Every Bhutanese home has
an Altar and the day always begins with the offering of Sang, Incense stick,
Butter lamp, Serkim (not compulsory) and Water.
Altar no doubt serves as
physical representation that reminds us of the qualities that one want to
develop, and it also acts as a base in the presence of which one can make
offerings and do purification and so on.
It also serves as
reminders of the goal of Buddhist practice; to develop these qualities in
oneself so as to be able to fully benefit all sentient beings.
The reason for setting up
an altar is not for fame, for showing off wealth, or to increase pride, but
rather it is to reduce one's mental afflictions and to seek the ability to help
all sentient beings.
In maintaining an altar
one is trying to cultivate the qualities of the Buddha, his enlightened body,
his enlightened speech and his enlightened mind.
By remembering these
qualities and aspiring to develop them, one reduces the negative qualities of
attachment, hatred and ignorance, and increases positive qualities like faith,
respect, devotion and rejoicing.
It’s really blessing, in
our home or wherever we are, to have a little shrine.
Having said that the
location of an altar is also very important. If possible alter should be placed
in a separate dedicated room. If you don't have separate room than you can keep
it in your living (sitting) room. But never place your altar in your bedroom.
For me, my altar room is a
sacred place that connects me to, Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and 21 Taras through
prayers and mantras recitations.
