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Bowing

CristinaCristina
edited December 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I read this book about a Zen retreat in the woods, and this lady did like 1000 bows a day. She didn't describe how they were done, but I got the impression that you stand, then get to your knees, then touch your palms to the ground, then your head, then get back up and repeat. Does anyone know if that's right? I couldn't find a good resource online that explained or demonstrated bowing techniques... I just ask because I'm interested in trying it, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm doing it wrong. :) Thanks!

Comments

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    I think there's probably a difference between bowing and prostrations....

    If you google Buddhist prostrations, you should come up with quite a good selection of items to read....
  • SpacelessSpaceless
    edited December 2010
    Bowing


    Prostrate




    http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma7/bowing.html

    http://www.drby.net/blog/?p=928

    http://www.buddhamind.info/leftside/lifestyl/bowing.htm
    Buddhists make and keep statues as reminders. They do not worship the material that the statue is made of. They do not bow to the substance used by the artist to create that inspiring object. They bow in remembrance of the Buddha's qualities and teachings. They bow out of gratitude for the Buddha's great kindness in teaching us. They bow to themselves and to all living beings for each and every one has Buddha Nature ‑‑ the potential for enlightenment ‑‑ within: each one is a Buddha.



    Korean Bowing




  • CristinaCristina
    Thank you for all the videos! I wonder, do you know the significance of turning the palms upward during the bows? I think those may be like the ones she was doing. Quite a workout!
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    It's an offering of the Self and of one's efforts.
    I would have thought.

    Pretty neat, huh?
  • CristinaCristina
    Ahh that sounds like something I can get behind. Thanks. :)
  • CinorjerCinorjer Veteran
    After many years, the arthritis in my knees won't allow me to do the Korean bows the way I used to. Getting up from the floor is a chore that requires at least I grab hold of something or someone and one knee in particular will be yelling in pain.

    I really miss it. So I do one bow, and do it with the thankfulness of being able to do at least that much, knowing there might come a day when even one bow isn't possible.

    But it's not the same.
  • TheDoctorDonnaTheDoctorDonna
    Thank you for all the videos! I wonder, do you know the significance of turning the palms upward during the bows? I think those may be like the ones she was doing. Quite a workout!
    In the Kaygu Tradition, the palms are put together in what looks like a standard prayer placement, you then put them at you head, then your throat and then your heart to give respeact to the Body , mind and speech of the Buddha. You then bow to the floor so that your forehead touchs the ground out of respect for the Buddha and the Dharma Teachings.

    I think that there are some differences in how to bow based on the specific School of Buddhism that you follow. As I am a member of the Kaygu school, that is my practice.

  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    Eh. Seems to formal for me. I'm not about taking things too seriously, other than understanding that things aren't serious.
  • TheDoctorDonnaTheDoctorDonna
    After many years, the arthritis in my knees won't allow me to do the Korean bows the way I used to. Getting up from the floor is a chore that requires at least I grab hold of something or someone and one knee in particular will be yelling in pain.

    I really miss it. So I do one bow, and do it with the thankfulness of being able to do at least that much, knowing there might come a day when even one bow isn't possible.

    But it's not the same.
    I have a neuro muscular disorder that sometimes makes it difficult for me to do a complete set of bows, so I can certainly relate to what you are feeling. My Lama has been very kind in explaining that the most important aspect of Bowing is the Respect and veneration that is in your heart. It is better to do a slight bow with great respect then to do a full set of bows just to do it.

    I know that it does not feel the same at times, but it is something I am working toward accepting.

    I have also struggled with wanting to sit in a "correct Meditation posture and not in a chair. Once I got it though my thick head that the translator for the Abbot of my Monastery sits in a chair due to a back injury, and stopped worring about forcing myself into a cross leged posture, my practice greatly improved.

    I hope this helps

    all the Best

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