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Buddhist Ritual Items

Popular Buddhist Altar Essentials

Buddhist rituals have been in practice since the time of The Buddha. Rituals make use of symbolism to speak to the subconscious mind and help us grow when we practice them daily.

Rituals aren't always elaborate. Often times, they are as simple as a handshake or a prayer before a meal. However, many people choose to engage in more complex rituals that require special tools. Buddhist rituals often involve items that represent specific aspects of the belief.

If you want to practice rituals using the same items used by Buddhists in Tibet, take a look at the authentic Buddhist altar supplies we offer:

1. Tibetan Prayer Beads

Prayer beads are one of the most well-known symbols of Buddhist practice. Prayer beads, known as "Malas", are a string of 108 beads used in prayer. The beads are made from the Ficus religiosa tree and they represent the sins of humankind. These beads are essential for your Buddhist altar. Monks use them daily in their devotion.

2. Buddhist Prayer Bell

The Prayer Bell is used to ask the gods for divine protection. The sound of the prayer bell is said to be the same tone of Buddha's voice and the heavenly law known as "dharma." The bell can be used to call a group to worship. Buddhist prayer bells are decorated with elaborate patterns. The handle is reminiscent of a crown.

3. Dorje

Never far from the prayer bell is the Dorje. This is one of the most important items used by monks in their rituals. This ornate object symbolizes the thunderbolt of enlightenment, which is the key goal of Buddhist practices. When one reaches enlightenment, they are able to live aside from the want of material possessions and earthly pleasures.

4. Damaru

The Damaru or Tibetan Drum is used in tantric rituals. Most people are probably familiar with this instrument as one of their childhood toys because of how it's played. The drum is twisted from side to side while small beads hit each side of the drum. Since its arrival in the Himalayas in the 8th century, it has been a popular item in Buddhist rituals. This drum is specifically used to help get through the issues keeping a person from enlightenment.

5. Shankha Conch Shell

This might be the most ornate and beautiful item on your altar. The Shanka is decorated with symbols of faith and gemstones. It is one of the eight symbols of the Ashtamangala. It symbolizes water and the ubiquity of Buddhism.

6. The Ghau Box

Worn to keep evil spirits away, this amulet is decorated with precious stones. Inside, it holds a clay depiction of Buddha. The Ghau Box is also worn to bring the blessing of Buddha upon the wearer. Typically, men wear a square-shaped amulet, while women wear round ones.

7. Tibetan Butter Lamp

You can spot Tibetan Butter lamps at any Buddhist Temple. Yak butter is burned in the cup to symbolize wisdom. The butter lamp is typically part of the morning offering ritual. The butter lamp is accompanied by seven other offering bowls, each symbolizing different things.

8. Tibetan Prayer Wheel

The prayer wheel is adorned with the eight symbols of the Ashtamangala. They are usually gold and can be a large (for temples) or handheld size. It is often spun while reciting the mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum."

Browse our online store today to find all the Buddhist ritual items you need to help you on your spiritual path.

  • White Tara Beads Necklace

    Original price US$9.50 - Original price US$9.50
    Original price
    US$9.50
    US$9.50 - US$9.50
    Current price US$9.50

    White Tara, revered in Buddhism, embodies compassion, healing, and longevity. Depicted with seven eyes symbolizing watchfulness and awareness, she ...

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    Original price US$9.50 - Original price US$9.50
    Original price
    US$9.50
    US$9.50 - US$9.50
    Current price US$9.50
  • Snow Lion Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Box 14.5"

    Original price US$169.00 - Original price US$169.00
    Original price
    US$169.00
    US$169.00 - US$169.00
    Current price US$169.00

    This hand-painted orange color wooden box has Snow Lion on the front, a mythical creature in Tibetan culture, symbolizes fearlessness, joy, and the...

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    Original price US$169.00 - Original price US$169.00
    Original price
    US$169.00
    US$169.00 - US$169.00
    Current price US$169.00
  • Tibetan Royal Handpainted Dragon Wooden Box - 12"

    Original price US$129.00 - Original price US$129.00
    Original price
    US$129.00
    US$129.00 - US$129.00
    Current price US$129.00

    These beautiful Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Newari Communities of Bhaktapur Nepal, The Prajapatis. After the wooden box is complet...

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    Original price US$129.00 - Original price US$129.00
    Original price
    US$129.00
    US$129.00 - US$129.00
    Current price US$129.00
  • Cheppu Orange Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Box 12"

    Original price US$129.00 - Original price US$129.00
    Original price
    US$129.00
    US$129.00 - US$129.00
    Current price US$129.00

    This hand-painted orange color wooden box has Cheppu on the front, a mythical figure in Nepali and Tibetan culture, is a protective guardian often ...

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    Original price US$129.00 - Original price US$129.00
    Original price
    US$129.00
    US$129.00 - US$129.00
    Current price US$129.00
    Sold out
  • Handpainted Double Dorjee Tibetan Wooden Box

    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00

    This particular box has a Double Dorjee at the top. There are two variations: 1) Orange box with double fish on the sides, 2) Red box with lotus o...

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    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Snow Lion Jewelry Box

    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00

    This particular box has a Snow Lion on the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Newari Communities of Bhaktap...

    View full details
    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Jewelry Box with Dragon

    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00

    This particular box has a dragon on the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Newari Communities of Bhaktapur ...

    View full details
    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Jewelry Box with Tibetan Symbols

    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00

    This particular box has an Endless Knot on the sides. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Newari Communities of Bha...

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    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Sankha Flower Wooden Box- Extra Large

    Original price US$149.00 - Original price US$149.00
    Original price
    US$149.00
    US$149.00 - US$149.00
    Current price US$149.00

    These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Newari Communities of Bhaktapur Nepal, The Prajapatis. After the wooden box is c...

    View full details
    Original price US$149.00 - Original price US$149.00
    Original price
    US$149.00
    US$149.00 - US$149.00
    Current price US$149.00
  • Double Dorjee Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Box - Medium

    Original price US$139.00 - Original price US$139.00
    Original price
    US$139.00
    US$139.00 - US$139.00
    Current price US$139.00

    These beautiful Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Newari Communities of Bhaktapur Nepal, The Prajapatis. After the wooden box is complet...

    View full details
    Original price US$139.00 - Original price US$139.00
    Original price
    US$139.00
    US$139.00 - US$139.00
    Current price US$139.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Snow Lion king of beasts Wooden Large Box

    Original price US$295.00 - Original price US$295.00
    Original price
    US$295.00
    US$295.00 - US$295.00
    Current price US$295.00

    The top of this box features an intricate golden double dorje, symbolizing stability, power, and protection in Tibetan iconography. The border desi...

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    Original price US$295.00 - Original price US$295.00
    Original price
    US$295.00
    US$295.00 - US$295.00
    Current price US$295.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Birds Wooden Large Box

    Original price US$295.00 - Original price US$295.00
    Original price
    US$295.00
    US$295.00 - US$295.00
    Current price US$295.00

    This beautifully crafted box features intricate Tibetan motifs in rich red and gold, with ornate floral and swirling designs framing each side. The...

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    Original price US$295.00 - Original price US$295.00
    Original price
    US$295.00
    US$295.00 - US$295.00
    Current price US$295.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Snow Lion Wooden Large Box

    Original price US$295.00 - Original price US$295.00
    Original price
    US$295.00
    US$295.00 - US$295.00
    Current price US$295.00

    The top of this box features an intricate golden double dorje, symbolizing stability, power, and protection in Tibetan iconography. The border desi...

    View full details
    Original price US$295.00 - Original price US$295.00
    Original price
    US$295.00
    US$295.00 - US$295.00
    Current price US$295.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Shrine Altar Box

    Original price US$190.00 - Original price US$190.00
    Original price
    US$190.00
    US$190.00 - US$190.00
    Current price US$190.00

    This hand-painted wooden shrine is a beautifully crafted piece designed to hold sacred statues or objects. The vibrant colors and intricate floral ...

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    Original price US$190.00 - Original price US$190.00
    Original price
    US$190.00
    US$190.00 - US$190.00
    Current price US$190.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Shrine Altar Box

    Original price US$185.00 - Original price US$185.00
    Original price
    US$185.00
    US$185.00 - US$185.00
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    This is a small, ornately decorated Buddhist shrine where you can place a statue of up to 6 inches in height. It features a decorative canopy at th...

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    Original price US$185.00 - Original price US$185.00
    Original price
    US$185.00
    US$185.00 - US$185.00
    Current price US$185.00
  • Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Hand Painted Chod Drum Damaru

    Original price US$0.00 - Original price US$0.00
    Original price US$0.00
    US$225.00
    US$225.00 - US$225.00
    Current price US$225.00

    This is an exclusive wooden framed Buddha and skull painted Chod drum damaru handmade with care in Nepal. Damaru is a two-headed drum. It has signi...

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    Original price US$0.00 - Original price US$0.00
    Original price US$0.00
    US$225.00
    US$225.00 - US$225.00
    Current price US$225.00
  • Handpainted Buddhist Ritual Wangpo Metok Torma

    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00

    The Wangpo Metok Torma represents the transformative power of wrathful offerings in the tantric tradition, focusing on the cultivation of wisdom an...

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    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00
  • Handpainted Buddhist Ritual Dakpo Shaltse Torma

    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
    Current price US$95.00

    The Dakpo Shaltse Torma, also known as the Wrathful Food Offering Torma, is rooted in tantric practice and symbolizes the offering of wrathful subs...

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    Original price US$95.00 - Original price US$95.00
    Original price
    US$95.00
    US$95.00 - US$95.00
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  • Handpainted Buddhist Ritual Shalze Torma

    Original price US$17.95 - Original price US$19.95
    Original price
    US$17.95 - US$19.95
    US$17.95 - US$19.95
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    The Peaceful White Torma, also known as Sheva Shalze, symbolizes the boundless offerings of all that is desirable in the world. These offerings tra...

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    Original price US$17.95 - Original price US$19.95
    Original price
    US$17.95 - US$19.95
    US$17.95 - US$19.95
    Current price US$17.95
  • Handpainted Buddhist Ritual Torma Set

    Original price US$350.00 - Original price US$350.00
    Original price
    US$350.00
    US$350.00 - US$350.00
    Current price US$350.00

    This hand-painted torma set features intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors, embodying traditional Tibetan artistry. The set includes three dis...

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    Original price US$350.00 - Original price US$350.00
    Original price
    US$350.00
    US$350.00 - US$350.00
    Current price US$350.00
  • 21 Tara Torma Buddhist Ritual offering

    Original price US$139.00 - Original price US$139.00
    Original price
    US$139.00
    US$139.00 - US$139.00
    Current price US$139.00

    This hand-painted 21 Tara torma is a beautifully crafted offering piece designed for Vajrayana rituals. Vibrant colors and intricate patterns decor...

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    Original price US$139.00 - Original price US$139.00
    Original price
    US$139.00
    US$139.00 - US$139.00
    Current price US$139.00
  • Handpainted Buddhist Ritual Norla Torma

    Original price US$129.00 - Original price US$129.00
    Original price
    US$129.00
    US$129.00 - US$129.00
    Current price US$129.00

    This vibrant hand-painted Norla Torma is a symbolic representation of wealth and prosperity in Vajrayana practices. Designed with a stunning blend ...

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    Original price US$129.00 - Original price US$129.00
    Original price
    US$129.00
    US$129.00 - US$129.00
    Current price US$129.00
  • Tibetan High Quality Bell and Dorjee Large Set

    Original price US$79.00 - Original price US$79.00
    Original price
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    Current price US$79.00

    This is a beautiful Tibetan Bell and Dorjee set, handmade in Nepal. Crafted from high-quality brass, this set serves as a significant ritual instru...

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    Original price US$79.00 - Original price US$79.00
    Original price
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    Current price US$79.00
  • Mantra and religious holy substances for filling of Buddhist statues- 12"

    Original price US$49.00 - Original price US$49.00
    Original price
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    Current price US$49.00

    This complete set is used for the consecration Buddhist deity statues. It will be given to a Lama who knows the statue consecration rituals and wil...

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    Original price US$49.00 - Original price US$49.00
    Original price
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    Current price US$49.00

Popular Buddhist Altar Essentials

Buddhist rituals have been in practice since the time of The Buddha. Rituals make use of symbolism to speak to the subconscious mind and help us grow when we practice them daily.

Rituals aren't always elaborate. Often times, they are as simple as a handshake or a prayer before a meal. However, many people choose to engage in more complex rituals that require special tools. Buddhist rituals often involve items that represent specific aspects of the belief.

If you want to practice rituals using the same items used by Buddhists in Tibet, take a look at the authentic Buddhist altar supplies we offer:

1. Tibetan Prayer Beads

Prayer beads are one of the most well-known symbols of Buddhist practice. Prayer beads, known as "Malas", are a string of 108 beads used in prayer. The beads are made from the Ficus religiosa tree and they represent the sins of humankind. These beads are essential for your Buddhist altar. Monks use them daily in their devotion.

2. Buddhist Prayer Bell

The Prayer Bell is used to ask the gods for divine protection. The sound of the prayer bell is said to be the same tone of Buddha's voice and the heavenly law known as "dharma." The bell can be used to call a group to worship. Buddhist prayer bells are decorated with elaborate patterns. The handle is reminiscent of a crown.

3. Dorje

Never far from the prayer bell is the Dorje. This is one of the most important items used by monks in their rituals. This ornate object symbolizes the thunderbolt of enlightenment, which is the key goal of Buddhist practices. When one reaches enlightenment, they are able to live aside from the want of material possessions and earthly pleasures.

4. Damaru

The Damaru or Tibetan Drum is used in tantric rituals. Most people are probably familiar with this instrument as one of their childhood toys because of how it's played. The drum is twisted from side to side while small beads hit each side of the drum. Since its arrival in the Himalayas in the 8th century, it has been a popular item in Buddhist rituals. This drum is specifically used to help get through the issues keeping a person from enlightenment.

5. Shankha Conch Shell

This might be the most ornate and beautiful item on your altar. The Shanka is decorated with symbols of faith and gemstones. It is one of the eight symbols of the Ashtamangala. It symbolizes water and the ubiquity of Buddhism.

6. The Ghau Box

Worn to keep evil spirits away, this amulet is decorated with precious stones. Inside, it holds a clay depiction of Buddha. The Ghau Box is also worn to bring the blessing of Buddha upon the wearer. Typically, men wear a square-shaped amulet, while women wear round ones.

7. Tibetan Butter Lamp

You can spot Tibetan Butter lamps at any Buddhist Temple. Yak butter is burned in the cup to symbolize wisdom. The butter lamp is typically part of the morning offering ritual. The butter lamp is accompanied by seven other offering bowls, each symbolizing different things.

8. Tibetan Prayer Wheel

The prayer wheel is adorned with the eight symbols of the Ashtamangala. They are usually gold and can be a large (for temples) or handheld size. It is often spun while reciting the mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum."

Browse our online store today to find all the Buddhist ritual items you need to help you on your spiritual path.