How to Set Up a Buddhist Altar to Honour the Departed
What is a Buddhist Funeral Altar?
A Buddhist funeral altar is a central element of a buddhist funeral ceremony, serving as a sacred space to honour the deceased and reflect Buddhist teachings and customs. The altar typically includes:
- Portrait of the Deceased: A photograph or image of the departed is placed prominently on the altar.
- Buddha Statue or Image: This represents the spiritual guidance of the Buddha and serves as a reminder of Buddhist principles.
- Offerings: Items such as fruits, flowers, incense, and candles are arranged on the altar. These offerings symbolise respect, gratitude, and the impermanence of life.
- Incense: Burning incense is a common practice that signifies purification and serves as a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
- Candles: These represent wisdom and enlightenment, lighting the way for the deceased’s journey.
The altar is more than just a physical setup; it holds deep spiritual significance. It provides a focal point for prayers, chanting, and reflection, creating a serene and respectful environment for mourners to pay their respects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Arranging a Buddhist Funeral Altar
We’ve discussed the significance of a Buddhist funeral altar and its key components. Now, let’s delve into the proper arrangement for a Buddhist funeral ceremony.
Step 1: Position the Table
Select a central location where the altar table is clearly visible to all attendees. Ensure there is ample space around the table to allow monks and attendees to gather comfortably for blessings and chanting.
Step 2: Arrange the Main Table Elements
Flowers, Candles, and Photograph of the Deceased:
- Place the photograph of the deceased at the centre of the table.
- Decorate the table with fresh flowers and candles, ensuring they complement the overall arrangement.
Urn for Joss Sticks:
- Position the urn for joss sticks directly in front of the photograph, centralised on the table.
- Place two or more candles on either side of the urn for balance.
Step 3: Add Fruit Offerings
- Arrange two red plates with fruits (e.g., pears, oranges, and apples) horizontally opposite each other.
- Each fruit symbolises a specific virtue:
- Pears or green apples: Prosperity
- Oranges: Fortune
- Apples: Harmony
Step 4: Include Food Offerings
After the fruit plates, place traditional Chinese dishes on the table:
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Rice
- Roasted meat
- Soup
- Insert chopsticks upright into the dishes as part of the tradition.
- Add pink lotus buns and brown buns to represent common pastries used during such rituals.
Step 5: Arrange Flowers Alongside the Table
Line flowers across the sides of the altar table or use any unoccupied space to add floral decorations.
Step 6: Set Up Monks’ Items
Provide space on the altar for monks to place their scriptures and chanting instruments. Common items include:
- A wooden tortoiseshell
- A gong
- A bell
- Place a container of holy water near these items for ritual use.
This step-by-step arrangement ensures a respectful and meaningful Buddhist funeral altar setup, honouring both traditions and the deceased.
Step-by-Step Guide to Arranging a Buddhist Altar at Home
Setting up a Buddhist funeral altar at home requires careful thought and respect for Buddhist traditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an altar that reflects reverence for the deceased while honouring Buddhist practices.
1. Consider Space and Location
- Choose the right location: Select a quiet, peaceful space in your home. Avoid placing the altar near bathrooms, stoves, or beds. Ideally, the altar should face a door or window, allowing natural light.
- Ensure proper space: Make sure the altar is in a location where people can easily approach for prayers and offerings. For a larger setup, ensure there is enough space for monks or attendees to gather.
2. Position the Buddha Statue
- Central position: Place the Buddha statue in the centre of the altar. It should be the most prominent element of the altar.
- Other statues: If you have statues of bodhisattvas, such as Guanyin or Amitabha Buddha, position them on the sides of the Buddha statue, lower or at the front to show the Buddha’s prominence.
- Size and proportion: Ensure the Buddha statue is proportional to the space. If it is small but valuable (e.g., made from precious materials), consider placing it on a raised, multi-levelled shrine.
3. Incorporate Ancestors’ Plaques and Non-Buddhist Deities
- Initial placement: If you have ancestors’ memorial plaques or non-Buddhist deity statues, place them behind or around the Buddha statue initially. This symbolizes their protection and support of the Three Jewels.
- Gradual transition: Over time, these non-Buddhist items can be gradually moved or stored, as your altar becomes a dedicated Buddhist space. Ancestors’ plaques can be moved to a separate altar or a temple for proper worship.
4. Set Up Offerings
- Food offerings: Place traditional food items, such as fruit (pear, orange, apple) on red plates. These symbolize prosperity, fortune, and harmony. Other food offerings can include rice, stir-fried vegetables, roasted meats, and soups with chopsticks placed on top.
- Water and incense: Ensure offerings of water are placed on the altar, along with incense sticks in a burner. Light incense daily, one stick at a time, to maintain a clean atmosphere.
- Flowers and candles: Place flowers around the altar and use candles to represent light and reverence. Use natural, high-quality incense (e.g., sandalwood or agarwood) and light bulbs instead of candles to avoid excessive smoke in modern settings.
5. Add Chanting Instruments
- Monk’s tools: If you’re preparing the altar for a Buddhist ceremony, include items used by monks during chanting, such as a gong, bell, or wooden tortoiseshell. These tools help facilitate the spiritual atmosphere.
- Holy water: Place holy water on the altar to represent purity and blessings.
6. Maintain Cleanliness and Freshness
- Daily upkeep: Clean the altar regularly. Ensure that offerings are fresh, withered flowers or rotting fruits removed, and the incense burner is dusted frequently.
- Keep the altar tidy: The altar should be kept neat and organised at all times to maintain a sense of sanctity and respect for the Buddha.
7. Perform Daily Rituals
- Morning and evening prayers: Set aside time in the morning and evening to light incense, offer water, and perform prostrations. This daily routine honours the Buddha and helps foster a connection with the teachings.
- Gratitude and respect: Before leaving the house and after returning, bow and prostrate to the Buddha to express gratitude and reverence.
8. Respecting the Space
- Use only for worship: If you have a dedicated worship room or space for the altar, ensure it is used solely for worshipping, chanting, and meditation. Avoid using it for socialising or entertainment.
By following these steps, you can create a respectful and meaningful Buddhist funeral altar at home, which serves as a focal point for your spiritual practice and honouring of the deceased. Always remember, the key is sincerity and respect.
Conclusion
Setting up a Buddhist funeral altar, whether for a ceremony or at home, is a meaningful practice that honours the deceased and reflects the core values of Buddhism.
From the careful placement of the Buddha statue to the thoughtful arrangement of offerings and ritual items, each element of the altar serves a spiritual purpose. It is a space for reflection, respect, and connection to the teachings of the Buddha, offering a serene environment for mourning, prayer, and meditation.
By following the step-by-step guides outlined in this article, you can create an altar that not only respects Buddhist traditions but also fosters a deep sense of reverence and peace. Remember, the true essence of the altar lies in the sincerity and respect with which it is set up and maintained, ensuring that it remains a sacred space for practice, gratitude, and remembrance.
If you have any questions regarding Buddhist funeral rites, do contact us at A.LifeGrad Funeral and we will be happy to assist.