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Marriage: a personal choice
In Buddhism, marriage is seen as a personal choice rather than a religious commitment. Therefore, the ceremony does not follow strict rules. However, it focuses on your commitment to the central values of Buddhism: compassion, harmony, patience and community. Even within your marriage, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ - though there are the Buddha's teachings on how to form lasting happy domestic relationships. For Buddhists, therefore, the wedding ceremony is also a ‘celebration’ rather than a ceremony.
Cosy domestic ceremony
The ceremony does not usually take place in a temple, but rather at home or at a wedding venue. If you wish, you can visit a temple before or after to pay your respects to the Buddha. A monk is often invited so that he can give his blessing. This can also be done at the temple. Your wedding ceremony will be conducted by someone from your family or friends.
The elements of a Buddhist wedding ceremony
At the start of a Buddhist wedding ceremony, the couple asks her attendants to meditate together for a while, thus entering a state of mindfulness and joy. The monk gives his blessing and reads some Buddhist texts. After this, your ceremony speaker talks about the meaning of marriage and why you have come together that day. Family and friends can now also tell your story.
During a Buddhist wedding ceremony, reference is often made to the ‘Three Jewels’ of Buddhism. These are the Buddha - he represents the goal of living fully and naturally in this world without wanting to change it, the ‘dharma’ - learning and practising the Buddha's teachings, and the ‘sangha’ - the importance of spiritual community. You promise to meet each other in the reality of life, in changes and suffering; you promise to do this always with love and patience.
Your own interpretation
Because marriage is a personal choice, you can add your own elements to the ceremony. You can choose to add your own rituals - or rituals from another culture - such as exchanging wedding rings, wearing traditional attire or providing typical dishes.
Offerings to thank the Buddha
Usually, a wedding ceremony according to Buddhism includes an altar with a statue of the Buddha. You make offerings to him - not to worship him, but to thank him for all the wisdom and direction he takes you. The offerings consist of rich food, candles, incense and flowers. After this, you sign the marriage certificate.
Feast!
The ‘community’ in itself is of important value, within Buddhism. The wedding ceremony is therefore followed by a sumptuous meal and a dance party until the early hours. The celebrations are lively, loud and joyous. This creates unity among the families of the newlyweds and lets everyone celebrate the couple's devotion and love.
A wedding ceremony according to Buddhism- something for you? Then contact these ceremony speakers.
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