Setting Up A Buddhist Altar :
In the practice of Buddhism, it is greatly helpful to set up a Buddhist altar. This serves as a focus during meditation, and tending your altar is a constant reminder to tend your own spiritual growth.
Ideally, your altar should be set up in a dedicated room. Most people don't have a spare room, however, so any dedicated, clean, quiet area can house your altar. When possible, two tables should be used for the altar—one slightly higher than the other. The Buddha figure should occupy the tallest table with the offerings on the lower one. If only one table is used for the altar, the Buddha figure should be closest to the wall with the offerings before it.
The Buddha figure you select for your altar should be fashioned upon a seat or lotus. If the figure is hollow, it is proper to fill the figure with mantras, sutras, holy relics, and offerings such as precious stones, fragrant offerings (pine or cypress wood shavings, sandalwood, flower petals, etc).
Next, add the offerings. Eight cups stand for eight offerings; they are, starting from the right side of the Buddha image, water (for washing), water (for drinking), flowers, incense (for burning), lamp, saffron (for perfuming), food and music respectively. Usually seven cups of water are offered. Food is offered beside them. These should be refreshed daily.
With care and attention, your Buddhist altar will bring you years of peace and pleasant contemplation of your spiritual path.
