Symbolic Teaching as Depicted in the Mahayana Ceremony

Abstract

This research article has objectives: 1) To study the ritual of Mahayana, 2) To study the symbolic teaching in the Mahayna, 3) To integrate the ceremony in the Mahayana with the symbolic teaching in the Mahayana, and 4) To propose a new knowledge on the pattern of the integration of the Mahayana ceremony with the symbolic teaching.The research methodology was a documentary qualitative research and a structure of in dept interview. The results were indicated that Rituals are as the procedure that emphasized on immense of mental needs. Mahayana ceremony are performed with a deliberative faith, holiness and practice through the Mahayana ideal. Symbols used in the ceremony are as the technic to creating the propagation of teaching meaningfully related with Buddhism. The integration of the doctrinal symbols in the vegetarian festival ceremony refers to worship the seven Buddhas and the two Bodhisattvas. It has been done by following themselves in accordance with the teachings of each Buddha, namely the great perfection, the great vow and the great compassion. The symbolic teaching in all ceremonies synthesized as a new body of knowledge is transforming all activities into merit for supporting and accumulating the perfection. The knowledge is not to divide life from the Dhamma. Life should be generated in activities and all activities must be accumulated merit to fulfill the perfections called “MMP” model.