All about altars
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Elements of an altar: earth, air, fire and water
In the sodo or zendo, the main figure in the highest position is Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. In front of him is a shasuiki for symbolically offering the pure, fresh water of wisdom to those who thirst for the dharma. On the next level are fresh flowers, an incense burner and a candle, representing earth, air and fire. The flowers are a reminder of impermanence, while the fragrance of the incense purifies the practice space and the candle represents wisdom that dispells the darkness of ignorance. In the hondo or dharma hall, the main image or figure is Shakyamuni, represented in wood, metal, or a painting on cloth or paper. Traditionally, an image of Dogen is to the right and an image of Keizan is to the left, representing “One Buddha and Two Founders” (ichibutsu ryoso). Shakyamuni is raised on a platform or the highest shelf that represents Mt. Sumeru. In Buddhist cosmology, this is a mythological mountain in the center of the universe, the home of the gods with everything else arranged around them. This is the highest point of the altar, and Shakyamuni should be higher than one's head when one is seated. There may be offerings of water, incense, candles, tea or food depending on the occasion. In the Japanese home, an altar is usually for taking care of ancestors, on a daily basis and on the occasions of special memorials. It's a smaller version of the temple altar and designates the "temple" space within the home. For laypeople not so likely to sit zazen, sitting upright in gassho, bowing and chanting for ancestors is a means of settling the mind and reflecting on teachings, and also acknowledging gratitude to them and to all beings, recognizing interdependence. Creating a home altar
It's not a requirement, but some North American practitioners like to set up a simple altar in their practice space. It need not be elaborate; it’s not there as decoration or to impress people. An altar reminds us why we practice and the items we put there embody aspiration, simplicity and dignity. It’s fine to add a few additional personal items that you find supportive and meaningful to your practice, but resist the temptation to make your altar into a pile of inspirational knickknacks or trophies that creates distraction or attachment. A small table or shelf on which you’ve placed a vase of fresh flowers or leaves to the left, a figure or image of Shakyamuni or Manjusri in the middle with an incense burner and a candle to the right is all that’s needed. If you don’t have access to fresh foliage, it’s fine simply to offer a little water in a small cup. The offering of flowers, candlelight, incense and water to Buddha is not done as an activity of worship but arises from our gratitude and respect. Caring for an altar is a practice of caring for the Three Treasures. Dogen Zenji reminds us to care for the Three Treasures as though we were caring for an only child. Clean the altar regularly with a dustcloth reserved only for that purpose. Change the offering water daily, make sure the flowers or leaves are not wilted, and trim or replace the candle as necessary. Sift the ash in the incense burner to aerate it and remove any unburnt ends. Lightly smooth it down to make an even surface, but do this without packing down the ash and pressing out the air. Because the incense is an offering to Buddha, it needs to burn completely; if the ash is packed down tightly the air can’t get to the incense below the surface. When an incense burner is cared for properly, there are few unburnt ends to remove. If you offer food to buddhas and ancestors, consider that these beings are actually present. The food should be the type and condition that you yourself would eat, with hot food being hot and cold food being cold. Special Asian food is not necessary. After making the offering, make sure food is eaten (by you or by birds or small animals outside) and not wasted. If you're offering either water or tea with food, liquid goes to the left and food goes to right. If you're offering both water and tea, food goes in the middle. Put fruit or sweets on footed trays or plates on each side of tea and water. You may wish to create a book of your ancestors’ names and memorial days. Keep this where it’s visible and open to the correct page for that day. Other items you may wish to keep near your altar are:
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Altar in Sanshin's zendo
Main altar at Zenshuji in Los Angeles
Altar in Sanshin's hondo space
Participants in our Home Altar Workshop build this simple altar for themselves.
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