A2 Sacred Text Wrapped in maroon or yellow cloth and placed on the left side of the shrine, representing the speech or Buddhadharma. A3 Miniature Stupa Placed on the right of the shrine, representing the mind of the Buddha. Pictures of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Lamas and Protectors may surround the three sacred objects. All these should be placed on high altars. B. Offerings Seven or eight offering bowls are used to symbolize offerings to the Buddhas of the three times and ten directions.
Water is poured into three of the bowls every morning.
Solid offerings like rice or precious stones are placed in the remaining bowls. Offerings are transformed into extraordinary offerings through visualization or recitation of mantras or hand gesture and imaging them as precious and beautiful universal objects. The bowls are arranged in a straight row, one rice-grain apart, from left to right as one faces the shrine. Filling the bowls without overflowing accumulates merits and overflowing means lack of discipline. B1 Pure Water for drinking Signifying the eight merits, it is offered to the Buddhas for consumption.