In short: Buddhists bow to show respect and gratitude to the Buddha, the teaching and the community, and to elders and teachers. It isn't worship of a god; it's a practice of humility. The Dhammapada even names its blessings: "For one in the habit of bowing, always honoring the elders, four blessings grow: lifespan, beauty, happiness, and strength." (Dhammapada 109). The traditional bow is done three times, once for each of the Three Jewels.
The four blessings of bowing
"For one in the habit of bowing, always honoring the elders, four blessings grow: lifespan, beauty, happiness, and strength."
Dhammapada 109 · Often chanted as a blessing: Buddhist birthday blessing.
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Why three bows?
- The Buddha: the teacher who showed the way.
- The Dhamma: the teaching itself.
- The Saṅgha: those who practice and pass it on.
These are the Three Refuges, chanted at the start of most Buddhist practice.
How to bow (the five-point bow)
- Kneel, sitting back on your heels. Hands together at the chest.
- Raise joined hands to the forehead.
- Bow forward: forearms, then palms and forehead to the floor, so that forehead, both forearms and both knees touch (the "five points").
- Rise back to kneeling, hands at the chest. Repeat three times.
If kneeling is hard, a simple bow from a chair or standing, with joined hands, is just as sincere.
What bowing does inside
Bowing lowers the head, literally and in the heart. It's a small daily practice against conceit, the "I am" that the Buddha said causes so much suffering. (Ego in Buddhism)
Try it
Begin tomorrow with three bows and the morning prayer. Setting up a place to bow: Buddhist home altar.
Questions people ask
Are Buddhists worshipping the Buddha when they bow?
Bowing is an expression of respect and gratitude to the Buddha as a teacher, not worship of a god. It also trains humility.
Why do Buddhists bow three times?
Once each for the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dhamma (his teaching) and the Saṅgha (the community of those who practice it).