How do contemporary Buddhist practices reflect the foundations of the religion?
By following all the practices such as the Sila, Samadhi, and Prajna. Helps them avoid the five percepts and have a better life and more faith towards the religion.
I'm not sure what sila, samadhi, and prajna and the five percepts are. But meditation is one of the main practices of Buddhism. It helps free the mind of earthly concerns. Check this site.
http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/practices.htm