How to Build a Buddhist Altar
- 1). Find an area on the top level of your home that is clean and tidy for the location that you place your altar in. Avoid rooms where sexual relations take place.
- 2). Create the platform of your altar by placing a long table that is low to the ground at the spot you have chosen. Cover it completely with a solid color of a red, yellow or white cloth.
- 3). Place a statue of the Buddha on the top center part of the altar.
- 4). Place a stupa (spiritual offerings) onto the altar to the side of your statue of the Buddha. The stupa should consist of items that have a special spiritual meaning to you. Include things such as bells, flower arrangements (dried or otherwise), Zen chimes, incense, scented oils, scented candles, smooth shiny rocks, jewels and crystals.
- 5). Place a Buddhist scripture onto the altar. This can be typed and printed, or handwritten neatly on a piece of cardboard or paper.
- 6). Place seven bowls of water onto the altar. Change the water each morning and do not waste the old water. Use it to water plants indoors or outdoors.
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