In the Mahayana tradition, hope that's the correct term, is the Buddha Shakyamuni to be in the center of the altar?
I know that The Buddha is to be placed on something to make it "above" all other alter items.
And then other Buddhas are to surround it correct?
I'm planing on setting up a small altar in my home.
Thanks
Kind wishes
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Buddha on an altar
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Buddha on an altar
by Dave The Seeker » Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:23 am
Everyday problems teach us to have a realistic attitude.
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
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Dave The Seeker - Posts: 347
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Re: Buddha on an altar
by Konchog1 » Wed Dec 21, 2011 1:45 am
Yeah, The Buddha of the current Eon is in the center. Different traditions differ on what is next.The Seeker wrote:In the Mahayana tradition, hope that's the correct term, is the Buddha Shakyamuni to be in the center of the altar?
I know that The Buddha is to be placed on something to make it "above" all other alter items.
And then other Buddhas are to surround it correct?
I'm planing on setting up a small altar in my home.
Thanks
Kind wishes
"Neu-sur-ba said: You must see any affliction as an enemy and attack it as soon as it arises in your mind. Otherwise, if you acquiesce when it first appears, and then nurture it with improper thoughts, you will have no way to defeat it, and it will conquer you in the end.”
-Lam Rim Chen Mo eng v01 pg. 348 tib pg. 275
-Lam Rim Chen Mo eng v01 pg. 348 tib pg. 275
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Re: Buddha on an altar
by Adamantine » Wed Dec 21, 2011 7:46 am
Yeah, it depends what tradition/lineage you are connected to. Even in the Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhist lineage of Nyingma, there is some difference of advice depending on the terma lineage, etc.
Some may have Guru Rinpoche in the center, with Shakyamuni to his right and Tara to his left... or Samantabhadra or Vajradhara in the center, etc. So it is not a given that Shakyamuni would be in the central position.
For sutra Mahayana traditions, I would assume that Shakyamuni would assume the central space however.
Some may have Guru Rinpoche in the center, with Shakyamuni to his right and Tara to his left... or Samantabhadra or Vajradhara in the center, etc. So it is not a given that Shakyamuni would be in the central position.
For sutra Mahayana traditions, I would assume that Shakyamuni would assume the central space however.
Contentment is the ultimate wealth;
Detachment is the final happiness. ~Sri Saraha
Detachment is the final happiness. ~Sri Saraha
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Re: Buddha on an altar
by Dave The Seeker » Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:45 am
Thanks, as I am new to Buddhism I haven't chose a specific tradition.
But have read a lot about Mahayana and it seems to be "comfortable" to me.
I have visited a Zen Temple and Shakyamuni was in the center, but really didn't pay close attention to any others.
So when I do set the altar up Shakyamuni will be in the center.
Kind wishes
But have read a lot about Mahayana and it seems to be "comfortable" to me.
I have visited a Zen Temple and Shakyamuni was in the center, but really didn't pay close attention to any others.
So when I do set the altar up Shakyamuni will be in the center.
Kind wishes
Everyday problems teach us to have a realistic attitude.
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
-
Dave The Seeker - Posts: 347
- Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:02 pm
Re: Buddha on an altar
by kirtu » Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:53 pm
The Seeker wrote:In the Mahayana tradition, hope that's the correct term, is the Buddha Shakyamuni to be in the center of the altar?
As a general rule Buddha Shakyamuni or Buddha Amitabha. However as noted this can vary with tradition as well. For years as a Zen practitioner I had Kwan Yin as my central rupa.
Kirt
"Set your heart on virtue: Virtue's outcome is delight".
Dharmapada 9:3
“All beings are Buddhas, but obscured by incidental stains. When those have been removed, there is Buddhahood.”
Hevajra Tantra
Dharmapada 9:3
“All beings are Buddhas, but obscured by incidental stains. When those have been removed, there is Buddhahood.”
Hevajra Tantra
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Re: Buddha on an altar
by Dave The Seeker » Wed Dec 21, 2011 1:15 pm
Thank you Kirk.
Buddha Amitabha is the Buddha of light, so that would make sense to me to Him being the central rupa.
Kind wishes
Buddha Amitabha is the Buddha of light, so that would make sense to me to Him being the central rupa.
Kind wishes
Everyday problems teach us to have a realistic attitude.
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
They teach us that life is what life is; flawed.
Yet with tremendous potential for joy and fulfillment.
~Lama Surya Das~
If your path teaches you to act and exert yourself correctly and leads to spiritual realizations such as love, compassion and wisdom then obviously it's worthwhile.
~Lama Thubten Yeshe~
One whose mind is freed does not argue with anyone, he does not dispute with anyone. He makes use of the conventional terms of the world without clinging to them
~The Buddha~
-
Dave The Seeker - Posts: 347
- Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:02 pm
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