LAWTON: But Wendy and Ray Jou of Potomac, Maryland also make sure Buddhist religious traditions are part of their family's New Year's celebrations. They offer prayers for peace and good fortune in the coming year.

Mrs. JOU: After cooking, we also maybe will make a very simple but really respecting bow to Buddha. Usually we make three bows.

LAWTON: The Jous are part of the more than 2.5 million Buddhists in North America. They follow the Pure Land branch of Buddhism, the largest wing of Buddhism practiced around the world. The Jous call themselves disciples of Amitabha Buddha, the transcendent being of the Pure Land sect. Pure Land Buddhists believe that salvation, or rebirth into a realm of bliss, is reached not by individual effort or merit but through the grace of Amitabha Buddha. They emphasize living by moral precepts and reciting Amitabha Buddha's name over and over.

In New Year's celebrations at Pure Land temples, special mantras are chanted 108 times to bring spiritual well-being as well as good fortune.

Ms. JOU: We celebrate in the way that we chant different mantra. I don't know how to say it's beautiful or wonderful. It just somehow touches my heart so deep.

LAWTON: For the Jous' children, the celebrations are part of learning how to live out their Buddhist beliefs in a western context.

JESSE JOU: I think it's good to have something to believe in, so you can have something to look up to. Just like a kid looks up to his parents, it's the same thing. You can believe in the Buddha.

LAWTON: Jesse Jou and his family say that belief is the essence of a truly happy new year. I'm Kim Lawton reporting.