To represent the Buddha's body, we would place a statue or a picture of the Buddha in the center of the shrine. To the Buddha's left (your right as you face the Buddha), place a stupa or a picture of a stupa to represent the Buddha's mind. To the Buddha's right, place a representation of the Buddha's speech. A Dharma text or tract would serve the purpose. Make sure the shrine is arranged so that the Buddha is higher than people when they are seated in the room.

    To this basic shrine, we can add offering bowls. Usually there are seven or eight of these. They are placed in a straight row directly in front of the representation of the Buddha's body. The bowls are separated by the width of a grain of rice. The size of the bowls can vary, but they should be large enough to hold the following offerings:

    In the first bowl, place water for drinking. In the second bowl, place water for washing the feet. In the third bowl, place a flower, which represents the beautiful qualities of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In the fourth bowl, place incense, which represents the pervasive fragrance of the pure Dharma. In the fifth bowl, place a candle, which represents the illuminating quality of Dharma Wisdom. In the sixth bowl, place scented water, which represents the sweet, purifying qualities of the Dharma. In the seventh bowl, place a food offering, which represents nourishment for the mind. If the eighth bowl is present, place a sea shell or bell in it, which represents the sound of liberation. The offerings should be freshened every day.

    An alternative practice is to fill all the bowls with water and to visualize the seven (or eight) offering substances. Other beautiful objects (e.g., ritual objects, pictures or statues of Bodhisattvas and Spiritual Guides, lights, an incense burner, colored glass) can be added to the shrine.

    Try to locate the shrine in a secluded place in your home, so it will be quiet and private for prayers, prostrations and meditation. Space, of course, will dictate what you are able to do. It is imperative that the shrine and the shrine room be kept very clean. You are inviting the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas into your home. It is sign of respect to clean an area when important guests are invited.

    Remember, the shrine should be regarded as housing the actual body, speech and mind of the Buddha and should be treated accordingly. The Buddha said