it is universally the Buddhist custom to make gifts of flowers, incense and lights on the shrine. The flowers represent the bliss and beauty of samadhi (concentration or meditative absorption), the incense is the sweet fragrance of shila (discipline) and the lights represent prajna (wisdom).

Alistair, our Teacher, I am immensely grateful to you for your clear and meaningful words that resonate with me and, I expect, others in this room. I appreciate and am inspired by your knowledge and wisdom. And in answer to your question, yes, your answer does make sense! Ultimately, my core questions have revolved around the concept of prostrating, confessing and praying to another being, even if enlightened. You have explained, I believe, that one of the reasons that Buddhists offer Great Devotion to enlightened beings is because through this practice, they can lighten their "individual path with the light of their existence." And so these ritutals serve to ease our suffering, and are, perhaps, springboards to enlightenment. Here is my take on that...and yes, I am a Muslim, and an imama, but also a soul seeker. I do not believe in prostrating or confessing or praying to another being, no matter how enlightened, in the same way that I would not prostate, confess or pray to Muhammad, peace be upon him. Muhammad was enlighted by God (in my view), and possessed extraordinary wisdom and abilities, but he was not God. Dear Alistair, you stated that enlightened beings are "empty of permanent existence." I pray and prostrate daily to One that does exist permanently, to One that is above the web of suffering, to One that is the ultimate reality. And is all-loving and all-compassionate too. I will end here - and you know that this is concise for me! lol Blessings and peace to you Alistair, and to all who are reading these words. With love and salaams, Fran Please allow a new postscript. I offer my spiritual thoughts, with their acknowledged Muslim perspective/bias, not to be at all confrontational, or to suggest that my viewpoint is best. I have immense respect for Buddhism, and my soul calls out to learn more, in the company of you good people! It's simply that I stand in a field that gets to be a bit confusing and lonely, trying to find an intersection between Buddhism and Islam. My heart and soul respond to both. Maybe that intersection is love? Thank you all for your kindness in allowing me to ask my questions here. Peace. xxx

Hi there Gill, hope all is well with you.♥️🙏

hello emma ! i just did join the side today and right now i try to get a feel and my way around this wonderful side... so many things to open up... hope you have managed already a little to get to know this place and hopefully find some support... hope you do feel a bit better by now ! if you ever feel you need to chat, or just need some support not to be, or feel alone, please do feel free to mail... tanja

Even though I’m in California, I want you to know that I’m thinking of you and sending healing, comforting thoughts to you. Even if we feel alone, we are not in this wonderful group. 💕

Can you send the questionnaire link again please, Alistair. I tried Zana’s suggestio and it didn’t work. Have a lovely retreat And thanks for today. It was good to be back. 🙏

That's great @Mechteld-Hanna Derksen I will add that to my tottering pile of books on the subject. I have just started this one by the original Google whistle-blower/ethicist, James Williams.

Hi Michelle, however you got here is not important. You will find this a very friendly and rewarding place to be. With Alistair in the hot seat you're guaranteed the best teachings. ( and often, some very wacky poems . Welcome.💐🙏