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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.

  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Shrine Altar with Lotus

    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

    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...

    View full details
    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
    Sold out
  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Shrine with Conch

    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

    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...

    View full details
    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
  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Endless Knot Optical Box

    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00

    These particular boxes have endless knot at the top. We have various designs of these wooden boxes: 1) Yellow with a Parasol at the front, 2) Red ...

    View full details
    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Flower Optical Box

    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00

    These particular boxes have a flower at the top. We have various designs of these wooden boxes: 1) Red with a Lotus at the front, 2) Orange with a...

    View full details
    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Double Dorjee Optical Box

    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00

    These particular boxes have endless knot at the top. We have various designs of these wooden boxes: 1) Yellow with a Conch at the front, 2) Orange...

    View full details
    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Wooden Dharma Wheel Optical Box

    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00

    These particular boxes have a Dharma Wheel at the top. We have various designs of these wooden boxes: 1) Yellow with a Conch at the front, 2) Oran...

    View full details
    Original price US$69.00 - Original price US$69.00
    Original price
    US$69.00
    US$69.00 - US$69.00
    Current price US$69.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Cheppu Orange 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

    This particular box has a dorjee at the top and cheppu at the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Newari Com...

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    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
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  • Handpainted Tibetan Dharma Wheel Red Wooden Box with Cheppu- 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

    This particular box has a Dharma Wheel at the top and a cheppu at the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the Ne...

    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
    Sold out
  • Handpainted Tibetan Endless Knot Orange Wooden Box with Dragon- 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

    This particular box has an Endless Knot at the top and a dragon at the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the N...

    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
    Sold out
  • HandCrafted Tibetan Wooden Box for the Ritual Treasure Vase

    Original price US$195.00 - Original price US$195.00
    Original price
    US$195.00
    US$195.00 - US$195.00
    Current price US$195.00

    This exquisite square box is designed to hold the sacred treasure vase bhumpa, making it a cherished item for practitioners. Adorned with double do...

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    Original price US$195.00 - Original price US$195.00
    Original price
    US$195.00
    US$195.00 - US$195.00
    Current price US$195.00
  • High Quality Jambala Water Offering Copper Set (Chutor)

    Original price US$275.00 - Original price US$275.00
    Original price
    US$275.00
    US$275.00 - US$275.00
    Current price US$275.00

    The Dzambhala Water Offering Set, also known as Chutor, is a sacred ritual in Tibetan Buddhism dedicated to Dzambhala, the wealth deity. Jambala sy...

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    Original price US$275.00 - Original price US$275.00
    Original price
    US$275.00
    US$275.00 - US$275.00
    Current price US$275.00
  • Handpainted Tibetan Flower Black Wooden Box with Parasol- Large

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

    View full details
    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
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  • Handpainted Tibetan Lotus Conch Wooden Box - Large

    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 particular box has a Conch at the top and a beautiful lotus at the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by one of the ...

    View full details
    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
    Sold out
  • Handpainted Tibetan Double Dorjee Green Wooden Box -Large

    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

    We have various designs of these wooden boxes: 1) Black color with Cheppu at the front 2) Red color with a Lotus at the front 3) Green  color with...

    View full details
    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
  • Handpainted Tibetan Endless Knot Orange Wooden Box with Golden Fish- Large

    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 particular box has an Endless Knot at the top and beautiful golden fish at the front. These beautiful large Tibetan boxes are hand crafted by...

    View full details
    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
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  • Handpainted Tibetan Dharmachakra Wooden Box -Large

    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

    We have various designs of these wooden boxes: 1) One with a Conch at the front 2) One with a Lotus at the front These beautiful large Tibetan bo...

    View full details
    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
    Sold out
  • Handpainted Tibetan Cheppu Wooden Orange Box -Large

    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

    We have various designs of these wooden boxes: 1) One with a Conch at the front 2) One with a Treasure Vase at the front These beautiful large Ti...

    View full details
    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
    Sold out
  • Brass Vighnantaka Deity Wall Hanging

    Original price US$39.90 - Original price US$39.90
    Original price
    US$39.90
    US$39.90 - US$39.90
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    A very unique and handmade deity Vighnantaka is handmade in Nepal by Nepalese Artist. The face of Vighnantaka is carved beautifully and attached to...

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    Original price US$39.90 - Original price US$39.90
    Original price
    US$39.90
    US$39.90 - US$39.90
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  • Brass Garuda Deity Wall Hanging

    Original price US$34.90 - Original price US$34.90
    Original price
    US$34.90
    US$34.90 - US$34.90
    Current price US$34.90

    A very unique and handmade deity Garuda is handmade in Nepal by Nepalese Artist. The face of Garuda is carved beautifully and attached to the Buddh...

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    Original price US$34.90 - Original price US$34.90
    Original price
    US$34.90
    US$34.90 - US$34.90
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  • Dragon Embroidery Wall Hanging Banner

    Original price US$29.90 - Original price US$29.90
    Original price
    US$29.90
    US$29.90 - US$29.90
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    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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    Original price US$29.90 - Original price US$29.90
    Original price
    US$29.90
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  • Seven Chakra Embroidery Brocade Framed Wall Hanging Banner

    Original price US$39.95 - Original price US$39.95
    Original price
    US$39.95
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    This wall hanging banner from Nepal features a brocade frame and is crafted from polyester. Adorned with vibrant embroidery depicting the seven cha...

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    Original price US$39.95 - Original price US$39.95
    Original price
    US$39.95
    US$39.95 - US$39.95
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  • Healing Seven Chakra Embroidered Polyester Brocade Banner

    Original price US$34.95 - Original price US$34.95
    Original price
    US$34.95
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    This is a stunning Polyester Brocade Wall Hanging Banner adorned with the sacred symbols of the Seven Chakras. Expertly embroidered on a sleek blac...

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    Original price US$34.95 - Original price US$34.95
    Original price
    US$34.95
    US$34.95 - US$34.95
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  • Handpainted Tibetan Double Dorjee Wooden Box with Treasure Vase- Large

    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 particular box has a Double Dorjee at the top and a beautiful treasure vase at the front. These variants are almost with only difference being...

    View full details
    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
  • Handpainted Tibetan Red Flower Wooden Box with Parasol- Large

    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 particular box has a red flower at the top and a beautiful parasol at the front. The variants are all similar with the difference being the de...

    View full details
    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

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.