RITUAL ITEMS

Ritual items
• Mandala (a symbolic representation of the entire universe, frequently used in offerings)
○ although there are many different types of mandalas (sand mandalas, mudras, etc.), the most traditional one used by monks and nuns is a multi-layered container about the size of a basketball containing symbolic representations of the mythological Tibetan cosmological universe (Mt. Meru in the center surrounded by four continents, etc.)
• Mala (a set of beads on a string, usually 21 or 108, used to count prayers or mantras)
○ various materials used for beads (bodhi seed, bone, sandalwood, etc.) are thought to have special properties, encouraging specific qualities of mind
• Kata (a silk scarf traditionally offered to a teacher, and usually returned with a blessing)
• Deity (a symbolic representation of a Buddha, emphasizing a particular positive quality of mind)
• Statue (a representation of a Buddha, often filled with special materials; see HBBS)
• Thangka (a Tibetan scroll painting, usually embedded into a textile hanging, depicting one or more deities)
• Stupa (a monument symbolizing enlightenment and often containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of a Buddha or bodhisattva)
• Relics (the remains of a Buddha or bodhisattva left over after cremation, often consisting of pearl-like pellets, thought to be as karmically beneficial as the presence of the actual living being they came from)
• Incense (typically used in rituals to purify objects or spaces)
• Candles & lamps (used in light offerings, a common alternative or supplement to water bowl offerings)
• Bell (used in pujas and other rituals to represent wisdom)
• Vajra / dorje (a small sceptre used in pujas and other rituals to represent compassion)
• Conch shell (symbolizes the deep, far-reaching and melodious sound of the teachings, awakening beings from the slumber of ignorance to accomplish all beings' welfare; see GBS)
to benefit sentient beings all over the world)
○ yellow=earth, green=water, red=fire, white=cloud, blue=sky
• Prayer wheel (contains mantras that are thought to be expressed when someone spins the wheel)
• Colors (symbolize various virtuous qualities, parts of HUM syllable, body parts, and elements)
Symbols
• Many visualizations feature a buddha figure composed of light sitting on a throne (often supported by lions), where the throne is topped by lotus, a sun disc, and then a moon disc
○ Lotus
▪ symbolizes purity and reunciation (ETSM p. 38)
▪ arose from the "mud" of samsara/delusion
○ Sun disc
▪ symbolizes either wisdom (fiery lens that ripens the sprout of enlightenment) or ultimate bodhicitta (ETSM p. 38)
▪ associated with peaceful deities emphasizing compassion (skillful means)
○ Moon disc
▪ symbolizes either compassion (frosted lens that cools with white rays of compassion) or conventional bodhicitta (ETSM p. 38)
▪ associated with wrathful/active deities emphasizing wisdom/emptiness
○ Lion
▪ "The Snow Lion resides in the East and represents unconditional cheerfulness, a mind free of doubt, clear and precise. It has a beauty and dignity resulting from a body and mind that are synchronized. The Snow Lion has a youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and a natural sense of delight. Sometimes the throne of a Buddha is depicted with eight Snowlions on it, in this case, they represent the 8 main Bodhisattva-disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha. Associations: main quality is fearlessness, dominance over mountains, and the earth element." (TBS)
• The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism (see EASB)
1. conch shell (fame of the Buddha's teachings, spreading in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet)
2. lotus (purity and renunciation arising from ordinary delusion-filled existence, just as the lotus flower grows from the mud)
3. wheel (Buddhas teachings, with circle = complete and perfect; hub = the world / morality supporting the practice, spokes = Eightfold Path / wisdom, rim = limitation / concentration holding the practice together)
4. parasol (protection, royalty)
5. endless knot (interdependence, infinite wisdom of Buddha)
6. pair of golden fishes (happiness, abundance)
7. victory banner (triumph of knowledge over ignorance and the hindrances of emotional defilement, passion, fear of death, and pride/lust)
8. treasure vase (spiritual abundance of the Buddha, a treasure that did not diminish, however much of it he gave