In Buddhism, “paying homage” signifies expressing profound respect and reverence towards the Buddha, dharma, and sangha, as well as enlightened beings and revered teachers. This practice encompasses physical gestures like prostration, offering rituals, and mental devotion, acknowledging the significant influence of these figures and teachings on one’s path to liberation, and fostering spiritual growth and the accumulation of merit. Classic homages to Buddhist teachers and other beings comprise a major part of the Buddhist literary tradition and are often deeply personal, serving as a reminder of one’s aspirations and connection to the path.

The Namaskaraya—NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASSA—is a classic form of deferential respect, and is the most common homage to the Buddha, recited before many prayers, sutras, rituals, and at temples. It is translated as, “I pay homage to the fully Enlightened One who discovered the truth about existence and became free from all defilements.” In Tibetan, it is essentially the same: “To the founder, the transcendent destroyer, the Tathagata, the foe destroyer, the completely awakened one, perfect in knowledge and conduct, the well-gone one, knower of the world, supreme guide of beings to be tamed, teacher of gods and humans, the glorious conqueror Shakyamuni, to you I prostrate, make offerings, and go for refuge.” However, the Buddha himself stated that the best way to honor him is to learn the dharma and follow the path of awakening.

During Buddha Purnima (or Vesak), Buddhists pay homage to the Buddha by commemorating his birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana through various acts of devotion, reflecting a deep reverence for his teachings and the path to liberation he revealed. These practices can serve as a heartfelt expression of one’s intention to awaken and benefit others.

Paying homage is a practice of expressing deep reverence for the Buddha and the lineage of teachers, acknowledging their wisdom and influence on the path to enlightenment, and actively participating in the continuation of those teachings.

Reflect on the people who have positively impacted their lives and the experience of expressing gratitude to them.

• What are some of the things you are grateful for?
• Who is responsible for making those things possible?
• What are the challenges and rewards of expressing gratitude?
• How can we honor those to whom we are grateful?

Actively pay homage and express gratitude to those who have taught, guided, and transmitted wisdom—showing appreciation for those who bring us closer to the truth.