【Q&A Series】
How Should One Enshrine Amitabha Buddha at Home?
Also, some people say that at home one may only enshrine a seated image, not a standing one. Is this true?
How should we enshrine Amitabha Buddha? May we respectfully invite Master to our home to preside over the enshrinement? We have not yet taken refuge — could we take refuge on that same day as well?
Master Jingben Answers: Namo Amitabha. I was very glad to receive your message. You and your wife have recited the Buddha’s name together for two years, have both vowed to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, and now wish to bring Amitabha Buddha home to enshrine — this is a rare and precious affinity of good roots. Nothing could be better.
1. Enshrining Amitabha Buddha Exclusively
To enshrine what we believe in is the outward expression of the sincerity within. In his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, Master Shandao says: "If one bows, one bows single-mindedly and exclusively to that Buddha; if one recites with the mouth, one recites single-mindedly and exclusively that Buddha’s name; if one praises and makes offerings, one praises and makes offerings single-mindedly and exclusively." That is to say: bowing, reciting the Name, making offerings — all are directed single-mindedly and exclusively to Amitabha Buddha. So for one who recites the Buddha’s name exclusively, if one is able to enshrine and bow to Amitabha Buddha exclusively, that is the ideal. The more sincere we are, the more single-minded we become; the more single-minded we are, the firmer our faith.
Amitabha Buddha is the king of all Buddhas, supreme among all light. To recite the name of this one Buddha is to recite the names of all Buddhas; when we enshrine this one Buddha, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas rejoice and give praise.
Moreover, our capacities are meagre and our strength of mind is limited. Rather than seeking a little of everything, it is better simply and honestly to settle on one Buddha and one Name, to rely on them for this whole life, and to be reborn in peace. This, in fact, is the surest path, and the one that most gladdens all the Buddhas.
So please set your mind at rest: enshrine Amitabha Buddha exclusively, recite this one Name exclusively — "Namo Amitabha" — and you are doing exactly right.
2. Seated and Standing Images
The saying that "at home one may only enshrine a seated image, not a standing one" has no basis in the sutras. Please rest assured; there is no need to be concerned about such things.
Moreover, you should know that the standing image of Amitabha Buddha is precisely the form of coming to receive us. The Contemplation Sutra records that "Amitabha Buddha stood in the air," and Master Shandao explains: "Standing, he takes hold and sets out at once, without waiting to sit upright before answering beings’ need." That is to say: Amitabha Buddha stands in the air, and with his hand reaching down, he can take hold of us in an instant and set out at once. From this we can see that the Buddha manifests a standing form precisely to show how urgent his deliverance of us is — it cannot wait a single moment. To enshrine a standing image is of truly profound significance.
Of course, whether seated or standing, so long as it is Amitabha Buddha, they are equal and without difference.
3. How to Enshrine
It is actually very simple; there are a few key points:
Placement: Simply choose a spot that is clean, quiet, and a little elevated. If space at home is limited, there is no need to be overly particular; what matters most is that it lets you recite the Buddha’s name with a settled heart. Amitabha Buddha will not hold it against you.
Offerings: These depend on your own means and energy. Clean water, fresh flowers, fruit and the like — any of these is fine; only, it is best not to offer meat.
If life is busy and you have no time to prepare offerings, then reciting the Buddha’s name day by day is itself the most sublime offering to Amitabha Buddha. Morning and evening, recite "Namo Amitabha" before the Buddha; and whenever you have a free moment in daily life, recite — while walking, while working, while resting; you may recite at any time. The Buddha’s image enshrined before your eyes, the Buddha’s Name ever abiding in your heart — this is true enshrinement.
4. Enshrinement and Taking Refuge
If where you live it is not convenient to invite a Dharma master to come and preside over the enshrinement, there is no need to be troubled — you can recite the Buddha’s name with utmost sincerity before the Buddha yourself, and it is just as complete. You should know that Amitabha Buddha’s light shines throughout the ten directions, embracing all beings who recite his name: wherever there is "Namo Amitabha," Amitabha Buddha has already arrived.
As for taking refuge: that the two of you wish to take refuge before the Buddha is truly rare, and I rejoice in it and praise it. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the beginning of formally becoming a disciple of the Buddha; from then on, life has something truly to rely on, and a true direction. And in the "Namo Amitabha" that we recite every day, "Namo" itself means to entrust one’s life, to take refuge — so every recitation of the Name is the giving of ourselves to Amitabha Buddha. If the two of you would like to learn more about requesting refuge or the enshrinement, you are welcome to contact the Dharma center at any time.
May you, your wife and your family, from this day on, have the Buddha’s Name as your companion, and may your household be at peace; and in the future, may you all enter the Land of Ultimate Bliss together, never to be parted. Namo Amitabha
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