I have often asked why do we need a shrine or an altar for Buddhist practice? If I have come to realize as most enlightened beings have understood, I may not need one. But I do know why I need one right now...
I see my personal shrine as something as spiritual place where I can release my pent up energy, my stress, my troubles and worries. Every morning before leaving for work, I would make a bow and reflect upon the items I have placed on my shrine. It reminds me of the qualities I can work on so I can have the same. Setting up a Buddhist shrine can be a personal experience.
Many friends who are new to Buddhism often asked me what and how to set up a shrine. I prefer to let the person who has sincerity to set up a shrine in his / her home the freedom to use what that deserves reference and respect. In Buddhism, we take refuge in the 3 jewels, The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. In line with this, the shrine should have a representation of the Three Jewels. So an image of Buddha, a scripture or liturgy book of buddhist chants/ hymms and a stupa or a picture of one owns refuge master or Root Guru. These items represent the highest qualities of what it is to be a Buddhist.
The next thing is offerings. What can be offered? My answer is: anything that is precious to you.
We can offer, incense, flowers, lights (in form of candle or oil lamps), fruit, water, precious stones or crystals, gold, silver, etc.
Why do we make such offerings? Yeah... Buddhas doesn't need these offerings so why offer? Simply because when we offer the most precious things to the 3 Gems, we give up our selfishness and be more generous. By doing so, we are creating our own merit. Merit that is solely yours and cannot be taken by anyone. But we should not be thinking of offering items to the 3 gems and getting merits. Doing so, is lack of sincerity. By offering, we are also mindful. When u go to your shrine, you begin a journey of mindfulness and cultivating your skill so you can be more aware of who you are. So if you have reached the stage of the Buddhas, then shrines and altars have insignificant meaning and reflection as you have already understood what needed to be understood.
Some of you may like to decorate your shrine so it is grand and awe inspiring. Some may even do a very simple one. You may do what ever you like for your own shrine, there's not set rules... Just a sincere heart and a determination to eliminate your own bad habits are needed!...
Let' see things differently... You'd be surprised when you visit your own little shrine...
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