Setting Up a Shrine

Student’s question: What to consider when setting up a shrine at home?

Rinpoche’s answer: Personally, I don’t think having many different statues and sacred representations is necessary. It is customary for Tibetan shrines to be filled with many different statues and so on. I think one should have a single, excellent quality and inspiringly beautiful statue or image. The image we chose is a personal matter, but it makes sense that it would be of Buddha Shakyamuni, for us as Buddhists.

Then the offerings should be equally well-made and good quality without being over the top. Again, not loads of different things, but neat, moderate, and exquisite offerings are better in my opinion.

In the best-case scenario, your image will inspire faith or at least it will be regarded as beautiful by almost anyone who beholds it. The same applies to the offerings; they should be pleasing.

What we should avoid is a display where people look at it and think, “What on earth is this!?” If it doesn’t inspire faith and awe, it at least shouldn’t turn people off.

Macau – 26.08.25