Buddhist Weddings

Buddhist Weddings – “Poruwa”: there are over 400 million Buddhists over the world including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, India and the Western world. Richard Gere is probably the most famous Buddhist in the Western world. Buddhism is classified as a faith not a religion. Buddhists follow Dharma, the teachings of Buddha. Buddha is a title given to one who is awake to reality. Buddha transformed himself to a state of profound Enlightenment. Sangha is the Buddhist community. Buddhism is influenced by Hindu culture.

There is no such thing as traditional Buddhist Weddings, as there are numerous variations depending upon the region in which a person lives and the influence of other cultures in that locale. A Buddhist wedding is only legal if the person conducting the ceremony is registered. Usually a civil ceremony will also be required. However, there are increasing wedding packages, particularly to Thailand, whereby such arrangements are made for you.

Traditional Buddhist Weddings:

These are a secular affair. It is believed that the success of a marriage depends upon both partners creating a harmonious and progressive unit together. There are numerous ceremonies that complete a marriage, each different according to ones heritage. However, all Buddhists use the Sigilovdda Sutla as a guide for marriage.

Modern Buddhist Weddings:

These are not restricted to those who follow the faith, nor are you expected to convert. Prior to, or after, your wedding you may wish to receive a blessing from the “Shikkhu” (Bhikkhu, Lama or Monk). Some ask the Shikkhu to bless their house reciting from the “Tipitaka” (Holy Book). In turn you may wish to offer “dana” (alms).

Then a wedding may take on a form similar to the following:

- the ceremony will be lead by a Buddhist Celebrant or Buddhist Priest
- entering a Buddhist temple to a chant “Nam Sutra”, if monks are present, usually they are not
- the “Vandana” (Homage), “Tisarana” (The Three Refuges) and “Pancasila” (The Five Precepts) may be read by the entire assembly in English or Pali (the language of Theravada Buddhism)
- a reading from the “Lotus Sutra”, otherwise known as the “Saddharma Pundarika”, or “Myoho-renge-kyo”, (sacred book of the East, a Mahayana Indian scripture) emphasizing devotion and faith
- vows of determination and commitment, including the exchange of rings, take place in front of the Gohonzo (significant Buddhist document made of paper or wood with the “treasure map of life”)
- the ceremony finishes with further chanting from monks (if present)
NB- “San San Kudo” sake offered, three sips taken each and repeated twice more; this ceremony is conducted by Japanese Buddhists

Nuances around the world:

(i) A Balinese Buddhist Wedding: this would take place in a temple called a “Vihara”, by a Buddhist Priest. Contact the “Walubi” Buddhist society who will help you, or search on the net. There are several wedding packages.
(ii) A Sri-Lankan Buddhist Wedding: takes place on a “Poruwa” a beautifully decorated platform on which the traditional ceremony takes place. The marriage event is called a “Poruwa Siritha ceremony. It is not recognized as a registered marriage. The “Shilpadhipathi” is the Master of Ceremonies.
(iii) A Western Buddhist Wedding: if there is no local temple then a shrine may be erected upon which is placed a statue of Buddha. After the Vandana, Tisarana and Pancasila are read candles may be lighted and placed on the shrine, together with incense sticks and an offering of flowers. The flowers (particularly lotus) are symbolic of wisdom, the incense symbolic of ethics and morality, and light symbolic of wisdom driving away darkness and dispelling ignorance. Finally, there will be traditional undertaking from the Sigilordda Sutra (Digha Nikiya 31), during which rings may be exchanged.

Attire worn at Buddhist Weddings: Usually the bride and groom would wear embroidered meditation robes. Alternatively couples would wear their national costume.

Buddhist Wedding Feast:

The food served is totally dependent upon the influence and locale of the Buddhist community. Typically Indian Buddhists would have a vegetarian or vegan wedding feast.

Buddhist Weddings