Common practices

Buddhist does not worship idols; sometimes they pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds Buddhists  to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.

The five precepts
The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts:

1. Not to take the life of any living thing
2. Not to take anything that is not freely given
3. To abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence
4. To refrain from untrue speech
5. To avoid intoxication, which makes you lose mindfulness

Laymen and clergy

Though there are common prayers observed by Monks, Nuns and laity, most of the prayers observed by the sanga and laity differs. 

The main difference is that sanga, the time of entering the sanga community (sasana) commits themselves to follow and observe the observances for the rest of their lives without exception, at all times. 

Buddha statue, in a buddhist shrine

Five things have been well taught by the Blessed One. who knows and sees, the Purified One, Perfectly Enlightened by himself; that is, the subjects for daily recollection by women and men, monks and householders.

• I am of the nature to decay; I have not gone beyond decay.
• I am of the nature to be diseased, I have not gone beyond disease

• I am of the nature to die; I have not gone beyond death.
• All that is mine, dear and delightful, will change and vanish.
• I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma, born of my kamma, related to my kamma, abide supported by my kamma. Whatever kamma I shall do, whether good or evil, of that I shall be the heir.