Installing Buddhist Altars
The purpose of installing a Buddhist altar is to encourage holy beings to come and stay in order for the practitioner to gain in compassion and wisdom. Buddist altars should be set up in a dedicated room if possible, on the topmost floor, or in a quiet room that can be closed up for meditation. Installing images of Buddha should follow certain rules such as the avoidance of fragile images that might break if they fall.
Its a good idea to have a virtuous Buddhist perform an invocation ceremony. If your image of Buddha is hollow, you should fill it with sutras, mantras, or cypress leaves. For multiple images, the shape, size and order of importance of each figure are strictly ordained as well. You may place Buddhist statues on the altar as well.
Buddhist Altars Online
You will find a variety of Buddhist altars on the Internet. Whether youre searching for a full-sized altar or a small table altar, you will be able find one just the right size and price as well as all of the accoutrements you will need to set it up. Items such as katas (offering scarves) and small statues for the altar are available as well.
You can find prayer wheels in brass and other metals. A small box containing handmade paper, black ink pad, and om mani padme hum wooden stamp, blank scroll, and a small prayer wheel makes a wonderful gift. If you are looking for a ritual knife to cut through negative thoughts that are the source of much of our suffering, you will find the one you are looking for on the Internet.
