Offering (Buddhism)

In Buddhism, symbolic offerings are made to the Triple Gem, giving rise to contemplative gratitude and inspiration.^[1] Typical material offerings involve simple objects such as a lit candle or oil lamp,^[2] burning incense,^[3] flowers,^[4] food, fruit, water or drinks.^[5]

Within the traditional Buddhist framework of karma and rebirth, offerings lead to the accumulation of merit, which leads to:

a better rebirth in the cycle of birth and death (Pali: vattagamini-kusala)
progress towards release from suffering (Pali: vivattagamini-kusala).^[6]

These offerings often act as preparation for meditation.^[7]

In some traditions, two different types of offerings are identified:

material or hospitality offerings (Pali: amisa-puja^[8] or sakkara-puja^[9])^[10]
practice offerings (Pali: patipatti-puja^[11])

^ See, for instance, Harvey (1990), pp. 172-3.
^ Indaratana (2002), pp. iv, v; Kapleau (1989), p. 193; Khantipalo (1982); Lee & Thanissaro (1998).
^ Indaratana (2002), pp. 11-12.
^ See, for instance, Indaratana (2002), pp. 11-12. Harvey (1990), p. 173, and Kariyawasam (1995), chapter 1, both maintain that flowers are the most common form of offering.
^ Kapleau (1989), p. 193; Khantipalo (1982); and, Harvey (1990), p. 175, particularly in regards to Northern Buddhism.
^ Lee & Thanissaro (1998). See also Harvey (1990), p. 173, who in discussing "offerings" states: "Such acts consequently generate 'merit'."
^ See, for instance, Indaratana (2002), p. v; Kapleau (1989), pp. 191ff.; and Khantipalo (1982).
^ Lee & Thanissaro (1998).
^ Khantipalo (1982).
^ See also Alms#Buddhism regarding the traditional Theravada offering of providing daily alms to bhikkhus.
^ Khantipalo (1982); Lee & Thanissaro (1998).

[1] See, for instance, Harvey (1990), pp. 172-3.

[2] Indaratana (2002), pp. iv, v; Kapleau (1989), p. 193; Khantipalo (1982); Lee & Thanissaro (1998).

[3] Indaratana (2002), pp. 11-12.

[4] See, for instance, Indaratana (2002), pp. 11-12. Harvey (1990), p. 173, and Kariyawasam (1995), chapter 1, both maintain that flowers are the most common form of offering.

[5] Kapleau (1989), p. 193; Khantipalo (1982); and, Harvey (1990), p. 175, particularly in regards to Northern Buddhism.

[6] Lee & Thanissaro (1998). See also Harvey (1990), p. 173, who in discussing "offerings" states: "Such acts consequently generate 'merit'."

[7] See, for instance, Indaratana (2002), p. v; Kapleau (1989), pp. 191ff.; and Khantipalo (1982).

[Lee_&_Thanissaro_1998-8] Lee & Thanissaro (1998).

[9] Khantipalo (1982).

[10] See also Alms#Buddhism regarding the traditional Theravada offering of providing daily alms to bhikkhus.

[11] Khantipalo (1982); Lee & Thanissaro (1998).

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