Generally only percussion instruments are heard in Buddhist temples as monks sit cross-legged before shiny gold Buddhas and chant their sutras (statements of Buddhist principles) during worship. Quite common for accompaniment is the moktak, a handheld gong made of hollowed wood, struck with a wooden mallet. The moktak is usually carved into the stylized shape of a fish (can you see it in the World Mission Souvenir?) and is struck as the monks recite their sutras. The theory seems to be that just as the fish doesn’t sleep, so the relentless rhythm of the hollow knocking instills wakefulness in prayer for the devout Buddhist.
We sing, “Take it to the Lord in prayer!” (Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary, #385) It often seems that our prayer-life is more active and intense during times of trial, when our needs and problems become close companions. Then again, too often, in times of prosperity and happiness, we are tempted to neglect to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. That seems to be the reality of our human nature.
We Christians should not need the hollow knocking sound of the moktak to motivate us to faithfulness in prayer. In fact, two Psalms identify motivations for prayer. Our Heavenly Father invites us: Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me (Psalm 51). And He encourages us, O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever (Psalm 107).
(ELS mission work in South Korea is conducted by the Asia Committee of the Board for World Outreach.)
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Steve Petersen