Expert: Buddhis8 - BuddhismIS.com - 4/4/2009

Question
To Whom It May Concern,
First off, thank you for taking the time to
answer my questions. I'm fourteen years old
and very curious about Buddha. Why is it that
Buddhists offer food, money and other things
to Buddha? Do you feed Buddha three times a
day as you would eat three meals a day?
Would I need to get a statue of Buddha?
Someone once told me that it was good luck to
rub Buddah's belly, is that true? As I'm sure
you know, Sunday is the "Lord's Day" is there
a day that Buddhists have? I'm very interested
in becoming a Buddhist. What do you call the
place where you learn about Buddha, a
church? There is a Buddhist "church" by my
house and I want to go but I'm kind of nervous.
Will the monks be eager to help me
understand or turn me away?
Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Carson, Here are your answers.

Why is it that Buddhists offer food, money and other things to Buddha?


Those who have gone forth, aka Buddhist Monks, rely entirely on the lay people (householders) like you and me for their food, medicine, and other necessities for the body and mind to survive. Buddhist Monks are not however allowed to own money, so you won't see a Buddhist giving money to a Monk. Often we chose to give money to trust funds, and other projects run by lay people such as you and I, that are to the benefit of Monks.

The reason we give, is because it helps us purify ourselves of greed, which is an affliction, and also to help foster the Dhamma which is the word for the teachings of the Buddha.

Giving food and other requisites to Monks is part of a symbiotic relationship between Buddhist monks, and householders. Householders give food and requisites to the Monks, and in return the Monks teach the lay people, advise the lay people such as you and I.

Do you feed Buddha three times a day as you would eat three meals a day?


Buddhist Monks only eat before midday, so no, one does not offer food to a Monk three times a day.


Would I need to get a statue of Buddha?

No, not unless you want to. Some people feel it keeps them mindful by reminding them of what the Buddha taught.


Someone once told me that it was good luck to rub Buddah's belly, is that true?

This is superstition. In fact many statues found in the West (assuming that's where you're from) are actually of a being named Budai, thought to be the incarnation of a future Buddha named Metteyya. You are highly unlikely to gain any good luck from stroking the body of such a statue.

As I'm sure you know, Sunday is the "Lord's Day" is there a day that Buddhists have?


No there is no 'Sabbath' day in the same sense as Christianity or Judaism. Although we do have Upothasa 'observance' days, where many lay people in predominantly Buddhist countries take time to reflect and concentrate on their practise of Buddhism.
I don't think my boss would let me take time off work for an Upothasa day here in the west though.


What do you call the place where you learn about Buddha, a church?

Buddhism does not have churches per se, but it does have monasteries. You can learn about the Buddha and his teachings on the internet though, here at e-sangha by asking questions. Or you could attend a Buddhist meditation centre run by learned lay people.


There is a Buddhist "church" by my house and I want to go but I'm kind of nervous. Will the monks be eager to help me understand?


It's okay to feel nervous, to tell you the truth I would feel nervous going to a monastery. Monks are deserved of a lot of respect and veneration though, as they've dedicated their lives to understanding what the Buddha has taught - The Dhamma. Monks are compassionate people, and as such they are very happy to help those seeking the teachings of the Buddha.

http://www.knowbuddhism.info/2009/03/chinese-new-year.html