, to respect those who should be respected, elderly people, teachers etc and two offerings, such as material and immaterial things such as teachings, advice, practice or help.
Puja is any sacred site or building where an image of Buddha is present. Puja can occur in the temple, home and shrine and Puja can occur at any time of the week, there is no set time for Puja to occur. The characteristics that Temple Puja has that requires it to be a Puja is that, there has to be a statue/image of Buddha present, incense, bells, candles and flowers.
The value of the practice is that it grows out of and reinforces faith and devotion which are considered positive emotions able to motivate and enhance one's practice of the Dhamma. In Mahayana pujas are often long and elaborate and in some cases believed to have a magical power. The Tantrayana has a wide variety of very elaborate pujas, some meant to be expressions of devotion others to induce wealth, long life, help from the gods and also spiritual qualities.
Puja are expressions of honour, worship and devotional attention. It can occur daily within the home, usually making an offering to a sacred object as well as community festivals at a temple.

2 List the characteristics that are required for Puja to occur.
During puja an image, statue, or other symbol of Buddha or a Bodhisattva serves as a help, aid or simply a way of gaining an access to the Divine. Not Buddha himself, but a focal point for honouring wisdom and compassion of Buddha. Offerings of light(electric or candles) are made to the shrine.

Right View and Right intention-way one approaches offerings, and the attitude that one comes with and the expectations lead one to start the path must be sincere and genuine.

3 Describe why the Puja is important to Buddhists
Puja is important to both the individual and the community as a whole. The significance for the individual is categorised under the Eightfold path, which is important to all Buddhists. Each step may be approached by an individual in order for one to reach Nirvana. Right View and Intention relates to the way one approaches the offerings and other aspects of Puja. Right Speech and Right Action the making of offering bowing to the image, chanting all form part of the correct accepted behavior. Right Effort and Right Mindfulness, more difficult to attain but are a part of the chanting and meditation process. Right Concentration is the end point for the chanting and the meditation. A focus on the significance

4 Explain why the Puja is significant in Buddhism.
Main:
Puja is a ceremony in which meditational prayers are offered to the Buddhas and holy beings to request their blessings or help. Puja means 'offering' or 'worship', it is any sacred site or building where an image of Buddha present. These Pujas can occur in temple, home shrine. Traditionally in a monastery monks and nuns perform prayers for the long life, health and success of their teachers, friends, benefactors, all living beings, and for world peace.

Extra:
The value of the practice is that it grows out of and reinforces faith and devotion which are considered positive emotions able to motivate and enhance one's practice of the Dhamma. In Mahayana pujas are often long and elaborate and in some cases believed to have a