A proper Buddhist altar holds symbols of enlightened body, speech, and mind, traditionally represented by displaying a Buddha's statue or photo of Buddha Shakyamuni, a Scripture, and a Stupa of any size. At the very least, the altar should hold an image of Buddha Shakyamuni, the founder and source of the teachings in our time. Regarding the placement of the images, it is important that Shakyamuni Buddha be the central figure. Other images are not required, but if you have them place them around the central figure in this order: root lamas, Yidams (highest yoga tantra deities, performance tantra deities, then action tantra deities), Dakas, Dakinis, and finally protector deities. The order of the arrangement is never by the quality of the material or the artistry. Often it is better to have only a few images, as too many can be distracting. The scripture representing the speech of the Buddha does not need to be written in Tibetan or Sanskrit but can be in any language. The scripture can be the Heart Sutra if you wish to represent all the teachings of Buddha, or it can be a special scripture related to your practice. If the altar consists of three or more levels, the scripture should be placed highest on the altar, above the Buddha statue or at the right of the Buddha statue. If the altar is on one level, the order should be, from left to right: Scripture, Buddha and Stupa. The mind of the Buddha is traditionally represented by a stupa of enlightenment, but you do not need to go out and buy a costly silver or gold one. A photograph or a clay model is perfectly acceptable. The stupa should be placed to the left of the Buddha image, or below the Buddha if the altar consists of several levels. The objects on the altar also represent the Three Jewels of Refuge. If there is only a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, think that it represents all Three Jewels. If there is also a scripture and a stupa, think that the stupa represents the Buddha Jewel, the scripture represents the Dharma Jewel, and the image of the Buddha represents the Sangha Jewel. It is important to keep in mind that the objects on the altar serve as a means for directing one's mind to the Buddha and the Buddha's enlightened qualities, which one aspires to emulate for others' benefit. In maintaining an altar one is trying to cultivate the qualities of the Buddha, that is, his enlightened body, his enlightened speech and his enlightened mind. By remembering these qualities and aspiring to develop them, one reduces the negative qualities of attachment, hatred and ignorance, and increases positive qualities like faith, respect, devotion, and rejoicing.
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