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Buddhists/Buddhist Marriage

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Expert: - 8/25/2008


Question
Is Buddhist marriage ritualized? and if so what are the origins of this tradition/ritual?

Answer
Hi Jake,
The short answer is no.
Of course, Buddhism has existed in cultures with real people, and it has been used to guide people and even to "bless" people committing themselves to each other. But that is just because it wants to help. Essentially marriage is a civil contract, and has no more *specifically* to do with Buddhism than any other civil contract. Decency, kindness, compassion, honesty - these things have something to do with marriage and have something to do with Buddhism. But that is as far as it goes.

The origins lie in the societies concerned.

I hope that helps
All the best
Alex W

Buddhists

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Alex Wilding

Expertise

I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.

Experience

I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice. I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.

Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.

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