Shrine and Altar Objects used in Chinese Buddhism

Aug 12, 2011
Renee Blixt

An Example of a Chinese Buddhist Temple's Shrine - bill thomas

Each Buddhist Temple has a shrine that is unique. However, certain items are common to all of them. What are these objects and what are their uses?

Most non-Buddhists see a Buddhist shrine and wonder “What are all those items?” and “What are they used for?” While there are varying differences, there are several that will be found in almost every temple.

Banners and/or Pennants in Buddhism

The banner and pennant are regarded as signs of the Buddha’s teachings and their virtues. They are used as hanging ornaments to adorn the Buddhist Shrines and Temples, thus reminding Buddhists of the teachings of the Buddha.

The designs of the banners may differ, but they are in general long and rectangular in shape. Often the banners and pennants include auspicious designs and symbols; some have ribbons, streamers or even pieces of Jade hanging from them.

Banners that are hung horizontally across the top of altars have popular Buddhist adages or phrases. For example, they might read “Fo Guang Pu Zhao” or “Wan De Zhuang Yan,” meaning “Universal Illumination by the Buddha’s Radiance” or “Adornment of Ten-Thousand Virtues.”

Banners that are hung vertically on both sides of a sacred image bear the words extolling the name or the merits of the Buddha or bodhisattva they are hanging beside. These types of pennants are sometimes attached to poles to be carried by attendant bearers during ceremonial processions.

Pennants and banners are also common in Buddhist artwork. There are many statues and images where such a pennant is one of many sacred objects carried by the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (the guardians of Buddha.)

Candles and/or Oil Lamps in Buddhism

The candle or oil lamp feeds a burning flame, which in Buddhism symbolizes the illumination of Wisdom. The holders for the candles and the lamp can have various designs incorporating symbolic forms such as the lotus flower, auspicious animals and other aesthetic images.

Traditionally, a burning flame is one of the three basic objects that are always found on shrines and offering tables. The other two are an incense vessel and a pair of flowers. The candle or oil lamps are always in pairs on both sides of the incense vessel.

Incense in Buddhism

Incense is the principle offering used by Buddhists to honor the buddhas and bodhisattvas at Buddhist Shrines. Incense that is fragrant and pure is highly desired as a sign of homage and respect. The fragrance of incense can also help bring about a meditative atmosphere and help the practitioner achieve a serene and reverent mental attitude.

Incense in Buddhism

The most commonly used form of incense is the straight incense stick that is inserted into a vessel containing rice or ash. There are very long sticks of incense that are called “Xian-Xiang,” (immortality incense) or “Chang-Shou-Xiang,” (longevity incense.)

The other popular types of incense are spiral incense coils. These coils can be seen suspended from the ceilings or on a vertical post over a tray to catch the ash. The end of the outermost spiral at the bottom is lit and the coil burns slowly until it reaches the top and center. Incense coils burn longer than does stick incense. Coil incense is also referred to as “Pan-Xiang” dish incense.

Incense Wood in Buddhism

Incense wood is an exceptional type of incense used for ceremonies. It is comprised of small pieces of fragrant, resinous wood that are burnt with incense powder. Incense wood, unlike the other forms of incense, is actually pieces of aromatic wood chips instead of pressed incense powder.

The most common types of wood used are “Tan-Xiang-Mu” (sandalwood) and “Chen-Xiang-Mu” (aloeswood.) This type of incense is also called “Ban-Xiang” or fragmented incense because cutting a bigger piece of wood into many smaller pieces makes it into the form used.

Incense Vessels in Buddhism

Incense vessels are used for holding incenses used in honoring the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The vessel can be made from many different materials such as metal, jade, porcelain, clay and stone.

Jar-Shaped Incense Vessels

There are various shaped vessels but the most common are jar-shaped with a circular mouth. Straight incense sticks are inserted into the rice or ash contained in the vessel.

Oblong Incense Vessels

Another type of incense vessel is the “Wo-Xaing-Lu” which is oblong and rounded at both ends. It is also filled with rice or ash and the sticks are placed into the vessel in a horizontal position. This type of vessel may have a lid with openings for the incense to rise through.

Handheld Incense Holders

A third type of incense vessel is the handheld incense holder. This incense holder is a ritual implement used in special Buddhist ceremonies. The hand held holder can be made of wood or metal. The handles are curved and attached to the headpiece. Incense is inserted into the headpiece and the holder is carried with both hands. During a ceremony, the holder is held in front of the body when standing and level with the forehead when performing a bow or prostration.

Greater Incense Holders

There also are very large incense vessels that can be found in front of temples, monasteries, or places where special events occurred. These huge vessels generally have a pagoda roof and are supported by three legs. There may be twin dragons flanking the vessel. This type of vessel is called “Bao-Ding” treasure cauldrons.

Objects in Buddhism

These altar objects all have one purpose—to help the Buddhist practitioner gain and maintain the proper state of mind while studying the Dharma. Practicing Buddhists are constantly working to better understand the teachings of the Dharma, and all the time, striving to practice mindfulness.