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Letters

How To Place And Consecrate A Buddha Image

Question: Where should I place a Buddha image at home, and how can I consecrate (开光) it?

Answer: On placement, the image should be put in a central and well-lit place (such as the living room), where everyone at home will pass by and see it regularly, so that it can serve to remind and inspire all to learn and practise the Dharma in daily life. The image should be slightly above eye level, so that there is a sense of looking up to the Buddha with reverence (恭敬心). It should not be so high that it becomes ‘out of sight, out of mind.’

On consecration, as the simplest method, after placement above, offer a glass of water before the image with all family members, and together recite the Buddha’s name sincerely aloud, for at least 15 minutes. After doing so, while still reciting, with clean fingers sprinkle the now consecrated (holy) water on the image gently, before dedicating meritorious virtues to all, ending with three prostrations. (Excess water can also be sprinkled to bless the rest of the house while still reciting.)

The image is also constantly being consecrated by our regular Dharma practices before it. Practices can include daily prostrating, making of offerings, (with the simplest being water in a capped cup to prevent insects from drowning accidentally), reciting of the Buddha’s name, sūtras and mantras, and dedicating for pure aspirations. In this sense, the more sincere and diligent we are, the more consecrated the image becomes.

Related Articles:

What To Do When Bringing A New Buddhist Image Home
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2023/11/what-to-do-when-bringing-a-new-buddhist-image-home

How To Practise House Blessing?
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2024/03/how-to-practise-house-blessing

Consecration
https://moonpointer.com/new/2011/01/consecration

Please Be Mindful Of Your Speech, Namo Amituofo!

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