Question asked by Zhengdao
After watching your DVD, “Buddhism Begins at Home,” I am still unclear on certain aspects of the arrangement of a home altar. I understand that the main votive elements are a Buddha statue in the center, and a scripture and stupa on either side. Are there any guidelines as to which Buddhas are more appropriately used as this central image, and which are better represented in some other way, e.g. as thangkas? Also, how should photographs of the Dalai Lama and one’s teachers be positioned in relation to the other votive elements? Thank you very much!
Dear Zhengdao,
1. You can use a thangka or statue or both. Either is fine.
2. A traditional Gelug altar is Tsongkapa in the centre, Shakyamuni on the left (as we look at the altar) and Tara is on the right. In front you can put pictures of your teachers as you like as they are all the same in your meditations.
3. Or if you prefer, you can just put one single statue such as Tsongkapa or Shakyamuni to represent all the Buddhas.
Don’t be so worried, you will not go wrong…..
TR