In Buddhism, one takes refuge in the three gems: namely The Buddha (the fully enlightened One), Dhamma (the teachings of the Buddha) and Sangha (the Buddha's Disciples) . Karma is a the fruition of reaping what we sow. We encourage others and ourselves to cultivate good. One of the many ways to do so, is through offerings.
In today's lesson the student's learned the benefits of
1. Taking the Three Refuges
2. Offering Food
3. Offering Water
4. Offering Lights
5. Offering Flowers
Food, water, lights, and flowers are offered to the Buddha and the Samgha. They can be seen on the alters of the pagodas, and monasteries. Various fruits, vessels of water, lit candles, incense, and fragrant flowers are among the items offered on household alters too. The benefits of the actions will be reaped in the current lifetime or in the next lifetime(s) to come.
So what are the benefits of these offerings??
As the class learned:
BENEFITS OF TAKING THE THREE REFUGES
One who takes refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, sees with the right knowledge of the Four Noble Truths - Suffering, the Cause of Suffering, the Cessation of Suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path which leads to the cessation of Suffering
THE FIVE BENEFITS OF OFFERING FOOD
(1) longevity (2) good looks or beauty (3) happiness (4) physical strength (5) intelligence
THE FIVE BENEFITS OF OFFERING FLOWERS
(1) good looks or beauty (2) good bodily odor (3) love of celestial and human beings (4) renown (good reputation) (5) happiness
THE TEN BENEFITS OF OFFERING WATER
(1) longevity (2) good looks or beauty (3) happiness (4) physical strength (5) intelligence (6) purity (7) fame (reputation) (8) having a great retinue (9) never being thirsty (10) quickness in going
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