Ritual Items: Complete Guide to Their Meaning, Types, and Uses in Spiritual Practice

What Are Ritual Items? Why Ritual Items Are Used in Spiritual Practices?

Ritual items, also known as ceremonial objects, are sacred tools used in various religious practices, serving as bridges that connect our everyday lives to the spiritual world. Throughout history, people have used these items to communicate with the divine or even to ask for protection and special favors. These objects serve as essential spiritual tools used to establish, maintain, or compel communication between the sacred realm (the transcendent or supernatural) and the profane realm (the world of time, space, and cause and effect). Across many faiths, including Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as various spiritual and meditative traditions, ritual items are integral to ceremonies and spiritual practices, enhancing the devotion and spiritual connection of the practitioner.

Ritual Items Across Different Religions

 Ritual Items in Buddhism

In this tradition, ritual items are believed to connect the physical and spiritual realms, granting practitioners access to the Buddha's and Bodhisattvas' power. Ritual tools are especially used for offerings to Buddha and Bodhisattvas as a part of Buddhist practice that allows practitioners to show their respect and reverence to the enlightened beings. While following this practice, it helps people to be mindful and heartful, embracing the compassionate, generous, loving-kindness nature of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

Ritual Items in Hinduism

In this tradition, ritual objects are often used to connect the earthly and the divine. For example, the lingam is a cult statue that represents the god Shiva, and the conch represents purity, good fortune, and the sound of Om. Additionally, ancient Purana texts reference various items specifically prepared for sacrificial rituals.  

List of 20 Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Items: Meaning, Use, and Symbolism

1. Bhumba

2. Vajra and Bell

3. Dharma Wheel

4. Long life vase

5. Dalucha

6. Butter lamp

7. Serkyem

8. Dhupur Rice Pot

9. Eight Auspicious Symbols

10. Ghau

11. Incense Burner

12. Kapala set

13. Mala Beads

14. Mandala Set

15. Offering Bowls

16. Phurba / Ritual dagger

17. Prayer Wheel

18. Stupa

19. Prayer Book

20. Conch

Bhumba

A Bhumba (also spelled Bumpa or Bhumpa) is a sacred, ornamented ritual vase central to spiritual life in the Buddhist Himalayas, particularly in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. The Bhumba is an essential element in Vajrayana Buddhist practice, often filled with blessed water and used for consecrations, empowerment ceremonies, and purification rituals. Its presence on an altar represents abundance, purity, and the blessings of the Buddhas. It is widely used by Gurus in many types of ceremonies, from elaborate purification rituals for new houses, monuments, and holy sites, to simple blessings for disciples meant to purify and protect them from harmful forces. Bhumpas may also be used by practitioners to make water offerings; in such cases, the water is regarded as pure nectar.

Vajra and Bell

The Vajra (also known as Dorje or thunderbolt) and Bell (also known as Ghanta) stand out among these symbols for being eternal treasures. They are essential to Buddhist practices as they improve daily living, rituals, and meditation. Vajra features five prongs, which represent the Five Wisdom Buddhas, the Five Buddha Families, and the Five Perfections (generosity, morality, patience, perseverance, and concentration). Together, they are used to enhance daily life, meditation, and complex rituals. Lamas, monks, and practitioners frequently use it during empowerment rituals and other tantric rites.  They are used by practitioners and "vajra masters" to channel spiritual force and awaken the capacity for enlightenment. The sound of the bell is believed to cleanse the mind and environment, dispelling ignorance and creating a calm space for spiritual growth. When used in ritual, the resonance is thought to call upon enlightened beings to request their protection and blessings.

Dharma Wheel

The Dharma Wheel, or dharmachakra in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest and most universal symbols of Buddhism, representing the faith. The wheel of Dharma represents the eightfold path of Buddhism - Right View, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentrationguiding ethical life and wisdom towards enlightenment. The phrase "turning the dharma wheel" is a metaphor for the Buddha’s act of teaching. In Mahayana Buddhism, it is said the wheel was turned three times: first to explain the Four Noble Truths, second to introduce the nature of emptiness (sunyata), and third to reveal the doctrine of Buddha Nature.

Long Life Vase

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The Long Life vase, known in Tibetan as the Tsebum, is a special ritual vessel in the Buddhist traditions specifically designed to keep health and long life. It is a very necessary implement in Vajrayana practice, and this is used as the physical manifestation of the Buddha's ability to prolong life. The vase represents the enlightened activity of Amitayus, the Buddha of Longevity. The top of the vase will often feature a Ghau (amulet) that can be opened to place a small image of Buddha Amitayus inside. It is the focus of the long-life rituals and spiritual empowerments, whereby they aim at eliminating impediments to their life force. The vase is filled with symbolic amrita (spiritual nectar) during the rituals. This nectar is traditionally a blend of pure water and saffron into a yellow color and other auspicious substances.

Dalucha

The Dalucha, or Akashdeep (meaning oil lamp), is a historical hanging oil lamp that is a significant representation of the art and religious culture of Kathmandu Valley. It is also highly traditional in both the history of the Newar Buddhist and Hindu, and is generally observed in the exterior of houses, temples, and monasteries. It is a common practice among families in the morning to light the lamp to seek divine protection and blessings. It has been applied in meditation in the Trataka technique, where individuals concentrate on the flame to enhance concentration and clarity of mind. The act of lighting up the lamp is used symbolically, as darkness and ignorance are eliminated, and the quest for enlightenment is done.

Butter Lamp 

The butter lamp, known as Karme in Tibetan, is one of the most potent and fundamental ritual items in the Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The glow of a butter lamp represents the light of consciousness that dispels darkness and ignorance. Butter lamps are traditionally dedicated to the ancestors to light their passage through the bardo (the state between death and rebirth) and to encourage rebirth in a "Pureland." Offering these lamps is believed to foster global peace, longevity, and success while helping to remove spiritual obstacles and heal illnesses.

Serkyem

The Serkyem (also spelt Serkym), or the Golden Drink Offering, is a special and important ceremony in Tibetan Buddhism, which is used to connect with the divine and ask for guidance. Derived from the words "ser" (golden) and "kyem" (beverage), it involves offering a drink, traditionally tea or alcohol, to deities and Dharma guardians. The Serkyem offering is a practice deeply rooted in the history of the Himalayan highlands and Mongolia, evolving from prehistoric rites and the pre-Buddhist Bon tradition. Usually made of brass or copper, the vessel consists of two parts. The bottom portion represents the earth, the higher section represents the skies, and the liquid stream acts as the link between the sacred and the profane. The choice of drink has specific connotations. Tea is a symbol of humility and simplicity, and alcohol is a symbol of change, impermanence, and transformation. Grains take the place of the upper cup, and the bottom is filled with liquid. 

Dhupur Rice Pot

The Dhupur Rice Pot is a traditional vessel that represents a unique blend of heritage, artistry, and theHimalayan lifestyle. Other than being an effective household item, the sources refer to it as a monastic tool and a sacred bridge between everyday life and spirituality. The offering of food and common feasting are a necessity in Vajrayana Buddhism; these activities are mainly done in the Dhupur. The food offered to spirits in these pots is believed to be a source of physical and spiritual nourishment. They have the dragons (symbolizing power and protection) and lotus flowers (symbolizing purity and enlightenment) carved on the pots. These pots are even family treasures and transmitted across generations, through the generations of mothers and daughters, of fathers and sons, with the history of the ancestors who used them.

Eight Auspicious Symbols

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The Eight Auspicious Symbols or Ashtamangala (ashta meaning eight and mangala meaning auspicious) are a religious collection of symbols that portray the significance of attaining enlightenment through the teachings of the Buddha. In Tibetan, they are called tashee-tag-gyay. These symbols are a visual overview of the spiritual journey and are present in Buddhist culture and are used to decorate all aspects of the world, such as temple walls and roofs of monasteries, as well as on furniture, carpets and jewelry. The Eight Auspicious symbols include - Precious Parasol, Lotus Flower, Right- Coiled white conch, Endless Knot, Golden Fishes, Treasure Vase, Victory Banner and Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra).

Ghau

A Ghau (Gau, Gao, Ga'u, or Gawu) is a shrine which is a portable amulet box and the central element of Tibetan Buddhism and the native Bon religion. They are sacred vessels through which the material and the spiritual worlds are bridged and serve as receptacles (ten) that contain the blessings (jinlab) and the power (tu) of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and holy gurus. A ritual is conducted by a trained lama, which entails meditation and mantras to call a deity into the object, and make it operational in terms of its protective and blessing powers.

Incense Burner

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An incense burner is a container or holder that is purposefully crafted to hold and burn incense, both practically and also as a key requirement in a spiritual area. These items are considered to be critical instruments in building a strong ambiance to assist in closing the gap between earth and the divine. Many traditions, such as Buddhism, where the incense burners are used to enhance prayers, and the rituals are central to these traditions. By providing a stable way to burn incense, these holders allow practitioners to focus on inner peace and concentration rather than managing falling ash. The drifting smoke also serves as a reminder of impermanence, encouraging devotees to live in the present moment.

Kapala Set

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The Kapala or Thopa in Tibetan is a ritual skull cup which is traditionally made out of a human skull cap of a human. The Vajrayana Buddhism is a large ritual vessel, which is held in the left hand by Dakinis, feminine manifestations of wisdom, and used by other deities, such as mahasiddhas, yogis, yidams, and wrathful protectors. It is categorized as a Tantric Sadhana artifact, and practitioners may also use related items such as a Kapala set or a Kapala stand in their rituals. It is used as a container for sacrificial offerings, such as tea, alcohol, and other substances, presented to wrathful deities. Deities like Vajrayogini are frequently depicted carrying a Kapala filled with blood, and practitioners may meditate on her to achieve enlightenment. The presence of the Kapala emphasizes the importance of transforming everyday experiences into spiritual realization. It serves as a reminder that all beings are interconnected. Instead of fearing the impermanence of life, the Kapala encourages practitioners to embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and development.

Mala Beads

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Mala beads, also known as japamalas, are sacred strings of beads traditionally used as tools for prayer, devotion, and meditation in various spiritual traditions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism.  These beads are silent observers of thousands of years of practice and are a physical representation of inner calm and clarity. Mala beads usage is thought to have begun in ancient India during the 8th century BCE. Hindu sages (sadhu) and Buddhist monks were the first to use them to focus more and help them in counting prayers or mantra rhythms- a practice referred to as japa. When counting with a mala, the sources recommend that one should use the right hand and the thumb to move the beads with the mala lying on the fingers (traditionally avoiding the index finger). The guru bead should not be crossed; once a practitioner reaches it, they should turn the mala around to begin a new cycle. When not in use, the mala should be stored in a clean, sacred, and respected place. The choice of material often depends on the practitioner's spiritual goals: 

• Rudraksha Seeds: Associated with Lord Shiva, these are believed to offer protection from negative energy and promote calmness.
• Bodhi Seeds: Sourced from the Bodhi tree, they are regarded as "seeds of enlightenment" and are believed to enhance wisdom and creativity.
• Sandalwood: Known for its soothing scent, it is used to clear the mind, aid relaxation, and eliminate negativity.
• Lotus Seeds: Believed to promote purity and compassion.

Mandala Offering Set

The Mandala offering set is regarded as the ultimate rite of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition representing the whole of the cleansed universe and all its wealth given to his or her teacher, meditative deity or the Triple Gem. The word mandala can be translated as something which encircles something in the middle, the inner meaning is taking in the essence. A typical traditional mandala set consists of a base (Vajra Bhumi), 3 rings, and a top ornament (crown). The rings refer to the various levels of Mount Sumeru and the crown is the palace of the Lord of Deities (Shakra). The practitioners place heaps on the bottom with grain (usually rice) or precious stones and symbolize different elements of the universe. 

Three distinct levels of practice:

1. Outer Mandala: The ritual use of the physical mandala set and grain to offer the material universe.
2. Inner Mandala: This is a type of mental practice in which the meditator imagines his own body to be the mandala (e.g. the trunk to form the mountain meru, the limbs to form the continents, and the eyes to form the sun and moon).
3. Secret Mandala: The offering of two specific states of mind: the Bodhi Mind (the aspiration for enlightenment) and the Wisdom that perceives the emptiness of all things.

Offering Bowls

Offering bowls, one of the primary objects in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and home altars, are ritual vessels used to cultivate generosity, respect, and mindfulness. These bowls are traditionally placed in a line of seven and represent a physical connection that physically connects the inner spiritual way with the material world of the practitioner. The practice of making offerings is rooted in ancient India, where simple gifts like water were presented to honored guests as a sign of respect. In the Tibetan tradition, this practice was notably established by the master Atisha, who was so moved by the purity of Tibet's groundwater that he recognized it as a means for anyone, regardless of wealth, to accumulate limitless merit.

The Seven Offerings: Each of the seven bowls typically represents a specific gift offered to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, corresponding to the Seven-Limbed Practice.

1. Drinking Water (Argham): Symbolizes refreshment and the wish to offer hospitality to all beings.
2. Washing Water (Padyam): Represents the purification of the body, speech, and mind.
3. Flowers (Pushpa): Symbolizes beauty and the doctrine of impermanence.
4. Incense (Dhupe): Represents the "fragrance" of ethical conduct.
5. Light (Aloke): Dispels the darkness of ignorance and symbolizes the illumination of wisdom.
6. Perfume (Ghande): Represents the joy of spiritual awakening.
7. Food (Naivedya): Symbolizes spiritual nourishment and abundance.

Phurba 

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The Phurba (Tibetan) or Kila (Sanskrit) is a powerful ritual dagger that has a unique three-sided blade with a complex handle. It means peg, or stake, or nail, translated literally, and is thought to be one of the most mysterious and effective instruments of Vajrayana Buddhism. Although it pre-dates Buddhism, being the product of native Tibetan religion and shamanism known as Bon, it was adopted into Buddhist practice, most famously by the master Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Being a Tantric Sadhana object, it has a close connection with the wrathful deity Vajrakilaya (Dorje Phurba), the presence of which is considered to be embodied in the implement itself. Phurba is a tool that is essential in the process of spiritual protection, healing, and pacification of obstacles. Its goal is not that of violence or bodily harm but of spiritual change and subduing the negative forces.

Prayer Wheel

The prayer wheel (Tibetan: Mani wheel) is an ancient and powerful spiritual tool in Vajrayana Buddhism used to establish a link with the divine and transform ordinary movement into moving meditation. The practice has a distinct lineage, originating with Nagarjuna, who passed it to the Lion-faced Dakini, who then gave it to Padmasambhava, who brought it to Tibet. These instruments, ranging from small handheld versions to massive wheels found in monasteries, are filled with billions of sacred mantras, most commonly "Om Mani Padme Hum". 

The primary purpose of turning a prayer wheel is the purification of negative karma and the accumulation of extensive merit.

• Merit Accumulation: Turning a wheel once is believed to accumulate the same merit as having orally recited all the mantras contained within it. For example, a single turn of a large wheel containing 11.8 billion mantras provides the same benefit as years of spiritual retreat.
• Benefit to All Beings: The blessings of a prayer wheel extend beyond the practitioner to all beings in the area, including insects and animals, saving them from rebirth in lower realms.
• Assistance at Death: Simply thinking of or having a prayer wheel nearby at the time of death is a method to transfer consciousness to a pure land, such as the pure land of Amitabha or the Compassion Buddha.
• Environmental Peace: Building a prayer wheel is said to completely transform an area, making it peaceful, serene, and conducive to the mind.

Stupa

A stupa is not a simple monument or a structure but a living icon of the Buddha doctrine and his enlightened mind. Stupas were traditionally built in India, in the late 4th century BCE, as the resting place of the remains of a revered person (sramana) in the sitting posture, and they are commonly known as chaityas.  As Buddhism spread across Asia, these structures took on localized names and forms; they are known as chorten in Tibet, pagodas in East Asia, and stupas in Southeast Asia.

A structure must have particular architectural characteristics in order to qualify as a real stupa, and this often includes a base, a hemispherical dome (anda), a square railing (harmika), and a tiered central pillar (chattra). Most importantly, they traditionally hold sacred relics (sarira), i. e., the body remains of Buddhist masters. The architecture of a stupa is rich with layered symbolism, connecting the physical structure to the Five Elements and the Buddha’s physical form:

• The Square Base (Earth): Represents stability and foundation. Symbolically, it corresponds to the Buddha’s legs and the Four Noble Truths.
• The Dome or Bhumpa (Water): Represents fluidity and purification. It corresponds to the Buddha’s chest and the Seven Elements of Enlightenment.
• The Conical Spire (Fire): Represents transformation and burning away ignorance. It symbolizes the Buddha’s crown and the ultimate achievement of enlightenment.
• The Parasol or Crescent (Air): Represents movement, action, and royalty.
• The Jewel or Sun (Space): Positioned at the pinnacle, it represents pure awareness, infinite consciousness, and ultimate wisdom.

Prayer Book

The prayer book is a sacred object that serves as a bridge between religious art and spiritual practice, carrying the cultural soul of Buddhism. These are spiritual liberations where mantras, divine songs, hymns, and meditation and ritual instructions are found. The sources state that practicing these scriptures by reading them or chanting them enables the practitioners to get deeper in their levels of kindness and understanding. The introduction of Buddhism in Tibet dates back to the 7th century CE, both in India and Nepal. It was King Songtsen Gampo who commissioned the first Tibetan script, which was the Indian Brahmi script, for the specific reason of preserving the Buddhist teachings. A prayer book functions as a tool for mental transformation. Repeat of mantras, mantras that contain six syllables like the mantra of compassion, Om Mani Padme Hum, is meant to eliminate bad deeds, generate merit and reduce thoughts associated with ego. The texts assist practitioners in calming down and have a closer union with the divine. Monks and nuns usually read these texts in unison in monastic environments and this produces a single spirit of piety.

Conch

The conch shell, known as Shankha in Sanskrit, is a multi-dimensional ritual object that serves as both a functional tool and a profound spiritual symbol in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. It is often referred to in ancient scriptures such as the Pali Canon and Mahayana Sutras as a metaphor regarding the vast and lasting nature of the teachings of the Buddha. Archaeological evidence reveals that conch shells have been used in monastic complexes and stupas across Nepal, India, and Tibet for centuries. The conch shell is deeply connected to the dissemination of the Dharma as it signifies the voice of awakening and expansion of Dharma. The resonance of the conch is said to represent the sacred 'Om', which is considered the primordial vibration of the universe and the original resonance of creation. The conch shell acts as a beacon of spiritual wisdom, summoning practitioners to move from the everyday world toward a state of pure consciousness and enlightened action.