The most widely practiced form of Buddhism is the cultivation of merit.  Merit creates the wholesome conditions that are conducive to the Buddha's path towards enlightenment.  Because enlightenment is often not possible in our lifetime and is difficult for laypersons, the Buddha created the practice of merit to help create these future conditions.  It is practiced both by laypersons and monastics as a mutually beneficial and symbiotic practice.  While this practice is often not known or practiced by Westerners, it is one that is within the Buddhist teachings, scripture, and is a wonderful way to progress on the path.