Asked the student: "Wise man, why do we pray?"

Said the teacher: "We pray for two reasons primarily: to remember those who preceded us, and to raise energy for the needy. Apart from that we observe the beauty and intricacy of Creation, of the natural environment that sustains us."

Asked the student: "But we don't worship our ancestors, do we?"

Answered the teacher: "No, we don't. It is important to remember their names and what they meant to us, to us personally, to those we love, and to our society. But worship would not do these people justice... they won't benefit from such action."

Pondered the student: "Yet some other religions makes their important people into saints, some pray for their good karma, some pray for their rise to heaven, and some consider their ancestors spirits that can be contacted by those in the know. Why wouldn't our ancestors benefit from such worship?"

Said the teacher: "We believe our ancestors have either moved on to their next life, or are still alive. Consider we pray for a reincarnated person's well-being, while they're busy living their new life... our combined energy would affect them and since we don't know what kind of life they're living, that effect could prove disastrous. The intent of cleaning someone's karma may seem to sound altruistic, but imagine wishing longevity to a one-day fly..."

The student thought about this for a moment and then continued: "Then what methods do we employ, wise man? And who is it that I should observe?"

Explained the teacher: "Every person has their own important people to remember. In my own education, my teacher was of great influence, so I will name him once a week. My parents and my spouse also shape my life: I am grateful for their influence and will name them too, once a week. And once a year, we will tell and listen to stories about important people in our history. I'm sure you too know such people."

Said the student: "Yes, I do know such people. Is there anything else I can do?"

Answered the teacher: "Yes there is. Apart from remembering, we also pray for the needy. We direct our thoughts at those who need a boost: a bit of health, prosperity, good fortune, calmth, strength, etcetera."

Asked the student: "Can you teach me how to do that?"

Explained the teacher: "One way is to create a list of people with their need. In a group, we assemble those lists and announce each person with their need. We then concentrate and direct our will, occasionally asking the universe for help, and wish for those needs to be alleviated. We do this once a week. As a matter of fact, today is a good day. Arise and join us in the temple."

Asked the student: "Wise man, why don't we worship our Creator the same way Christians, Jews and Muslims do?"

Retorted the teacher: "Why should we worship our Creator?"

Said the student: "For the same reason the Christians, Jews, and Muslims worship theirs?"

Asked the teacher: "Wouldn't you think our belief about our Creator differs greatly from that of other religions?"

Sumarized the student: "We all believe in a Creator, we all believe them to be present in our current universe."

Pointed out the teacher: "Don't they also believe their Creator is a living being, separate from the universe but a part of it at times, able to react to it, to influence it? And since they believe their Creator created the universe for their benefit, don't they also believe their Creator listens to them and answers their prayer? Apart from that, don't they believe worship will get them a better place in the hereafter?"

Said the student: "Possibly..."

Continued the teacher: "And we don't. To us, the Creator sacrificed their singularity, their own life so to speak, to spawn life in our universe. Divine energy became a part of everything. The universe already knows what we think, because we are part of it and it is part of us. That however doesn't mean we frown upon worship. It can be quite useful."

Asked the student: "How so, wise man? If our Creator doesn't pay attention, who is there to worship?"

Explained the teacher: "The local deities. Those who yield a larger influence than other beings."

Asked the student: "They do pay attention, and can be persuaded to be kind given the right worship?"

Said the teacher: "Personally I like to perform my own duties instead of asking a deity for help. Practice has shown however, that not all in our path feel the same, and some deities do offer a helping hand when asked nicely."

Pursued the student: "Then why is it that you don't like to ask a deity for help?"

Retorted the teacher: "If you were a deity, asked to help someone, wouldn't you want something in return?"