Enlightened Body, Speech and Mind: Building a Home Altar for your Practice

A traditional Buddhist altar holds symbols of enlightened body, speech and mind, represented by displaying a statue or image of Buddha Shakyamuni, a scripture, and a stupa. In this teaching, we’ll explore the function and forms of altars, sometimes called ‘shrines.’ You’ll learn how to make one, what to place on an altar (and where) and what traditionally is not placed there. You’ll learn traditional ideas about where an altar is best put in a home, and a few basic shrine-keeping tips.

As we adapt Buddhist conventions to fit our western lives, altars, too, may take different forms. Your alter is your own, so learn the design and function of altars for the practices you do, and then adapt as you see fit, to inspire and facilitate your practice. This class will also help you understand how to enjoy and relate respectfully to altars when you visit Buddhist homes and temples; and will contain the most basic knowledge for tending an altar at Dekeling.

Read more information and register here.

Event List

March 2024

The Way of the Bodhisattva (4 of 12)

  • Practice & Study Group

February 8, 2024 - July 25, 2024
DATE: March 21, 2024
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Ngondro: Vajrasattva

  • Class
  • Ritual & Ceremony

DATE: March 27, 2024
TIME: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

April 2024

Lhatong: Seeing Clearly (1 of 4)

Four Wednesday evenings
  • Practice & Study Group

April 3, 2024 - April 24, 2024
DATE: April 3, 2024
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Way of the Bodhisattva (5 of 12)

  • Practice & Study Group

February 8, 2024 - July 25, 2024
DATE: April 4, 2024
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Lhatong: Seeing Clearly (2 of 4)

Four Wednesday Evenings
  • Class

April 3, 2024 - April 24, 2024
DATE: April 10, 2024

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