A shrine holds the symbolic representations of the Buddha’s body, speech, and mind, and correspondingly, the Three Jewels — the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Shakyamuni Buddha
The image of the Buddha is a symbolic representation of enlightened form. This could be a statue, or a thangka of Shakyamuni Buddha, White Tara, or any deity. This could be placed to the left of the Buddha (when facing the shrine).
Text
A text represents enlightened speech, the teachings of the Dharma. The text used could be written in any language. Typically, this text would come from the Prajnaparamita tradition, such as the Heart Sutra. It should be placed in the front, left of the Buddha (when facing the shrine).
Stupa
A stupa represents the awakened mind. This is typically placed to the right of the image of the Buddha. The stupa could also be somewhat smaller than the statue of the Buddha. Mingyur Rinpoche has said that if you use a picture of the Buddha or deity, a simple card with the Heart Sutra, and a picture of a stupa, this would be perfectly fine.
Optional Shrine Items
If you wish, your shrine could include candles, water bowls, incense, and flowers. Mingyur Rinpoche has said that these are not essential, and that, if you do not have these, or want to take a simple approach, you could simply offer a plate with some fruit.
Water offering
Use seven bowls for the water offering. These could be metal (brass or silver) or glass. Start with fresh water every day. Place the bowls in a straight line, close together but not touching. The bowls should be filled up to the space of a grain’s width from the top.
The seven water bowls represent the “Seven Limbs of Offering”. Each offering bowl symbolizes one of the seven offerings (from left to right): prostrating, offering, confession, rejoicing in merit, requesting the Buddhas to remain, requesting them to teach, and dedicating the merit.
Another symbolic meaning of the water bowls is that just as the moon reflection in the water is the same in each of the bowls, the compassion of the Buddha shines equally for all beings.
Flowers, Candles, and Incense
These are also often placed on a shrine as offerings to the senses of the Buddha. The flowers could be cut flowers placed on either side of the Buddha. If potted plants are used, they should be placed on the floor on either side of the shrine. Lamps or candles symbolize wisdom that eliminates the darkness of ignorance. You could use regular candles or glass oil candles. The incense can be placed in an incense burner, or a small bowl of sand on the floor, or small stand in front of the shrine.
Inner Shrine Offering
When setting up a shrine for an empowerment, a Vajrayana feast, or if your daily yidam practice requires it, you will want to present the “inner offerings” on your shrine in place of the water bowls. The seven inner offerings are: water to cleanse the mouth or face, water to wash the feet, flowers, light, incense, food, and music.
For more information regarding the symbolic meaning of the shrine, refer to the document “Understanding the Shrine,” which can be found in the resource section.