[Aqgkvwzm]

I have been practising Theravada Buddhism for many years and have never come across anything instructing me to pray.

To me praying is asking for something for oneself and surely I am not allowed to do that, for me the " I " or " Self " do not exist.

As I am not an academic of Buddhism thare maybe some part of the teaching that I have missed. Have I?

One of the reasons I gave up abrahamic religions were the prayers which I always felt I was asking for something all the time.

I look forward to being instructed with this problem that I have always had with prayers.

Peace

Gerry

I believe this is the first time I have started a thread, there will be no self congratulations, definitely not allowed in my practice.

[PoideAdelereX]

Indeed Gerry, none of the teachings of Gotama Buddha asks for praying or are about praying, so I don't think you are missing something.

[standaman]

Hi Gerry

Theravadins don't pray in the same way as Christians, but they do chant praises, reflections and recollections.

There's a link here to the Amaravati Monastery Chanting book which contains morning and evening chanting and reflections:

http://www.amaravati.org/documents/A..._Book_2006.pdf


Reflections On Universal Well-being.

May I abide in well-being, in freedom from affliction, in freedom
from hostility, in freedom from ill-will, in freedom from anxiety,
and may I maintain wellbeing in myself.

May everyone abide in well-being, in freedom from hostility,
in freedom from ill-will, in freedom from anxiety, and may they
maintain wellbeing in themselves.

May all beings be released from all suffering.
And may they not be parted from the good fortune they have attained.

When they act upon intention, all beings are the owners of their
action and inherit its results. Their future is born from such action,
companion to such action, and its results will be their home.
All actions with intention, be they skilful or harmful – of such acts
they will be the heirs.

(Page 42-43)

[priceyicey]

The Meaning of Prayer
The Significance of Paritta Chanting
The Book of Protection: Paritta

[sasquatch999]

Esho and Aloka-D

Many thanks for you replies which confirm my thoughts.

Praying means that there is a deity and as there is none in my Theravada practice it is ruled out.

Peace

Gerry

[RarensussyRen]

Aloka-D

Many thanks for the direction to the chanting book. I have a shorter version that I have had for many years that I was given by the Buddahpadipa Temple in Wimbledon. I also use the internet for the chanting of Thai monks and I can join in, it is the nearest I can get to the village in Northern Thailand that I love, it makes me feel at home.

Practising in a country like Thailand is so different from the west, it is so natural you have a whole village practising with you. It is beautifuPeace

Gerry

[Almolfuncomma]

If one takes Refuge it is suggested that same person pray morning and nite, the taking refuge text and the
5 precepts.

loong a simple buddhist.