In short: Buddhists do not pray to a creator god, but they do chant, recite verses, make aspirations and dedicate merit to others. These practices calm the mind, express values and, in some traditions, ask for the protection of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas. You can join in with simple verses of loving-kindness or gratitude.
Forms of Buddhist prayer
- Taking refuge: see the three refuges.
- Chanting: see Buddhist chanting and paritta.
- Loving-kindness wishes: may all beings be happy.
- Dedicating merit: merit.
Prayers by need
Peace · healing · protection · the dead · before meals
Basics: what is Buddhism? · what Buddhists believe · how to become a Buddhist
Questions people ask
Do Buddhists pray to the Buddha?
Buddhists bow to and chant before the Buddha as a way of showing respect and cultivating good qualities, not to ask a creator god for favours. Some traditions, such as Pure Land, include devotional recitation.
What do Buddhists say when they pray?
Common practices are the refuges, chanting a sutra, reciting a verse of loving-kindness, making an aspiration and dedicating merit to others.
Can anyone say a Buddhist prayer?
Yes. Many centres welcome visitors to chant along, and you can say a simple verse of loving-kindness or gratitude at home.