Material: Copper. Die-cast. Engraved

Size: 10 cm

Description: A smoke offering plate is a container used in Tibetan Buddhist smoke offering rituals. It is usually made of copper, metal, or other materials, and the bottom is often engraved with Tibetan mantras or totems. It is used to hold smoke powder or incense for burning. Smoke offering is a practice in Tibetan Buddhism where smoke is offered to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors, and sentient beings in the six realms to purify karmic obstacles and accumulate merit. The smoke offering plate, as the core implement of the ritual, symbolizes the vessel of the offering.

Origin of the Story

The origin of smoke offering can be traced back to the ancient Bon religion, the indigenous religion of Tibet, which was later absorbed by Tibetan Buddhism and developed into part of tantric practices. Legend has it that around 1600 years ago, when Buddhism was introduced to Tibet from India, King Trisong Detsen wanted to build temples to spread the Dharma, but faced repeated obstacles; walls built during the day would collapse at night. Later, Padmasambhava came to Tibet to spread the Dharma and suggested performing smoke offerings to dispel interference from local mountain and water spirits and other non-human beings, thus allowing the temples to be built smoothly. This legend became the widely circulated origin story of smoke offerings in Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing its ability to harmonize the human and spiritual realms and resolve obstacles. The smoke offering plate, as the dedicated tool for smoke offerings, also became a symbol of this tradition, possibly originating from Bon ritual implements and later incorporating Buddhist rituals.

Usage

Using a smoke offering plate is relatively simple, but it must be done according to Buddhist rituals to ensure the effectiveness of the practice. The general steps are as follows:

1. **Preparing Materials**: Choose properly prepared smoke offering powder (usually a mixture of grains, herbs, sacred objects, etc.), avoiding spices with added chemical components.

2. **Placement and Ignition:** Place the smoke offering tray outdoors or in a well-ventilated area (such as a balcony). Pour the smoke offering powder into the tray, ignite it, and let it burn naturally to produce smoke. When used indoors, it can be performed in front of a Buddhist altar or shrine, but safety precautions must be taken to avoid fire.

3. **Recitation of Sutras and Mantras:** After lighting the tray, recite the smoke offering ritual (such as the "Smoke Offering Text"), visualizing the smoke transforming into countless offerings, offered to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas above and given to all sentient beings in the six realms below (especially the hungry ghost realm), to repay karmic debts and resolve karmic conflicts. This practice can be performed daily or on specific days (such as auspicious days in the Tibetan calendar), emphasizing an attitude of impartial giving.

4. **Conclusion:** After burning, the ashes can be scattered into the air or into a river, symbolizing the release of celestial horses (wind horses), praying for blessings.

This method is suitable not only for monks but also for ordinary believers practicing at home, but beginners are advised to do so under the guidance of a teacher.

Impact on Buddhism

The smoke offering plate and its related rituals have had a profound impact on Buddhism, especially Tibetan Buddhism. It reinforces the Buddhist spirit of generosity (Paramita), helping practitioners accumulate merit, purify karmic obstacles, and promote the ideals of equality and altruism through the practice of "offering to the Buddhas and giving to the people." In Tibetan Buddhism, smoke offerings are often used as auspicious occasions for temple construction, festivals, or daily practices, influencing Buddhist ritual culture and integrating ritual practices into folk beliefs. Furthermore, it has expanded the scope of Buddhist spiritual practices, incorporating Bon elements into tantras, enriching the diversity of Buddhism, and has been promoted in modern society as a popular method for overcoming obstacles and seeking blessings, influencing the practice of Tibetan Buddhists worldwide.