Chinese prayer

March 17, 2015 · updated February 15, 2022

Chinese Buddhism and Taoism both incorporate prayer into their daily religious rituals.

In addition to the prayer accompanying offerings, the monastic prayer (mu-yu) is said morning, noon and night to the sound of a small bell.

Prayer for the dead is especially important in Taoism and practiced at funerals, the 30th day after death, the anniversary of a loved one's death, and the birthday of the deceased. This is believed to help improve the experiences of the deceased's spirit in the afterlife.

There are also particular prayers that accompany pilgrimages and vows. Buddhist monks and laymen often use a string with 108 beads to assist in prayer.

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