PŪJĀ

A pūjā is a simple ritual done by devout Buddhists usually before a statue of the Buddha in which respect and honour is given to the memory of the Buddha. The Pāḷi word pūjā is derived from the root pūj meaning 'to honor’ or to ‘respect.’ During a pūjā, flowers, lights and incense are placed in front of the Buddha statue, their symbolic significance is contemplated and then a few verses are chanted. Thus the pūjā is both a contemplation and an outward expression of an inward conviction.