This article describes Thai cultural tradition. It is not Buddhist doctrine, and nothing here is a prediction.
Many Buddhist homes in Thailand have a small shrine, a hing phra: a shelf or little cabinet with a Buddha image, flowers and a candle. It is where the family bows each morning, chants and makes small offerings. You can set up a simple version anywhere. Here is how, with the Thai customs behind it.
This guide describes Thai cultural customs. None of it is required by the Buddha's teaching; what matters is the practice it reminds you of.
1. Choose a place
- Clean and quiet: a corner of the living room or bedroom where you can sit for a few minutes.
- Higher than your head when seated: in Thai custom, a Buddha image is placed high as a sign of respect, never on the floor.
- Not in or facing a bathroom, and preferably not where people put their feet up toward it.
- Direction: many Thai families face the image east, toward the rising sun. Any respectful place is fine.
2. What to put on it
- A Buddha image (statue or picture) in the center and highest place. Many Thais choose the image for their birth day.
- A vase of fresh flowers.
- A candle (or a small lamp).
- An incense holder.
- Optional: a small cup of clean water, a chanting book, a photo of a teacher or of parents and grandparents.
Keep it simple and uncluttered. A shrine that is easy to keep clean is a shrine you will keep using.
3. The three traditional offerings
| Offering | Traditional meaning |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Beautiful today, wilted tomorrow: a reminder of impermanence. |
| Candle | The light of wisdom that dispels ignorance. |
| Incense (often 3 sticks) | The Buddha, the Dhamma and the Saṅgha, and the "fragrance" of good conduct spreading in all directions. |
Some families also offer a little rice, fruit or water in the morning, and take it away later in the day.
4. A daily routine at your altar
- Light the candle and incense (or just sit, if smoke is not practical).
- Bow three times: to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Saṅgha.
- Chant the homage and the Three Refuges. See morning chanting.
- Sit quietly for a few minutes.
- Bow three times again, and blow out the candle safely.
Respect for Buddha images
In Thailand, Buddha images are treated with great respect, and using them as decoration is considered offensive. Avoid placing them on the floor, in bathrooms, as furniture or garden ornaments, or under things. If you no longer want an image, Thai Buddhists usually take it to a temple rather than throwing it away.
Your altar does not need to be elaborate. What matters is that it calls you back each day to a few quiet minutes. For the full home practice, read how to practice Buddhism at home.
Questions people ask
Do I need an altar to practice Buddhism?
No. An altar is a helpful reminder and a place to practice, not a requirement. A quiet corner works just as well.
Where should a Buddha image be placed?
In Thai custom, on a clean shelf or table above head height when you sit, never on the floor, and not in a bathroom or facing one. Many Thais face it east, but any respectful, quiet place is fine.
What are the traditional offerings?
Flowers, a candle and incense: three offerings with three meanings. Some people also offer water, fruit or food in the morning.
Can I use a Buddha image as decoration?
Thai Buddhists consider it disrespectful to use Buddha images as decor, for example as a lamp base, in a bathroom or as a tattoo on the lower body. If you have one, place it respectfully.