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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.

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  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Optical Boxes with Endless Knot- Medium

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    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
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Optical Boxes with Dharmachakra- Medium

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    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
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Optical Box with Flower- Large

    US$55.00 - US$55.00
    US$55.00
    US$55.00 - US$55.00
    US$55.00

    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
    US$55.00 - US$55.00
    US$55.00
    US$55.00 - US$55.00
    US$55.00

  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Optical Boxes with Flower - Medium

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    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
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
  • Sold out

    Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Optical Box with Garud- Large

    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00
    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00

    This particular box has Garud at the top and a beautiful flower at the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the N...

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    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00
    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00
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  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Boxes with Dharmachakra- Small

    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00

    These beautiful small 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
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
  • Sold out

    Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Boxes with Double Dorjee- Small

    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00

    These beautiful small 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
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    Sold out

  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Boxes with Endless Knot- Small

    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00

    These beautiful small 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
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
  • Sold out

    Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Boxes with Lotus- Small

    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00

    These beautiful small 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
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    Sold out

  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Boxes with Double Dorjee - Medium

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    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
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Boxes with Endless Knot - Medium

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    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
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
  • Sold out

    Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Boxes with Clouds- Medium

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    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
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Handpainted Tibetan Double Dorjee Wooden Box with Flower- Large

    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00

    This particular box has a Double Dorjee at the top and a beautiful flower at the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by on...

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    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Handpainted Tibetan Flower Wooden Box with Parasol- Large

    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00

    This particular box has a flower at the top and a beautiful parasol at the front. These beautiful small Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of t...

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    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Handpainted Tibetan Double Dorjee Wooden Box with Treasure Vase- Large

    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00

    This particular box has a Double Dorjee at the top and a beautiful treasure vase at the front. These beautiful small Tibetan boxes are hand crafte...

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    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    US$79.00 - US$79.00
    US$79.00
    Sold out

  • Dragon Embroidery Wall Hanging Banner

    US$29.00 - US$29.00
    US$29.00
    US$29.00 - US$29.00
    US$29.00

    This is a dragon banner. The dragon is heavily embroidered on a polyester fabric which is then framed on a beautiful brocade. The banner has 4 inch...

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    US$29.00 - US$29.00
    US$29.00
    US$29.00 - US$29.00
    US$29.00
  • Sold out

    Hand Crochet Glass Bead Mandala

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    The Mandala is a representation of the universe. Placed on the shrine as an offering of the universe to the Buddhas the three rings are built up wi...

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    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
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  • Sold out

    Eight Auspicious High Quality Bell and Dorjee Medium Set

    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00
    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00

    This is a beautiful Tibetan Astamangal Carved Bell and Dorjee set handmade in Nepal. The bell and dorjee are made of brass. Bell and Dorjee are the...

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    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00
    US$59.00 - US$59.00
    US$59.00
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Tibetan High Quality Bell and Dorjee Small Set

    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00

    This is a beautiful Tibetan Plain Bell and Dorjee set handmade in Nepal. The bell and dorjee are made of brass. Bell and Dorjee are the ritual inst...

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    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
    US$49.00 - US$49.00
    US$49.00
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  • Sold out

    Tibetan Double Dorje With Yellow Brocade Altar Cloth (Yellow)

    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$9.00
    US$9.00 - US$9.00
    US$9.00

    This is a beautiful Double Dorje Altar cloth with Yellow Brocade edge. The double dorje is said to represent the firmness of the spirit and the spi...

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    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$9.00
    US$9.00 - US$9.00
    US$9.00
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Eight Auspicious Symbols and Double Dorje Orange Altar Cloth

    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$13.95
    US$13.95 - US$13.95
    US$13.95

    This is a beautiful Altar cloth with the eight auspicious symbols around a mandala and a double dorje in the center. The red altar cloth has yellow...

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    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$13.95
    US$13.95 - US$13.95
    US$13.95
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Eternal Knot Yellow Altar Cloth wih Red Brocade

    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$13.95
    US$13.95 - US$13.95
    US$13.95

    This is a beautiful Eternal knot Yellow altar cloth with red brocade. This altar cloth has three eternal knots embroidered into it. The eternal kno...

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    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$13.95
    US$13.95 - US$13.95
    US$13.95
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Double Dorje Yellow Altar Cloth wih Red Brocade

    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$13.95
    US$13.95 - US$13.95
    US$13.95

    This is a beautiful Eternal knot Yellow altar cloth with red brocade. This altar cloth has three Double Dorje's embroidered into it. The double dor...

    View full details
    US$0.00 - US$0.00
    US$0.00
    US$13.95
    US$13.95 - US$13.95
    US$13.95
    Sold out
  • Sold out

    Tibetan Eight Auspicious Symbols Bell and Dorjee Set Medium

    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00

    This is a beautiful Tibetan Eight Auspicious Symbols Bell and Dorjee set handmade in Nepal. The bell and dorjee are made of barss. Bell and Dorjee ...

    View full details
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    US$39.00 - US$39.00
    US$39.00
    Sold out

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.