What are the Buddhist sacraments?

Answer 1

There are no sacraments in Buddhism as in Catholicism and other Christian Religions.

Buddhism is not a religion in the western sense, it is more a philosophical approach. See What is Buddhism for further information

Answer 2

Sacrements and rituals are means of the mind seeking external help in its purification. The clinging mind ussually always trys to find assistance from some external thing. Instead of internal purification via mindfulness, good emotional boundries, and such.

The end of suffering, or a healthy mind never ever comes from external rituals. Only principles of mindful understanding, mindful intention, mindful speech, mindful action, mindful effort, ......etc. has ever purified the heart and mind.

The heart of wisdom is looking with in, external rituals are 99% a waste from the Buddha's stand point. So there are no sacraments in Buddhism.

Answer 3

Buddhism does not have sacraments like in Christianity. External rituals in Buddhism, while not always practices by all Buddhists, are reflective of inward development (i.e. what we do out here is what we desire in us). But rituals are not required or demanded of you, except in particular monastic orders.

Answer 4

Namakarana Samskar: This is the Hindu name-giving ceremony, performed in the home or temple 11 to 41 days after birth. The father whispers the auspicious new name in the infant's right ear.

Annaprasana Samskara: The first feeding of solid food is a sacred event performed by the father in the temple or home. The choice of food offered to a child at this crucial time is said to help forge his or her destiny.

Karnavedhna Samskara: The ear-piercing ceremony, given to both boys and girls, performed in the temple or the home, generally on the child's first birthday. Health and wealth benefits derive from this ancient rite.

Chudakarana Samskara: The head is shaven and smeared with sandalwood paste in this rite performed in the temple or home before age four. It is a very happy day for the child. The shaven head denotes purity and egolessness.

Vidyarambha Samskara : The official beginning of primary education. In this rite, performed in the home or temple, the chiled scribes his or her first letter of the alphabet in a tray of unbroken, uncooked, saffron rice.

Upanayana Samskara: The ceremonial investment of the "Sacred thread" and inititation into Vedic Study, performed in the home or temple, usually between the ages of 9 and 15, after which a youth is considered "twice born."

Vivah Samskara: The marriage ceremony, performed in a temple or wedding hall around the sacred homa fire. Lifetime vows, Vedic prayers and seven steps before God and Gods consecrate the union of husband and wife.

Antyeshti Samskara: The funeral rite includes preparation of the body, cremation, home-cleansing and dispersal of ashes. The purifying fire releases the soul from this world that it may journey unhindered to the next.

Answer 5

There are no common rituals in Buddhism since the Buddha was against them. So each monastery, temple or sangha (spiritual group) may or may not have certain rituals, such as one for becoming a Buddhist (which is not necessary to become a Buddhist though), or becoming a monastic (monk or nun).

Answer 6

There are very few rituals and ceremonies in Buddhism. The ones I know of are the Ordination ceremony for new Monks and Nuns and the Initiation ceremony for converts, (which is not required to become a Buddhist, but some people like the formality of it).

Answer 7

Meditation