The Importance of Setting Up a Small Buddhist Altar

The small Buddhist altar is like a “transit station”. Bodhisattva can see you through it. Bodhisattva knows that we are chanting sutras and can bless us.

Setting up a small Buddhist altar and chanting sutras is much more effective than just chanting by yourself. This is the compassion of Guanyin Bodhisattva for you.

There is a photo and an incense burner, which is a small Buddhist altar. At least there is a Bodhisattva’s dojo in your heart.

The significance of a small Buddhist altar is that placing a Bodhisattva statue in the place where you often recite sutras and burn small houses is like hanging a pendant in your heart.

Wenda20200329 10:58

Wenda20200410 34:04

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (375)

“Xin Ling Fa Men Buddhism Questions and Answers 171”

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (365)

There is a small incense burner and a small place. No matter how simple it is, it doesn’t matter. The Bodhisattva knows your heart.

Audience: A fellow practitioner’s home has limited conditions, so he put a small table on a chair. Can this table be used as a small Buddhist altar to place a small incense burner and a Bodhisattva statue?

Master: A small incense burner or a Bodhisattva statue is fine. Bodhisattvas are all compassionate, so it doesn’t matter. A small incense burner represents your heart. Bodhisattvas don’t come to this altar. It means that you are chanting here. As long as you light incense, Bodhisattvas will know. Let Bodhisattvas know that you are chanting, and your power will be greater. Bodhisattvas or Dharma protectors may not know that you chant normally, and they don’t bless you. No matter what, as long as you have a small incense burner and a small place, it doesn’t matter how simple it is. Bodhisattvas will know your heart.

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (371)

 

Chanting on the small Buddhist altar will double your energy

Audience: Master, if I put a small Buddhist altar on my desk with a small statue of the Bodhisattva and an incense burner, the energy of the Little Houses I recite will be doubled. What is the principle behind this?

Master: Because no matter what, you have a small table, and when you light some incense, the Dharma protectors will come to bless you. Tell me, is it the same to chant the sutra with someone blessing you or without someone blessing you? (I understand. Master, does the energy of the recitation also double?) The same (OK, thank you Master for your compassionate teachings)

Wenda20200216 44:38

 

If you have a table dedicated to chanting sutras, and keep it clean, and want the Little Houses to be more effective, you can light a stick of incense in a small incense burner, chant sutras and light Little Houses, and the energy will increase several times. This is very particular in the Buddhist community. Master has been to the inner rooms of many great monks and masters, and they all have a small Buddhist altar, which is the place where they chant sutras in the room, with a sutra book, a small incense burner, and a small statue of Bodhisattva. If we offer it, we will offer Guanyin Bodhisattva.

“Xin Ling Fa Men Buddhism Questions and Answers 171”

 

How to set up a small Buddhist altar

• There is no ceremony for setting up a small Buddhist altar. Just a photo and an incense burner are enough to set up a small Buddhist altar. There is no need to offer water cups and oil lamps.
• The location of the small altar can be random, unlike the formal altar which cannot be placed in the kitchen, bathroom or couple’s bedroom. The small altar can be placed in the couple’s bedroom. When not burning incense, it should be put away or covered with red cloth.
• The small Buddhist altar is usually placed on one’s desk or dressing table.
• The height of a normal table can be used to set up a small Buddhist altar. It is okay if the Bodhisattva statue is lower than your head when you are sitting. If the table (such as a coffee table) is not high enough, it is not suitable for a small Buddhist altar because it is not solemn.
• Unlike a formal Buddhist altar, the table of a small Buddhist altar does not need to be against a wall.
• The size of the Bodhisattva statue should not exceed A4 size. You can put a 6-inch Bodhisattva statue or amulet card size.
• The Bodhisattva statue must stand on a table, not directly on the wall. The Bodhisattva statue can be placed in a gold frame (not a black frame) and supported by the support behind the frame.
• It is best to put a piece of red or yellow cloth under the Bodhisattva statue. When you are not burning incense, you can use a brand new red cloth to cover the Bodhisattva statue and the incense burner.
• If space is limited, the small incense burner and Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar can be placed in parallel.
• Since the incense burner is small, the incense on the small Buddhist table can be cut in half with scissors and the incense will not fall out.
• The ashes from the incense burner on the small Buddhist altar can be used to set up the incense burner on the formal Buddhist altar.
• It is best to take out the small Buddhist altar when chanting sutras, but you can also put it away at other times. If you keep it there all the time, it will become a Buddhist altar, which is disrespectful.

“Xin Ling Fa Men Buddhism Questions and Answers 171”

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (367)

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (375)

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (376)

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (377)

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (380)

 

How to greet

• The small altar cannot be used as a formal altar for kneeling and praying. After lighting the incense, you can just put your hands together and worship.
• If there is no formal Buddhist altar at home but only a small one, burn incense first and then heart incense.
• If you have a formal Buddha altar at home, first burn incense on the big Buddha altar (it is best to burn one stick of incense for each Bodhisattva. If conditions are limited, you can only burn one stick of incense on the Guanyin Bodhisattva incense burner), then burn incense on the small table. After that, the oil lamp on the big Buddha altar can be extinguished.
• If the incense stick on the small Buddhist altar has burned out and you want to relight it and chant sutras, but the oil lamp on the altar has gone out, you can directly use a lighter to light the incense and offer it on the small Buddhist altar (there is no need to relight the incense on the large Buddhist altar at the same time).
• You can burn three incense sticks on the small Buddhist altar, and they can burn incense and chant sutras for you until 12 o’clock in the evening.

“Xin Ling Fa Men Buddhism Questions and Answers 171”

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (377)

Wenda20200320 27:32

 

How to burn a small house

• The small altar cannot be used as a regular altar for kneeling down to pray and burning small houses. If there is a regular large altar, it is best to burn small houses according to the rules after kneeling down and praying at the large altar.
• If you do not have a large Buddha altar at home, you can burn incense on a small Buddha altar and then burn small houses in the same way as burning heart incense.
• The small altar cannot be used as a regular altar for kneeling and worshipping. If you do not have a regular altar at home, but want to kneel and pray or burn small houses in front of it, please set up a temporary altar (a temporary altar needs to have regular incense burners, water cups, oil lamps, etc., and a temporary altar is different from the small altar on this desk).

“Xin Ling Fa Men Buddhism Questions and Answers 171”

 

When you go out, you can wrap the Bodhisattva statue and incense burner on the small Buddhist table with red cloth and carry them with you.

• The Bodhisattva statue and incense burner on the small Buddhist altar can be wrapped in red cloth and carried with you when you go out in the future. When you go out to a hotel or other place, you can offer it on the table for chanting sutras. Because the spiritual energy has been offered at home, it is better than worshiping other people’s Buddhist altars.
• Some practitioners go back to their hometowns for the New Year or are on business trips. If they need to kneel and kowtow, it is best to take a photo of the Buddha altar at home and take it out, and set up a temporary Buddha altar (incense burners, water cups, oil lamps, flowers and fruits, etc.). If you do not set up a temporary Buddha altar, you can just set up a small Buddha altar on your desk as mentioned above, and burn incense when chanting, but you cannot use it for kneeling and praying. You can only make wishes in your heart by burning incense, which is much less effective than a regular Buddha altar.

“Xin Ling Fa Men Buddhism Questions and Answers 171”

 

On special occasions, the small altar can be used to burn the first incense and continue burning until 2 a.m. and chanting sutras all night long.

• If there is no formal Buddhist altar at home, on important days for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, you can light the first incense at a small altar, continue to burn incense until 2 a.m., and chant sutras all night long.

Wenda20200329 01:20

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (371)

 

The small Buddhist altar can be used for persuasion and name change.

Small Buddha altars can be used for persuasion and name change. Small Buddha altars are the most convenient and most casual. Bodhisattvas will know you, but Bodhisattvas will not come.

Wenda20200426 37:26

The small Buddhist altar can be used to burn scriptures for self-study

A small altar can be used to burn self-study scriptures such as the Amitabha Sutra, the Heart Sutra, and the Great Repentance Text. It is worse than having no altar at all, but of course not as good as a large altar.

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (381)

You can make a wish to recite the sutra 100,000 times in front of the small Buddha altar

If there is no formal Buddhist altar at home, you can also make a wish to recite the sutra 100,000 times in front of a small Buddhist altar. Although the Bodhisattva does not come directly, he still knows.

Wenda20200320 43:38

 

 

The original text of the above content

 

Regarding the small Buddhist altar used for chanting sutras—— ” Questions and Answers on Buddhist Studies of Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door 171 “ 2020-02-07

Question 171: A fellow practitioner has a small table that he uses for chanting sutras. Master told him that he could put a small image of the Bodhisattva on it and light a stick of incense while chanting. This is better. How do I do this?

Answer 171:

• If you have a table dedicated to chanting sutras, and keep it clean, and want the Little Houses to be more effective, you can light a stick of incense in a small incense burner, chant sutras and light Little Houses, and the energy will increase several times. This is very particular in the Buddhist community. Master has been to the inner rooms of many great monks and masters, and they all have a small Buddhist altar, which is the place where they chant sutras in the room, with a sutra book, a small incense burner, and a small statue of Bodhisattva. If we offer it, we will offer Guanyin Bodhisattva.
• It is okay not to put a Bodhisattva statue on the small table. It is better to put a 6-inch or amulet card size, which cannot exceed A4 size, on the table, not directly on the wall. You can add a photo frame and use the support behind the photo frame to stand it up (it doesn’t matter if the table and the small Bodhisattva statue are not against the wall, but the Buddha statue on the formal Buddhist altar must be against the wall).
• It is best to put a piece of red or yellow cloth under the Bodhisattva statue. When you are not burning incense, you can use a brand new red cloth to cover the Bodhisattva statue and the incense burner.
• When burning incense, first burn incense on the big Buddha table (it is best to burn a stick of incense for each Bodhisattva. If conditions are limited, you can only burn a stick of incense on the Guanyin Bodhisattva incense burner), and then burn the incense on the small table. After that, the oil lamp on the big Buddha table can be extinguished.
• If the incense stick on the small table has burned out and you want to light more incense and chant sutras, but the oil lamp on the Buddhist altar has gone out, you can use a lighter to light the incense directly on the small Buddhist altar (there is no need to light more incense on the large Buddhist altar at the same time).
• If you don’t have a formal Buddhist altar at home, it’s better to have a small table like this for chanting sutras. It’s better than having no Buddhist altar at all. With a photo and an incense burner, it’s a small Buddhist altar, and at least there is a place for the Bodhisattva in your heart.
• This small Buddhist altar can be placed in the Buddhist hall or in other clean rooms.
• There is no need to offer water cups and oil lamps on the small Buddhist altar, because this is not a formal Buddhist altar. Just a picture of the Bodhisattva and an incense burner are enough. If you add water cups and oil lamps, it will be a formal Buddhist altar, but it is so small that it is not a formal Buddhist altar.
• The small Buddhist altar cannot be used for kneeling and kowtowing. You only need to light incense and put your hands together to worship. You can sit and chant scriptures on the small Buddhist altar.
• If you want to burn small houses, it is best to do so at a regular large Buddha altar, after you kowtow and pray properly. If you do not have a large Buddha altar at home, it is not appropriate to burn small houses at a small Buddha altar. You can burn incense at the small Buddha altar, and then burn small houses according to the method of burning heart incense.
• The Buddha altar on this desk cannot be used as a regular Buddha altar for kneeling and worshipping. If you do not have a regular Buddha altar at home, but want to kneel and pray or burn small houses in front of the Buddha altar, please set up a temporary Buddha altar separately (the temporary Buddha altar needs to have regular incense burners, water cups, oil lamps, etc., and the temporary Buddha altar is different from the small Buddha altar on this desk).
• The Bodhisattva statue and incense burner on the small Buddhist altar can be wrapped in red cloth and carried with you when you go out in the future. When you go out to a hotel or other place, you can offer it on the table for chanting sutras. Because the spiritual energy has been offered at home, it is better than worshiping other people’s Buddhist altars.
• Some practitioners go back to their hometowns for the New Year or are on business trips. If they need to kneel and kowtow, it is best to take a photo of the Buddha altar at home and take it out, and set up a temporary Buddha altar (incense burners, water cups, oil lamps, flowers and fruits, etc.). If you do not set up a temporary Buddha altar, you can just set up a small Buddha altar on your desk as mentioned above, and burn incense when chanting, but you cannot use it for kneeling and praying. You can only make wishes in your heart by burning incense, which is much less effective than a regular Buddha altar.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (418) 2020-10-06Q
: If the incense holder on the small Buddhist altar falls to the ground, can it still be used?
A: You can use it after wiping it clean.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (416) 2020-09-27

Q: To improve the utilization of space, my family bought a loft bed for my child. The top is the bed, the bottom is the desk and chair, and the head is the bookshelf. Can I chant sutras on the desk under the bed? Can I set up a small Buddhist altar?
A: No. With this desk, your feet and lower body are above your head. It is best not to sit under the bed.

Q: I have replaced the water cup used to worship Guandi Bodhisattva on the big Buddha altar. Now I want to use it on the small Buddha altar. Is it possible?
A: Yes.

Q: After chanting sutras and burning incense on the small Buddhist altar, is there any order for collecting the water cup, incense burner and oil lamp?
A: It doesn’t matter. You can collect them from left to right facing the Bodhisattva.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (397) 2020-07-14

Question: How long does it take for a couple to burn incense on a small Buddhist altar?

A: At least after taking a shower.

 

Question: Fellow practitioners have the intention to give away incense holders for small Buddhist altars for free. However, due to personal ability, they only give them to three types of practitioners: those who live in dormitories, those who often stay in hotels on business trips, and those who really cannot set up a large Buddhist altar at home. Is this limitation reasonable and lawful?

A: As long as you don’t make money from others, you can give to whoever you want to establish a connection with, and you can do good deeds. Many people do good deeds at first, but later they make money. You must be absolutely clean, otherwise all your previous efforts will be wasted.

 

Question: Can the Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar be directly pasted on the background painting?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (396) 2020-07-11

Q: The small Buddhist altar at home has not been used for a while and has always been covered with red cloth. When I opened it today, I found many cockroaches inside and a lot of cockroach feces under the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Can this statue and incense burner still be used?

A: Clean it up quickly. It can be used.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (395) 2020-07-09

Q: Master has said that we cannot wear slippers when burning incense. Can I burn incense on the small altar while wearing slippers?

A: A small altar is fine. It is more respectful if you take off your slippers and wear only socks.

 

Question: Can a small Buddhist altar be placed on the upper bunk of a bunk bed?

A: It is not a good idea to set it up on the bed. It is better to use a small table to set up the altar.

 

Question: I have an unused massage bed. Can I put a red cloth on it and set up a small Buddhist altar?

Answer: No, a bed is a bed, it is for sleeping. Even if it is new, it cannot be used to set up a Buddhist altar.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (394) 2020-06-24

Question: A fellow practitioner rubbed his feet with his hands, then forgot to wash his hands before burning incense, lighting small houses, and touching the Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar. Can the Bodhisattva statue still be used?

Answer: It is okay to use, he did not do it on purpose, but you still need to recite the Great Repentance to Buddha.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (391) 2020-06-21

Question: When burning incense on a small Buddhist altar, can the incense burner be moved?

Answer: It is best not to.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (Part 390) 2020-06-16

Q: In the “Xuan Yi Q&A” program on June 7, 2020, a fellow practitioner asked if the red cloth used to pad the Bodhisattva statue when burning incense on the small Buddha altar can be used to cover the Bodhisattva statue after the incense is burned. Master said that it is not very good. The pad is for padding, and it is not very good to cover the top with the pad underneath, because it covers the Bodhisattva’s head. May I ask, if the small Bodhisattva statue is first put in a red envelope and then covered with the red cloth, is it okay?

A: It is OK to cover a small Buddhist altar with a red cloth. Master may have misheard. If it is used to cover a porcelain Bodhisattva statue on a regular Buddhist altar, the red cloth will not work.

 

Question: When moving a small Buddhist altar, I accidentally dropped the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva onto the table, and a small piece of the frame was knocked off. What should I do?

Answer: If you can stick it, stick it and recite the Great Repentance to Buddha 7 times.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (389) 2020-06-12

Question: While the incense on the small Buddhist altar is still burning, can I touch the Bodhisattva statue and incense burner on the small Buddhist altar with my hands?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (388) 2020-06-07

Question: Can a small Buddhist altar be equipped with a vase, lucky bamboo, and a lotus lamp for lighting?

Answer: The small Buddhist altar can be placed anywhere.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (387) 2020-06-02

Q: Master has taught that the incense sticks on the small Buddhist altar can be cut in half. Can they be cut into three pieces?

Answer: Don’t be too frugal, half is already very short.

 

Question: This morning I dreamed of a small Buddhist altar that I had received as a gift. The incense on it was tilted and the incense burner was made of wood. In real life, a fellow practitioner really gave me a small Buddhist altar as a gift, and I plan to take it out today.

Answer: Be careful to set up the small Buddhist altar properly.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (386) 2020-05-28

Q: My family members do not believe in Buddhism. I use a small Buddhist altar to burn incense secretly. Sometimes when my family members come back, I have to put it away immediately. Can I put out the incense manually when it is not completely burned?

Answer: If there is no other way, you can only talk to the Bodhisattva yourself, pull out the incense stick, and press the incense head into the ashes to extinguish it.

 

Q: A new fellow practitioner retreated after only a few days of learning, and she returned the small Buddha altar that I had given her as a gift to me. Master has previously taught that the large Buddha altar of a fellow practitioner who retreated cannot be given as a gift. So, can the Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddha altar still be given as a gift to other fellow practitioners?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (385) 2020-05-23

Question: If it rains heavily at night, can I still burn incense on the small Buddhist altar?

Answer: Yes. First, recite the Great Compassion Mantra.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (384) 2020-05-18

Question: When putting away the Bodhisattva statue on the small altar after burning incense, can it be wrapped in red cloth and placed under the regular altar? Because Master has previously taught that Bodhisattva statues cannot be placed under the altar.

Answer: Wrap it up and turn it horizontally and put it in the drawer under the Buddhist altar.

 

Question: A small Buddhist altar is temporarily enshrined with amulet cards. Since the amulet cards are relatively thin, it is not very convenient to hold them vertically. Can they be attached to a background board with transparent tape for enshrinement?

Answer: Yes.

 

Q: I put a paper bag on my dressing table. Inside it was a small Buddhist statue (wrapped in red cloth), a small incense burner, a small house, and a Buddhist scripture. My family accidentally put some clean women’s underwear on top of the paper bag. Can these magic tools still be used?

A: It doesn’t matter.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (383) 2020-05-14

Question: There is a piece of wood that was previously used to burn small houses (it was placed under the plate for burning small houses), and it was not used many times. Now I want to make this wood into a box, cover it with yellow cloth, and use it on a small Buddhist altar to place Bodhisattva statues. Is that okay?

Answer: It cannot be used.

 

Question: There is a fixed three-layer cabinet. The top two layers are used to grow flowers and plants grown in soil. Can the lower layer be used to set up a small Buddhist altar for burning incense?

Answer: No. It belongs to Yin, and a Buddhist altar cannot be built under Yin soil.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (382) 2020-05-10

Question: In addition to placing a statue of Avalokitesvara on a small altar, can I also place a photo of all six Bodhisattva statues in the Guanyin Hall of the Oriental Altar on the altar?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (381) 202-05-06

Question: Master has previously taught that the Amitabha Sutra, Heart Sutra, and Great Repentance Sutra for self-study cannot be burned with heart incense, but must be burned in front of the Buddha altar. If there is no large Buddha altar at home, but only a small one, can I burn the Great Repentance Sutra, Amitabha Sutra, and Heart Sutra for self-study after burning incense on the small Buddha altar?

Answer: It depends on fate. It is better than having no altar at all, but certainly not as good as a big altar (it would be better to set up a temporary altar and burn incense later if conditions permit).

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (380) 2020-05-02

Question: Is it okay to set up a small Buddhist altar in a couple’s room (which has not yet been cleaned and restored)?

A: Yes. If you are not burning incense in the couple’s room, you should put it away or cover it with red cloth.

 

Q: I have a small square table at home (usually used for small houses, less than 46cm in height). Can it be used to set up a small Buddhist altar? If I put a Bodhisattva statue on it and sit on a small stool, is this okay?

Answer: No, it’s not solemn.

 

Question : I dreamed that there was a Buddhist temple in the workplace. I didn’t know who put a cigarette butt in the incense burner. I saw a remote control burning in another incense burner, so I quickly put out the fire.

Answer: The small Buddhist altar in the office must be clean, as it may be touched by someone with dirty hands.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (379) 2020-04-27

Q : Can I breastfeed my baby while the incense is lit on the small table for chanting sutras? I am not facing the small Buddhist table, but in the same room. Do I need to recite the Great Repentance to the Buddha? A: It is not very respectful. It is best to avoid the Buddhist table. It is OK to do it in another room. You can recite the Great Repentance to the Buddha once and say sorry to the Bodhisattva, because such things are very dirty. The Bodhisattva sees these things just like we see animals do something, which is very dirty.

Question : If I don’t want to move the small Buddhist altar around, can I set up a small Buddhist altar upstairs and one downstairs at home?

A: Yes.

 

Q : When burning incense on a small altar, do I have to sit in front of the small table and chant the sutras? Will it be ineffective if I stand far away?

Answer: Of course. The purpose of setting up a small Buddhist altar is to allow you to chant sutras in this place. You don’t have to light incense here and then run to another place.

 

Question : The incense I ordered online got broken during the express delivery process. Can I use it on the small Buddhist altar?

Answer: Yes, just cut it in half.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (377) 2020-04-19

Question : I don’t have a Buddhist altar at home, only a small Buddhist altar where I can burn incense. When I burn spiritual incense in the morning and evening, should I light the incense first and then burn spiritual incense, or burn spiritual incense first and then light the incense on the small Buddhist altar?

Answer: Light the incense first and then offer the heart incense.

 

Q : Can the incense on the small Buddhist altar be cut in half? Because if it is placed too high in the small incense burner, the incense will fall out.

A: Yes. (You must use special scissors to cut it, not your hands.)

 

Question : There is an old lady who cannot recite the sutras but can only chant the holy name. Can she set up a small Buddhist altar?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (376) 2020-04-15

Question: Is it better to keep the small Buddhist altar like this all the time, or is it better to put it away and only take it out when chanting sutras?

Answer: It is best to take out the small Buddhist altar when chanting sutras. It can also be put away at other times. If it is always left there, it will become a Buddhist altar, which is disrespectful.

 

Question: I haven’t set up a large Buddhist altar yet, I only have a small one. Can I keep the incense ash from the small altar and put it in the incense burner when I set up the formal Buddhist altar?

Answer: Yes.

 

Q : I have been using a small Buddhist altar to burn incense and pray for something these past two days, asking for blessings from the Bodhisattva and Master. This morning I dreamed that a young and powerful person put on a blessed amulet for me. The amulet looked like a diamond hammer, and I chose a yellow rope. I felt it was very auspicious. What does it mean?

Answer: It has received blessings, so the small Buddhist altar is also very useful.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (375) 2020-04-11

Question: I have a six-inch photo of the six Bodhisattva statues of the Guan Yin Method. Can it be used to set up a small Buddhist altar?

Answer: Yes, you can, but it is best to have a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

 

Question: The incense burner on the small Buddhist altar is very small. In order to prevent the incense ash from scattering, can a clean plastic board be placed under the incense burner?

A: Yes. Setting up a small altar to chant sutras is much more effective than just chanting by yourself. This is the Bodhisattva’s mercy to you.

 

Q : Can the small incense burner on the small Buddhist altar be placed parallel to the Bodhisattva statue? Because there is no space in front of the Bodhisattva statue.

A: Yes. The small Buddhist altar is very random.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (374) 2020-04-07

Question : I would like to use the red cloth that I used to light the Little Houses as a cushion under the small Buddhist altar for chanting sutras. Is that okay?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (373) 2020-04-01

Q : Master has said that as long as the couple’s room is clean, a small Buddhist altar can be set up. We rarely have sex, once every six months. We also sleep in separate blankets at night, not in the same bed. Is it clean? Can a small Buddhist altar be set up?

Answer: It is not too clean, and it is not considered pure cultivation. Setting up a small Buddhist altar is not a big problem.

 

Q : Master has said that as long as you chant sutras at the small altar, you can burn incense at 10 pm or 12 noon. So, is it okay after 12 noon? What is the latest time to go?

Answer: It is best not to exceed 12 o’clock at night. It is not good to be too late.

 

Q : Does the Guanyin Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar need to be consecrated? What is the difference between consecrating and not consecrating?

A: There is no difference, it does not need to be consecrated. The Bodhisattva on the small Buddhist altar is a kind of induction, not a Buddhist altar, just like the Bodhisattva pendant worn on the body.

 

Question : Can I place the Great Compassion Mantra that Master has blessed behind a small Buddhist altar?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (371) 2020-03-24

Question : I don’t have a formal Buddhist altar at home, but I have set up a small altar. Will the Bodhisattva enter the small altar?

A: Bodhisattvas will not come to the small Buddhist altar, but they know you are chanting. The small Buddhist altar is equivalent to a broadcasting tower.

 

Question : A fellow practitioner has set up a small Buddhist altar on his desk and put up a background painting. Now he is going on a business trip and wants to take the Bodhisattva statue and incense burner on the small Buddhist altar with him to set up the small Buddhist altar in the hotel. Because Master has said that background paintings can only be placed behind the Bodhisattva statue, and if there is no Bodhisattva statue, you cannot just put up background paintings at home. So, during the business trip, do I need to take down the background painting behind the small Buddhist altar? If I am on a business trip for a long time, for several weeks or months, is it okay?

A: It doesn’t matter.

 

Question : A fellow practitioner does not have a formal large Buddha altar at home, but only a small Buddha altar for chanting sutras. At 12:00 a.m. on the Buddha’s birthday, he wants to burn incense on the small Buddha altar. After burning incense on the small Buddha altar, can he chant sutras all night long?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (369) 2020-03-15

Q : Regarding the small Buddhist altar, my regular Buddhist altar is upstairs, and I live downstairs. When I chant sutras, I want to burn incense on the small Buddhist altar in my room. How should I light incense? Should I first burn incense and kowtow upstairs, then light a stick of incense, run downstairs and insert it in the incense burner on the small Buddhist altar, then go back upstairs to extinguish the oil lamp, and then go downstairs to chant sutras?

Answer: A small Buddha altar is the most convenient method. There is no need to burn incense on the big Buddha altar first. Just light a stick of incense with a lighter and insert it into the incense burner of the small Buddha altar. It will not affect the kowtow and chanting on the big Buddha altar.

 

Q : There is a cabinet under my Buddhist altar, and I took down the cabinet door (the Buddhist altar is covered with a Buddhist altar cloth). Can I use this door to make a small Buddhist altar table?

Answer: It depends on fate.

 

Question : A fellow practitioner’s home has limited conditions, so he put a small table on a chair. Can this table be used as a small Buddhist altar to place a small incense burner and a Bodhisattva statue?

A: A small incense burner or a Bodhisattva statue is fine. Bodhisattvas are all compassionate. It doesn’t matter. A small incense burner represents your heart. Bodhisattvas don’t come to the altar. It means that you are chanting here. As long as you light incense, Bodhisattvas will know. Let Bodhisattvas know that you are chanting, and your power will be greater. Bodhisattvas or Dharma protectors may not know that you chant normally, and they will not bless you. No matter what, as long as you have a small incense burner and a small place, no matter how simple you are, Bodhisattvas will know your heart.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (367) 2020-03-04

Question: Are there any rituals required to set up a small Buddhist altar?

Answer: No need.

 

Q: Can I use incense sticks in the incense burner on the small Buddhist altar? That is, I don’t need to use incense ash, I can just stick it directly into the hole of the incense burner.

Answer: Yes.

 

Q: After I burn incense on the small Buddhist altar, can I do housework while chanting? That is, I don’t sit at the table to chant after I burn incense.

Answer: It should be possible.

 

Q: Can a small Buddhist altar for chanting sutras be set up in the basement without a large Buddhist altar? There are wine and drinks in the basement.

A: It is best not to put the altar in the basement. The higher the altar, the better. If conditions are not favorable, keep away from alcohol.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (365) 2020-02-24

Question: Should the small Buddhist altar be located behind it, like a regular Buddhist altar, with no kitchen, bathroom or couple’s bedroom?

A: The small Buddhist altar can be set up at your own convenience, usually on your desk, dressing table, etc. The significance of the small Buddhist altar is that placing a Bodhisattva statue in the place where you often chant sutras and burn small houses is like hanging a pendant in your heart.

 

Q: Master said that the height of the small Buddhist altar can be any, as long as the Bodhisattva statue is not lower than our head when we sit. Usually when we sit at a desk, the amulet cards or Bodhisattva photos placed on the desk are lower than our head when we sit. Do we need to raise it?

A: It doesn’t matter if it is lower than your head. This small altar is a random altar, it is your mind, wherever you go, your mind goes, sometimes it is high, sometimes it is low, it is carried in your heart, it doesn’t matter if it is high or low, it is not fixed.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (364) 2020-02-20 

Question : There is the Great Compassion Mantra hanging on the wall. Can I place a small Buddhist altar on the table below the Great Compassion Mantra and put a photo of the Bodhisattva and an incense burner on it?

Answer: Yes.

 

Question : Can a background painting be placed on a small Buddhist altar?

Answer: Yes.

 

Master Lu’s Teachings and Answers to Questions from Letters (360) 2020-01-29

Question: Master has said, “If you want your Little Houses to be more effective, you can light a stick of incense in front of the Buddha altar (you can extinguish the oil lamp after lighting the incense), then place a photo of Guanyin Bodhisattva on your small table, light a stick of incense in a small incense burner, and recite sutras and light Little Houses at the same time. The energy will increase several times.” If there is no formal Buddha altar at home, can you burn incense this way?

A: This is the best. If you don’t have a Buddhist altar, a small table for chanting sutras is better than nothing. A photo and an incense burner are a small Buddhist altar. At least you have a place for the Bodhisattva in your heart.

 

Wenda20201011 13:35

Can a small Buddhist altar burn self-preserved scriptures?

Female listener: Master, can I use a small Buddhist altar to burn my own Great Repentance Prayer to Buddha and Amitabha Sutra?

Master Lu: A small Buddhist altar is fine.

 

Wenda20201011 12:51

Can girls clean the incense burner on the small Buddhist altar during menstruation?

Female listener: Master, can a girl clean the incense burner on the small Buddhist altar during her menstrual period?

Master: Just be clean. (OK)

 

Wenda20201009 01:11:15

Can I still use the small incense burner if I hold it between my knees?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner set up a small Buddhist altar. When he was cleaning up the altar, the small incense burner accidentally fell down. He just caught it with his knees and prevented it from falling to the ground. Can the small incense burner still be used?

Master: Yes.

 

Wenda20201004 02:23

The small Buddha stand in the box is suitable for outdoor use

Female listener: Nowadays, many fellow practitioners still make the small Buddha altar into a box. We have also seen Master give a teaching saying that small Buddha altars in a box are a bit strange. So they continue to use this box-shaped one. Is that okay?

Master Lu: Yes. You have to remember that as long as you have a Buddha in your heart… the box-shaped one is not suitable for home. You have made it so complicated. The box-shaped one is meant to be taken out (Yes, it is meant to be taken out). When you go out to travel, sometimes it is so cute to have a small Buddha altar (Yes). If you have a box-shaped one at home, it is not too casual. The original meaning of the small Buddha altar is to let you light a stick of incense at home when you are not burning incense, so that you can chant better.

 

Wenda20201002 01:09:31

It is not suitable to supply bottled water alone on a small Buddhist altar

Female listener: If there are no water cups provided at the small Buddhist altar, is it okay to only provide bottled water?

Master: Bottled water? You have to pour it out. If you don’t pour it out, why would you offer bottled water? (If the small altar has water in cups, can you still offer bottled water?) Yes, it doesn’t matter if you offer more water.

 

Wenda20200927 03:12

Can the flowers and fruits offered on the small Buddhist altar be put away and then be offered again next time?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner has a small altar with water, incense burners, oil lamps, flowers and fruits. After chanting sutras, the altar is put away. Can the flowers and fruits be taken out and offered again next time? Or do we need to replace them with new ones every time?

Master Lu: Both are fine. As long as the flowers are still there after you put them away, you can offer them. If they have withered, you can’t offer them.

 

Wenda20200927 01:41

I am old and it is inconvenient for me to get out of bed. Can I set up a small Buddhist altar on my bed?

Female listener: My fellow practitioner is old and often recites sutras while sitting on the bed. He puts a small table on the bed and offers Bodhisattva sacrifices to it while reciting the sutras. It is equivalent to placing a small Buddhist altar on the bed. Is this okay?

Master: How old are you? (He didn’t say, just that he’s very old and it might be difficult for him to get out of bed.) That’s okay.

 

Wenda20200925 01:24:26

Can a small Buddhist altar be set up in a private room in a hospital?

Female listener: I would like to ask Master, can a small Buddhist altar be set up in a private room in the hospital?

Master Lu: It is allowed in the private room of the hospital, with the small Buddhist altar that I mentioned (yes, it is a small Buddhist altar).

 

Wenda20200918 47:58

Can a small altar be used to burn incense according to the procedure of a large altar?

Male listener: Now the small Buddhist altar used for chanting sutras can be provided with water and oil lamps. Master, if water and oil lamps are provided, can the incense burning ceremony be performed according to the process of the large Buddhist altar?

Master: Actually, a small altar is the simplest, because it is not the Bodhisattva who comes to the altar. So if you build a large altar, it is always right to respect it, but it is not necessary. The large altar is for you to kowtow and make offerings, and the small altar is equivalent to allowing you to contact the Bodhisattva at any time (I understand)

 

Wenda20200906 26:39

Regarding getting up at 3 o’clock

Female listener: A fellow practitioner asked, he usually gets up at 3:15 in the morning, and then around 3:30, can he burn incense and read “Buddhism in Plain Language” at the small Buddhist altar?

Master Lu: Getting up at 3:30 to read “Buddhism in Plain Language” would scare even Master. Why does he have to get up at 3:30 every day? (He said he wanted to keep making progress, but I don’t know.) Getting up at 3 o’clock to “make progress”? You can ask him to get up between 2 and 5 o’clock every night to “make progress”, and he will soon be able to “make progress” there. If you suddenly appear in a dimly lit place between 2 and 5 o’clock, people will be scared to death.

 

Wenda20200904 42:22

Can I burn incense on the small Buddhist altar during my menstrual period?

Female listener: Master, can I burn incense on the small Buddhist altar when I have my menstrual period?

Master: Yes, it’s okay. (Is there anything I need to be careful about?) There’s nothing to be careful about. Just wash your hands and clean your body before burning incense.

 

Wenda20200828 50:07

Small Buddhist platforms can also be supplied with water if conditions permit

Female listener: A Buddhist friend offered a Great Compassion Water Cup on a small altar without knowing it. Later he found out that small altars do not need water, so he took it down. Can this water cup still be offered on the large altar?

Master: Yes. Your small altar has the conditions, why don’t you provide water? Small altars don’t need water, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide water or open up wisdom. You can’t do anything in this room today because it’s too small, but that doesn’t mean…some things can be done in the room, why don’t you do them? Do good deeds, why don’t you do them? Is it wrong to be more respectful to the Bodhisattva? (I understand)

 

Wenda20200816 01:08:31

The incense hole on the small Buddhist altar is too big, causing the incense to tilt. What should I do?

Female listener: Because the hole for the incense stick on the small Buddhist table is too big, the incense stick is often tilted when inserted, and it will shake when the wind blows or the table shakes. Is this okay?

Master Lu: The problem is that the hole is too big for the incense. You can find a way to put a toothpick in it, or use a small piece of iron to make it smaller.

 

Wenda20200814 03:26

If the small Buddhist altar is not refilled with incense, red cloth should be spread as soon as possible.

Female listener: Master, after the incense on the small Buddhist altar has burned out, if we do not refill it, can we spread the red cloth immediately, or is it better to wait a few minutes before spreading the red cloth?

Master Lu: If you don’t want to refill the incense, you should spread the red cloth immediately, because the incense has burned out. In modern terms, it is like hanging up the phone. Why are you still holding the phone? If you don’t talk on your phone anymore, why are you still holding the phone? (I understand)

 

Wenda20200802 57:41

What should be paid attention to when making Bodhisattva statues and background paintings for small Buddhist altars?

Female listener: Master, if I am making a picture of a Bodhisattva for a small Buddhist altar, or a background painting for a small Buddhist altar, what should I pay attention to? If there are any mistakes or omissions, I ask Guanyin Bodhisattva and the Dharma Protectors to forgive me with compassion, is that right?

Master: Yes, it doesn’t matter.

 

Wenda20200802 43:08

I live in a semi-basement and only have a small Buddhist altar. Can I burn small houses?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner lives in a semi-basement and does not have a formal altar, only a small one. Can I burn incense and send Little Houses on the small altar in the semi-basement?

Master Lu: It depends. It doesn’t matter. It’s best to have a Buddhist altar. If you don’t have one, you can burn small houses during the day, not at night.

 

Wenda20200802 42:52

The gentleman is not wearing a shirt, can I burn incense on the small Buddhist altar?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner has only one room at home. Her husband does not cultivate his mind. He does not like to wear a shirt in the summer and is shirtless. When he is like this, can I burn incense at the small Buddhist altar?

Master Lu: Just don’t get too close to her husband.

 

Wenda20200719 14:20

What to do if a Bodhisattva statue is stepped on by a child

Female listener: A fellow practitioner’s 3-year-old granddaughter accidentally stepped on the Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar. The Bodhisattva statue was lying flat and wrapped in red cloth. Master, how many times should the fellow practitioner recite the Great Repentance to the Buddha for this?

Master: At least 21 times. How did my granddaughter get into it? (She stepped on it accidentally, she is just over 3 years old) No, no matter what, she stepped on it (Can the Bodhisattva statue still be used?) You will know after you finish reciting the Great Repentance to Buddha 21 times (OK, thank you Master)

 

Wenda20200719 03:20

If a Bodhisattva statue falls to the ground, how should I recite the Great Repentance to Buddha?

Female listener: Master, the Bodhisattva statue on the small altar fell to the ground. How many times should I recite the Great Repentance to the Buddha?

Master Lu: You can do anything. The statues on the altar often fall down. Sigh! (I’m sorry, Master) Recite well until your mind is free of worries.

 

Wenda20200717 31:48  

How to pray when setting up a small Buddhist altar

 

Wenda20200712 27:50

It would be better to set up a small Buddhist altar and recite the Great Compassion Mantra 7 times and the Heart Sutra 7 times

Female listener: A fellow practitioner dreamed that setting up a small Buddhist altar required reciting the Great Compassion Mantra seven times and the Heart Sutra seven times. Master, is this universal?

Master: Isn’t this “seven seven seven”? [7 times Great Compassion Mantra, 7 times Heart Sutra, 7 times Buddha Worship Great Repentance], the same. It’s similar to the opening ceremony (It’s OK, right?) Of course it’s OK (Is it necessary to recite it, or will it be better if you recite it?) It’s better if you recite it.

 

Wenda20200712 05:08

Can the top of the wardrobe be used as a small Buddhist altar?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner’s dormitory has bunk beds, and he lives on the upper bunk. There is a wardrobe next to the bed. Can he put a Bodhisattva statue and a small incense burner on top of the wardrobe and use the top of the wardrobe as a small Buddhist altar?

Master: What should be placed underneath? (There is a wardrobe underneath) The wardrobe should be clean. It is best to put books and other things in it. It is best to keep it as far away as possible. Underwear should not be placed there. (OK)

 

Wenda20200710 01:27:49

The child’s diaper is placed on the small Buddhist table. Can the small Buddhist table still be used?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner’s child’s dirty diapers and changing pad were placed on the small Buddhist altar for less than a minute. Can this small Buddhist altar still be used?

Master: Yes, recite the Great Repentance to Buddha three times.

 

Wenda20200703 41:42

Can a small Buddhist altar only be dedicated to Guandi Bodhisattva?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner has been chanting sutras for his child for nearly ten years, and the child has finally become somewhat enlightened. Recently, he wants to invite Guandi Bodhisattva to his place, but currently the affinity is only shown with Guandi Bodhisattva. Master, can he make a small altar to only worship Guandi Bodhisattva?

Master Lu: You must have Guanyin Bodhisattva, because you are the Guan Yin Method, you must have Guanyin Bodhisattva. If you worship Guanyin Bodhisattva today, even if Guandi Bodhisattva is not here and you don’t have any offerings, Guandi Bodhisattva will take care of you and help you, because the Bodhisattvas and the Guanyin method are together. But if you don’t worship Guanyin Bodhisattva of your own method today, then you are deviating from the true purpose, right? The purpose of the Guan Yin Method is compassion, which is to worship Guanyin Bodhisattva (I understand)

 

Wenda20200703 02:04

The issue of setting up a small Buddhist altar for chanting sutras in a hotel

Female listener: A fellow practitioner recently had to stay in a hotel for 14 days due to some reasons. He also had three children under the age of four. During his stay in the hotel, the fellow practitioner set up a small Buddhist altar because Master had previously taught that the aura in a hotel room is not good (it’s okay) and it’s best not to recite the Heart Sutra and the Rebirth Mantra, nor burn small houses. The fellow practitioner would like to ask, if a small Buddhist altar is set up, can the sutras be recited at the normal time every day? Can small houses be burned in the hotel?

Master Lu: Yes. Under normal circumstances, you can just recite the sutras. Generally, there is no problem because the Buddha is in your heart.

 

Wenda20200621 18:11  

About the Portable Buddha Altar

Female listener: Master, regarding the portable Buddha altar, a fellow practitioner placed the altar in a small box, like a small suitcase, and installed a small LED light inside. He wanted to ask if this is reasonable and lawful?

Master: It doesn’t matter, just don’t make it look too weird. If you install a light and make people feel weird, that’s not good (this one looks quite blissful, and you can carry it with you). If it makes people blissful, that’s fine; if it looks weird and creepy, then there’s a problem.

 

Wenda20200619 42:27

Can fellow practitioners who lead incense pray for their own affairs?

Female listener: Sometimes several practitioners burn incense together at the small altar, but because they are afraid of too much smoke, they take turns to have one practitioner burn incense each time. Master, can the practitioner who leads the incense pray for his own affairs? Just like burning incense by yourself at ordinary times.

Master: Pray for others first, then for yourself. (When several people burn incense together, if only one stick of incense is burned, the fellow practitioner who burns incense should also pray for everyone first?) Yes. You can’t be selfish when you receive incense. There are so many people, can you pray for yourself when receiving incense? First, the Dharma Protectors will not forgive you, and they will tell you, “You selfish little person, go to the back!” (I understand. The big and small Buddha platforms are the same, right?) The same. For example, when receiving incense, you should say, “I pray for the Bodhisattva’s nectar to be sprinkled on behalf of the Guanyin Hall of so-and-so, and the Buddha’s light to shine on all the fellow practitioners, so that all the fellow practitioners can be healthy, eliminate disasters, and have good fortune, and live long and healthy.” After praying, you can say, “Please bless my family to be safe too.” That’s enough. If you run up and say, “Please bless my family to be safe too,” and everyone kowtows for you, can you bear it? (I understand, Master) If you don’t ask this question, it’s really important. Many people kowtow with others… Although you can get a little, you will bear everyone’s karma. Do you think you are receiving incense? You have to bear the karma when you receive incense. Not only do you have to bear the karma, but you also have to pray for your family. Your family members will… That’s why many temples didn’t give the front position to receive incense in the past. Because the more you stand in the front, kowtow, and help the people behind you, the more you have to bear the karma (understand). Let me ask you, if there is a problem in the front of a group of people, the people in the front will always be the first to suffer, right? (Yes) If you see something, the people behind can escape, and the people in the front will definitely rush over (Thank you, Master, I understand. In addition to the brothers and sisters who receive incense in the Guanyin Hall, if you are at home at a small Buddhist altar and several fellow practitioners burn incense) the same (good) If there are elders, you’d better hide behind. The elders’ karma is generally bigger, because they have created a lot of karma in their lifetime. When they are old, they are not in good health and will have some retribution in various aspects, so you help them bear it in front of them (When we burn incense in the Guanyin Hall, is it better to kneel behind the elders?) Of course. You don’t understand. Many people think they are buying vegetables? Kneeling in front, the Bodhisattva can’t see you from behind? If Master is in front of you, supporting you and carrying you, then of course the further you go, the better. (Thank you, Master)

 

Wenda20200614 49:16

The small Buddhist altar is wrapped with red cloth and placed upside down.

Female listener: After a day of chanting sutras on the small Buddhist altar, it needs to be wrapped with red cloth. Should it be placed upside down or upright?

Master: Fall down, of course fall down (OK, thank you Master)

 

Wenda20200607 41:04  

Can I have a small hanging Buddhist altar beside the bed?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner lives in a dormitory with upper and lower bunk beds. He lives on the upper bunk. He wants to nail a board on the suspended space next to the upper bunk and set up a small Buddhist altar. Is this okay?

Master: Yes, you can. The place for the small altar depends on your circumstances. (So is it better to place the small altar at the head of the bed or at the side?) The side.

 

Wenda20200607 37:49  

When thunder strikes, you can burn incense on the small Buddhist altar.

Female listener : Can I burn incense on the small Buddhist altar when there is thunder?

Master : Yes.

 

Wenda20200607 32:57  

You cannot set up a small Buddhist altar in your car.

Female listener: My fellow practitioner’s family members do not believe in Buddhism, so I cannot set up a Buddhist altar, not even a small one. Can I light incense and set up a small Buddhist altar to chant sutras in my car?

Master: It’s best not to. For a small Buddhist altar, don’t light incense in the car. Just put a photo there and chant. You can’t light incense. If you light incense, you’re afraid that the car will be out of touch with the earth. (Okay, thank you Master)

 

Wenda20200607 31:13

The red cloth used to cover the small Buddhist altar should not be used to cover the Bodhisattva statue.

Female listener: When the small altar is not burning incense, must the Bodhisattva statue be covered with red cloth? Is it okay to use red envelope paper?

Master: Yes. (The red cloth used to pad the Bodhisattva statue when burning incense, can it be used to cover the Bodhisattva statue after burning incense?) It’s not very good. It’s a pad. It’s not very good to cover the top with the pad underneath, because you are covering the Bodhisattva’s head. (Okay, thank you Master.)

 

Wenda20200607 30:12

Can a small Buddhist altar use broken incense sticks?

Female listener: Master has taught that if the long incense is split into two and the short incense is used on the small Buddhist altar, it is OK. Sometimes the incense you buy is broken when you open it. Can you use the broken incense or cut the broken incense into half the length of the normal incense and use it on the small Buddhist altar? Is that OK?

Master: Yes, you can use any unused ones, but you cannot break them with your hands. You must use scissors to cut them neatly… Use special, clean scissors. (Okay, thank you, Master)

 

Wenda20200529 02:25

Can I make a wish or call back my soul at the small Buddhist altar?

Female listener: Master, can I make a big wish on the small Buddha altar? For example: preach from personal experience, eat vegetarian food, respect teachers and honor virtues.

Master: Yes (Can a small altar be used to call back souls?) Both are fine. It’s just that if you have a large altar, it’s best to use the large one. If you don’t have a large altar, use a small one (because many fellow practitioners rent a house from others). It doesn’t matter. If you have a large altar, it’s best to use the large one (do you also need to recite the Great Compassion Mantra and the Heart Sutra at the same time before you can make these great wishes?) The format is the same as for a large altar. If you don’t have a large altar, you can only make wishes on a small one, which is better than having no altar (I understand)

 

Wenda20200515 16:33  

The question of the size of the small Buddhist altar for the Bodhisattva statue

Female listener: Master taught in the program that Tai Sui Bodhisattva can also be enshrined on a small altar. If the small altar is to enshrine Guanyin Bodhisattva and Tai Sui Bodhisattva, should each statue not be larger than an A4 paper, or should the two statues together not be larger than an A4 paper?

Master Lu: The size of the altar depends on your circumstances. It doesn’t have to be too big. There is no particular requirement. (OK)

 

Wenda20200515 15:07  

Can the incense burner on the small Buddha stand be used on the large Buddha stand?

Female listener: Hello, Master. If I no longer worship the small Buddha altar and want to change to a large Buddha altar, can I use the incense burner of the small Buddha altar on the large Buddha altar?

Master: Yes.

 

Wenda20200503 01:03:37   

If there is no big Buddha platform, can I burn incense on a small Buddha platform?

Female listener: Can I burn big incense on a small Buddhist altar on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month and on Buddha’s birthday?

Master Lu: If you don’t have a Buddhist altar, you can go there. If you have one, try to use a big one. After all, Bodhisattvas won’t come to a small one. They just know that it’s a transit station. (Okay, I understand.)

 

Wenda20200503 01:02:26   

Can the Bodhisattva image frame be temporarily white?

Female listener: Since we cannot find a gold frame for the Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar, is it appropriate to use a white frame temporarily?

Master: Yes, but don’t use the black one (OK)

 

Wenda20200501 10:06  

A smaller version of the Big Buddha Platform is also available on the Small Buddha Platform.

Female listener: Can I print the four words “Taisui Bodhisattva” on Master’s photo and place it on a small Buddhist altar for worship?

Master Lu: No, you can just put the four characters “太遂佛寺” (Is that okay?) It’s OK, you can put a smaller version of the big altar on the small altar (OK)

 

Wenda20200426 37:26   

The small Buddhist altar can also be used for persuasion and name change.

Female listener: Master taught in the past that persuasion and renaming articles must be done at a Buddhist altar. Now Buddhist friends have set up small Buddhist altars, but Master said that Bodhisattvas may not necessarily come to these small Buddhist altars. Can persuasion and renaming articles be done at small Buddhist altars?

Master: You can do either. A small altar is the most convenient and the most casual. In fact, the Bodhisattva will know you, but the Bodhisattva will not come. In this way, you can avoid a lot of tedious things… Sometimes, because the person’s conditions are not good, the family conditions are not good, and the conditions for setting up an altar are very high. Otherwise, the Dharma Protectors will have opinions and punish you. But this small altar is equivalent to a casual “contact station” or “contact point”. The Bodhisattvas know it, but it is not very formal, because your family conditions are not good (the Bodhisattva is so good. Thank you, Master)

 

 Wenda20200426 04:02  

Can I light incense and chant sutras directly on the small Buddhist altar?

Male listener: When chanting in front of a small Buddha altar, if I don’t first light the oil lamps and incense of the large Buddha altar, and directly light the incense of the small altar and chant, how different will the effect be?

Master: No, because as long as you recite the sutras, light Little Houses, and do good deeds, you will practice all good deeds.

 

Wenda20200419 06:51   

What does the curling of the small Buddhist incense indicate?

Male listener: Master, is the curling of incense on the small Buddha stand a proof that the Bodhisattva has come?

Master: It’s the same as the big altar. If the small altar is curled, there is another possibility that the Bodhisattva has connected with him, but the Bodhisattva has not come to the small altar. However, the Bodhisattva told him, “I know you are chanting the sutra, I know you are praying.” (Is it because his heart is connected with the Bodhisattva?) Yes, this is a more modern way of explaining the Fa.

 

Wenda20200417 43:53   

If there is no big Buddha altar, can I burn incense and call the soul on a small Buddha altar?

Female listener: Master, hello. If I don’t have a large Buddha altar at home, can I burn incense and pay respects at a small Buddha altar in the morning?

Master Lu: Yes. (Can we call back the soul at a small altar after 6am?) Yes, you can. If there is no big altar, you can only use a small altar. There is no other way. It is better to have a small altar than no altar at all.

 

Wenda20200417 00:45   

When the small Buddhist altar is not chanting sutras, you can also cover it with red cloth

Female listener: The latest letter answers Master’s teaching: It is best to take out the small Buddhist altar when chanting sutras. It is also OK to put it away at other times. If it is always left there, it will become a Buddhist altar, which is disrespectful. Master, when not chanting sutras on the small Buddhist altar, do we have to put it away? Or can we put a red cloth on it?

Master: It’s okay to spread red cloth. It’s not necessary. In fact, a small altar is just for chance. This is not like a Buddhist altar. It’s just for chance. Bodhisattvas don’t come to the small altar. If you really make a good small altar, Bodhisattvas may come. But generally, a small altar is not to invite Bodhisattvas to come. It is a transit station. Bodhisattvas can see you in heaven. When you burn incense and recite the sutra, Bodhisattvas will record it for you. There are heavenly officials who will help you record that you are doing good deeds and reciting the sutra (I understand. If you don’t burn incense and recite the sutra in front of the small altar, is it the same as not having a small altar?) Let me give you a simple example. When you burn incense, can the Dharma protectors see it? How much energy do you think you have in your heart? People say that Bodhisattvas will come after one stick of incense. Bodhisattvas come because they care about you and know that you are asking for help from Bodhisattvas. Do you understand? (I understand. Thank you Master)

 

Wenda20200412 37:14   

The small Buddhist altar is in the bedroom. Can I urinate in the bedroom at night?

Male listener: A fellow practitioner lives in the countryside and has a small Buddhist altar in the bedroom. The man in the family urinates in the bedroom at night, so the Bodhisattva statue and incense burner have been covered with red cloth. Is this okay?

Master: Yes, it’s okay. Just cover your urinal lid, because it has energy inside.

 

Wenda20200412 34:38   

The small Buddhist altar can be used to burn incense at any time

Male audience: Master, you once gave a teaching on burning incense. For a large Buddha altar, you can burn incense after 5 a.m. If it is a small Buddha altar, after what time can you burn incense?

Master: At any time, it is even more severe. Because there is no darkness in the sky, his small altar is a little more incense because it is a transit station, not a Bodhisattva’s altar (Understood)

 

Wenda20200410 34:40   

Can I ask for a disciple certificate on a small Buddhist altar?

Female listener: Can we take out our disciple certificate from the small Buddhist altar and ask for the Bodhisattva’s blessing?

Master: Yes. (Does it need to be opened?) No.

 

Wenda20200410 34:04  

When you are standing and offering incense on the small Buddhist altar, are you looking down at the Bodhisattva ?

Question: When standing in front of the small Buddha altar to burn incense and chant sutras, one is looking down at the Bodhisattva statue. Master, is this okay?

A: You don’t need to stand up. You can burn incense even if you are sitting. Because I have told you again and again that the Bodhisattva will not come up to the small Buddha platform. It is just a transit station. The Bodhisattva can see you through it. Of course, it is best to stand up. Generally, you should bow after inserting the incense while standing, put your hands together, and lower your head (I understand)

 

Wenda20200410 19:18   

The small Buddhist altar can accommodate A4-sized Bodhisattva statues

Female listener: Master, you said that the Bodhisattva statue on the small altar should be smaller than A4. So can an A4-sized statue be used for worship?

Master Lu: A4 is fine.

 

Wenda20200405 21:13

The Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar should be smaller than A4

Male listener: Master has said that the Bodhisattva statues placed on small altars cannot be attracted by spirits because they are too small. Master has previously said that photos placed at home should not be larger than 6 inches, as larger photos can easily attract spirits. So, does that mean the Bodhisattva statues on our small altars cannot be larger than A4? Is that right?

Master: It cannot be larger than A4. If you allow spirits to enter, you will be disrespectful, because this is not a Buddhist altar, but a small “contact station” (Yes. A4 is OK, but it cannot be larger than A4, is that right?) No (Must it be smaller than A4?) Yes, logically speaking, it should be like this (Okay, now everyone understands)

 

Wenda20200329 10:58  

Will spirits enter the small Buddha platform?

Question: A fellow practitioner’s home is not convenient for setting up a Buddhist altar, so he has set up a small Buddhist altar. He wants to ask, since the small Buddhist altar has no oil lamps, and no water or fruit, will spirits enter?

A: No, it is just small. A small altar is small, so they cannot come (I understand. Master has taught that a small altar is like a “transit station”. Bodhisattvas know that we are chanting sutras and can bless us) Yes, this place is not where you “live”. For example, if Bodhisattvas come to a large altar, some spirits will come when they see that Bodhisattvas rarely come. Such a small altar is originally a “transit station”. They have no way to live, and there is not even a place to live.

 

 Wenda20200329 01:20  

On special days, the small altar can be used to burn the first incense sticks and continue the incense until 2 a.m.

Question: On important days for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, can we light the first incense at the small altar and chant sutras all night long?

Answer: Yes, you can (Can you burn incense until 2 a.m.? Can you still burn incense and chant sutras after 2 a.m.?) It’s better not to, because the altar is too small (If it is the altar at home, it is okay, right?) It is okay at the altar at home, because the altar at home is big.

 

Wenda20200329 01:05

You can put a red cloth under the small Buddhist altar

Male listener: Master, when burning incense, is it okay to put a red cloth under the small altar?

Master: Yes.

 

Wenda 20200320 43:38  

The wish to recite the sutra 100,000 times can be made in front of the small Buddha altar.

Question: Master, you have taught that if one wishes to recite a scripture 100,000 times, one must burn incense in front of a Buddhist altar before making the vow. If fellow practitioners do not have a Buddhist altar yet, can they make the vow in front of a small altar?

Answer: Yes, you can (because Bodhisattvas usually do not come directly to the small altar), but the Bodhisattva you are talking about will still know.

 

Wenda20200320 31:33

What should I do if I accidentally knock over the Bodhisattva statue and incense on the small Buddhist altar?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner’s daughter accidentally knocked over the Bodhisattva statue on the small Buddhist altar. The statue fell onto the table and the incense burning on the altar also fell and broke. How many times should he recite the Great Repentance to the Buddha for his child?

Master Lu: 7 times.

 

Wenda 20200320 27:32  

You can burn three incense sticks on the small altar and burn incense until 12 o’clock at night

Question: Can I burn three incense sticks on a small Buddhist altar?

A: Yes (Master also said that it is best not to tidy up the altar after 12 o’clock at night. Can I wipe the incense ash that falls from the small altar after 12 o’clock at night?) Both are fine. Do not move the incense burner or cup after 12 o’clock (that is, on the big altar, it does not matter on the small altar, right?) It does not matter, the small altar is fine (can I continue to burn incense until 12 o’clock after 10 o’clock at night, the small altar is fine?) Both are fine.

 

Wenda20200315 47:32   

It is best to use the same incense for the small and large Buddha altars.

Female listener: Master, can the incense for a small altar be different from that for a large altar?

Master Lu: It’s best if they are the same.

 

Wenda20200308 57:41   

The table under the bed cannot be used as a Buddhist altar, but a small Buddhist altar can be used.

Female listener: My fellow practitioner’s dormitory bed in university is on top, and there is a table below, which is a connected piece. No one sleeps on the bed, but some sundries are placed on it. Can the table below be used as a small Buddhist altar?

Master Lu: You cannot set up a Buddhist altar because it is disrespectful to place it under the bed. (If you cannot set up a Buddhist altar, then can you set up a small one?) A small Buddhist altar is completely fine.

 

Wenda20200308 54:36   

Can I place photos of my living parents on a small Buddhist altar?

Female listener: Master, you said that if you want to pray for your parents at home and they are not in good health, it is also good to put their photos on the small altar, but the photos should be put away after burning the incense. Fellow practitioners would like to ask, if you put this photo, should it be placed vertically or flat on the table?

Master Lu: You can’t release it. You can only release it when you are really seriously ill. Don’t release it. Try not to release it (or don’t release it in general?). Don’t release it, because it hasn’t left yet. You can only not release it. You can’t release it.

  

Wenda20200301 03:13   

Given limited conditions, is it possible to set up a mobile small Buddhist altar?

Male listener: Master, there is an old lady whose family conditions are very limited. She lives with her son and his family. None of her family members believe in Buddhism. The house is small and there is no Buddhist altar. She is very sad. Now she often recites sutras in the kitchen or hallway. Sometimes there is no place to recite sutras. Master, she wants to set up a small mobile Buddhist altar to worship the Bodhisattva. Is that okay? Because the place to recite sutras is not fixed.

Master: There is no other way but this (she is very diligent and recites more than 10 Little Houses every day, but her family conditions are really too limited). That is the only way. Do it this way for now, and then improve it when conditions permit.

 

Wenda20200223 36:52  

The amulet of the small Buddha table can be placed on the calendar with the photo of the master .

Question: Master, can I place a calendar with Master’s photo on the back of the Guanyin Bodhisattva amulet card on the small altar? Master’s photo would be better than…

A: Yes, it doesn’t matter, just lean on it. You’d better hang a yellow cloth or a red cloth on the Master’s desk calendar to cover it (I understand)

 

Wenda20200221 18:35  

The small Buddhist altar is always refilling incense. If I have distracting thoughts or take a break to look at my phone, will it be recorded by the guardian ?

Question: If I chant sutras all day long and keep refilling incense on the small Buddhist altar, and in the middle of the day I have distracting thoughts or I get tired of chanting and lie down for a while, or check my phone, will this be recorded by the guardian deity?

A: It doesn’t matter. You can’t read the sutras while looking at your phone. At least you should stop and look at your phone when you have a break.

 

Wenda20200221 00:57  

You can also set up a small Buddhist altar in your own yard and put it away immediately after chanting.

Female listener: Master, hello. A fellow practitioner asked, when he sits in the yard every day in the sun and recites sutras, can he put a small table in the yard, set up a small Buddhist altar, put a picture of the Bodhisattva and a small incense burner to burn incense?

Master Lu: Yes, you can. It’s best not to affect others because if you are in the yard, it’s open to the public. If it’s your own yard, you can do it. If it’s a common yard, don’t do it (I understand. He puts it away at night) It’s not good to put it in the yard, empty. After chanting, you have to put it away, not at night (Okay. Then do you also put away the small Buddhist altar at home after chanting? Or can you just leave it there?) Not necessarily. It’s okay if you put it at home (Okay)

 

Wenda20200216 44:38  

Why does chanting on a small Buddhist altar double the energy?

Question: Master, if I place a small Buddhist altar on my desk with a small statue of the Bodhisattva and an incense burner, the energy of the Little Houses I recite will be doubled. What is the principle behind this?

A: Because no matter what, you have a small table, and when you light some incense, the Dharma protectors will come to bless you. Tell me, is it the same to chant with someone blessing you or without someone blessing you? (I see. Master, does the energy of the recitation also double?) The same (OK, thank you Master for your compassionate teachings)

 

Wenda20200216 10:09  

When the small altar is lit with incense , you can take a bath or go to the toilet

Question: Master, if the small Buddhist altar at home is still lit with incense, can someone at home take a bath or go to the toilet?

A: It doesn’t matter. There is no problem with this. A small Buddha altar is fine. A small Buddha altar is just for the Bodhisattva to know that you are burning incense and chanting sutras. The Bodhisattva will give you more blessings. This is different from worshipping Buddha. Worshipping Buddha is a formal etiquette (I understand)

 

Wenda20200214 52:05

Can I do other things after lighting incense on the small Buddhist altar?

Female listener: Hello, Master. Master, if I light incense on the small altar and then recite sutras while looking at my phone or doing other things, is it better not to light incense on the small altar?

Master: Yes. Whenever you light incense, it means you are inviting the Bodhisattva to come. It would be a bit of a waste if you do other things. (Understand)

 

Wenda20200214 10:52  

The amulets offered on the small Buddhist altar can continue to be carried with you

Q: Master has taught that we can use a picture of a Bodhisattva or a talisman and a small incense burner to burn incense on a small Buddhist altar at home. I would like to ask, if an amulet has been burned with incense and then replaced, can I still carry it with me?

Answer: Yes.

 

Wenda20200214 06:06

Regarding the issue of placing a small Buddhist altar in a bookcase grid

Female listener: The small Buddhist altar is placed in a small compartment in the bookcase. This compartment is one of the layers of the bookcase, and there is another layer of compartments above and below. Can other things be placed on the adjacent upper and lower layers? Is there anything that cannot be placed?

Master Lu: There shouldn’t be anything.

 

Wenda20200214 00:48

Can a small Buddhist altar be installed in a private ward?

Female listener: A fellow practitioner’s family member is in the hospital now. They are the only ones in this ward with a balcony, and the hospital doesn’t care about their room. The fellow practitioner wants to ask Master, can we set up a small Buddhist altar in the hospital ward, put a small picture of the Bodhisattva and a small incense burner to burn incense?

Master Lu: If the doctor has no objection, you can certainly set it up. It is like a private ward (Yes, it is a private ward). In a private ward, you can certainly put a lot of things (I understand).

 

Wenda20200209 10:58  

Regarding the height of the small Buddhist platform

Question: Master, what is the appropriate height for a small Buddhist altar?

Answer: The height of the small Buddhist altar can be anything, any ordinary table will do (can a desk be as high as this?). When you sit, just make sure the Bodhisattva statue is not lower than your head.

 

Wenda20200209 05:04

Questions about incense on the small Buddha table

Female listener: Master has taught that it takes 15 minutes after defecation before burning incense. So after defecation, should we also wait 15 minutes before burning incense or refilling incense on the small altar?

Master Lu: No need. In fact, a small altar is a mobile altar that can be used at will. (I understand. The incense used on the big altar at home is longer and thicker. The incense burner on the small altar is small. Can we use a thinner and shorter sandalwood? It is different from the big altar.) Both are fine.

 

Wenda20200209 04:44

Can the small Buddhist altar face the end of the single bed?

Female listener: Can the small Buddhist altar table be placed directly opposite the end of the practitioner’s bed? It’s a single bed, and he sleeps alone.

Master: Yes, of course.

 

Wenda20200202 18:07

Questions about the small Buddhist table

Female listener: When chanting, you can place a picture of Guanyin Bodhisattva on the small table and light a stick of incense with a small incense burner. The fellow practitioner first lights incense on the big Buddha table, then lights incense and chants on the small Buddha table. When the incense stick is burned out, the fellow practitioner wants to continue chanting. Does the big Buddha table need to be refilled with incense at the same time?

Master: No, no. (Is it okay to just burn incense on the small altar?) Yes. (Should I put a yellow cloth under the small photo of the Bodhisattva and the small incense burner?) Either red cloth or yellow cloth is fine. (Is it okay if the small photo of the Bodhisattva is not against the wall? Because this table is not against the wall.) Yes. (Master gave a teaching last time: If the couple’s room is clean, you can also put a small altar like this. The fellow practitioner’s husband has not cultivated, so they can’t avoid having sex. Can we burn incense on the small altar during the daytime and put it away at night, or not put it away at night and cover it with a red cloth?) No, this cannot be used as an altar (I understand. Master gave a teaching last time: Don’t kneel or kowtow at the small altar. If you don’t have a formal altar at home, you can set up a small altar like this to burn the first incense. So if you burn the first incense on the small altar, do you kowtow, kneel, make wishes, and recite the sutra in your heart as you do when burning incense in your heart?) You do this because you have no other choice. If you have a big altar, you can make a big altar. Why do you want to make this kind of small altar? (For fellow practitioners who do not have the good fortune to have a large Buddha altar, but want to burn incense in front of a small Buddha altar) The effect will certainly not be as good as with a large Buddha altar, it is far from good. (Thank you, Master. Master’s last instruction: It is best to burn small houses in front of a formal large Buddha altar. However, if a fellow practitioner does not have a formal large Buddha altar at home, can he burn incense on a small Buddha altar first, and then burn small houses according to the procedure of burning incense in front of the heart?) Yes.

 

Wenda20200131 32:48

Regarding the question of placing incense and chanting sutras on a small table

Female listener: Hello, Master. Master recently taught that when chanting sutras, one can place a picture of Guanyin Bodhisattva on a small table and light a stick of incense in a small incense burner. I would like to ask, this small table is placed against the wall, so can such a small picture of Bodhisattva be directly pasted on the wall?

Master: Don’t stick it on the wall, you can just put something there (So do you need to kneel and kowtow after burning incense with this small incense burner, or is it enough to just light the incense?) Just light the incense, no need to kneel (Okay. Can you burn small houses according to the ritual with a Buddhist altar?) If you burn small houses, it’s best to do so on a large Buddhist altar (Okay. Can you kneel and kowtow while reciting the Great Repentance to the Buddha? That is, kneel in front of the small Buddhist altar and kowtow) Not good. You can just sit there and recite the Great Repentance to Buddha, no problem (OK. Can this small table be placed in the couple’s room?) If you think it’s clean, put it there (If there is a four-month-old baby at home who has urinated or defecated and needs a diaper change, would it be disrespectful to light incense on the small table for reciting sutras? What should I pay attention to?) No, it’s fine for children. Bodhisattvas will not despise us humans, knowing that we are pitiful (OK. If we stay in a hotel on business trips, can we also do this, bring a few incense sticks and a small incense burner to offer amulet cards in the hotel?) Yes (Great. When I go back to my hometown for the New Year, if there is no Buddhist altar in my hometown, can I also put such a small Buddhist altar in the room and burn the first incense in the middle of the night?) Yes (OK, thank you Master for your compassionate guidance)