Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

espect. If readers have such a question in their minds as
this one, then they should know that this is due both to
ignorance about puja and to pride. These cause doubt
concerning the value of puja. All Buddhists should
recognize outward puja as a skillful means initially used
to put one in a good frame of mind for meditation.
There are two purposes in meditation:
self-Enlightenment and the Enlightenment of others. For
both, puja is helpful. Before meditation has become
established, do not perform a lengthy puja, as it will
only disturb the practice. On the other hand, one should
certainly not sit down to meditation without doing any
puja at all. When one's meditation is well-established,
with deep samatha and a free samapatti, then long pujas
may be performed with great benefits. At this time, the
samapatti may be directed into the meaning of the puja.
We must notice that a Buddhist puja must involve body
(mudra, asana, prostration, etc.), speech (mantra,
chanting, etc.), and mind (concentration upon the
meaning of all that is done and perhaps also
visualization).
For the Enlightenment of others, we transfer our merits
to them after performing the puja itself. Who can say
now that puja is not valuable?
7. Should gods of religions opposed to Buddhist
ideals be honored, subdued, or merely ignored? If
they should be honored by practicing Buddhists,
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