DO NOT USE TOOTHBRUSH TO CLEAN OFFERING CUP, USE CLOTH Question: Can we use a brand-new toothbrush to clean the cups used for offering water at Buddhist altar? Answer: Using a toothbrush is not ideal.  You may use a new cloth instead. Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 212), 6 March 2018

KNEELING FOR PROSTRATION Question: Upon kneeling in front of the image of the Buddha, should we kneel down with our right knee first? What about getting up after prostration?  Shall we lift the right knee first?  Answer: Lift the left knee first, followed by the right knee when you get up. Source: Master Jun Hong […]

KEY TO EFFICACIOUS PRAYER WHEN OFFERING FIRST INCENSE Question: What is the key to efficacious prayer when we are offering the First Incense in Chinese New Year Eve? Is it only efficacious when we make vows, perform recitation and virtuous deeds? If gastric diseases are considered spiritual diseases due to karmic obstacles, will our prayer […]

USE A BRAND NEW CLOTH TO CLEAN THE IMAGE OR STATUE OF BODHISATTVA Question: Are we allowed to use the cloth that was used to wipe the image or statue of Bodhisattva to clean the Buddhist altar. Of course, we do not use it to clean the image or statue of Bodhisattva again?  Answer: Yes, […]

THE SEQUENCE FOR PLACING OFFERINGS ONTO A BUDDHIST ALTAR Question: When we help a fellow Buddhist practitioner set up a Buddhist altar at home, is there any sequence to observe when placing items on the altar, for example, a portrait of Buddha, offering items (i.e. incense burner, cup, etc.)? Answer: First, ensure the portrait of […]

RETREAT BY WALKING BACKWARDS TO SHOW RESPECT Question: I noticed fellow Buddhist friends walk backwards when heading over to the prostration mat after offering incense in the Guan Yin Hall. Even I walk backwards for a considerable distance after performing prayers. I wonder if it is appropriate, as I am a little confused as Master […]

ALLOW 15 MINUTES AFTER BOWEL MOVEMENT BEFORE OFFERING PRAYERS Question: Previously, Master said after bowel movements we need to observe a 15 minute interval before offering prayers to Bodhisattva, or perform recitations. Yet, in a more recent radio program Master advised us we can actually proceed with recitations, but still need to wait 15 minutes […]

PUT OFF OIL LAMP BEFORE CLEANING THE FLOOR Question: When both the incense and oil lamp on the altar are lit up, can we clean the other rooms in the house, such as sweeping or mopping the floor? Or is it not appropriate to sweep or mop the floor even in other rooms? Answer:  It […]

FRUIT OFFERING TO BODHISATTVA  Question: Is it alright to use watermelon as an offering to Bodhisattva on our Buddhist altar? Answer: You may do so. However, please ensure that you do not angle the bottom of the watermelon to face the image of Bodhisattva. You will have to rest the watermelon on its side, with […]

IS IT APPROPRIATE TO OFFER INCENSE TO BODHISATTVA AND ANCESTORS AT THE SAME TIME? Question: I have an altar at home where I have enshrined Bodhisattva, deities and ancestors. Though I have always ensured I worship with utmost sincerity, I may have some wrongdoings which I may not be aware of, and in such cases […]