8.1. Regarding Lotus Lamps

 

<On lotus lamps>

Wenda 20161113A 39:22
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
An Excerpt

Caller: Both practitioners X and Y are helping new practitioners set up an altar. X thinks that, unlike Bodhisattvas’ images, incense burners, cups, vases, and lotus lamps are optional. However, Y believes that the lotus lamps are equally as important as other accessories. Master, could you please explain the meaning of lotus lamps for us?

Master Lu: What kind of lotus lamps?

Caller: Electric ones.

Master Lu: It’s not a problem if you don’t have them. Lotus lamps must not be crooked or twisted, they better be straight even if there’s only one lotus flower.

What is the meaning of having a lotus lamp on the altar? Lotus flowers are pure and undefiled just as your inherent nature. By offering lotus lamps, you are making offerings to Bodhisattvas with a pure heart. But you shouldn’t offer the crooked, twisted or deformed lotus lamps. I have been asked to look at them and I keep disagreeing.

Caller: Ok, is there a requirement for the colour?

Master Lu: It’s better for them to be white or yellow. Yellow is the sort of golden light and white indicates purity.

Caller: There are some pink and light red ones on the market.

Master Lu: Pink ones are fine as well. Lotuses are usually pink when they start to bloom and turn white in the end.

Caller: Thank you for the explanation, Master.