In Tibetan Buddhism, the Butter Lamp Offering is a deeply sacred and widely practiced ritual. More than just lighting a lamp, this practice represents devotion, merit accumulation, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion.

• Symbol of Enlightenment and Wisdom
  Lighting a butter lamp represents dispelling darkness and ignorance, illuminating the mind with wisdom.
• Accumulate Merit and Blessings
  The act of offering a lamp generates spiritual merit, purifies past negative karma, and fosters a generous and devoted heart.
• Devotion and Blessings for All Beings
  Offering light expresses respect for the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and protective deities, while spreading blessings of peace, health, and protection.

• Preparation of Lamps and Offerings
  Butter or vegetable oil, lamp wicks, and lamps made of copper, brass, silver, or ceramic. Additional offerings may include flowers, incense, or water.
• Purification and Dedication
  Monks or practitioners purify the altar, recite mantras or prayers, and dedicate the lamps to the Buddhas.
• Lighting the Lamp
  Light the wick and place the lamp before a Buddha statue or mandala. Meditate or silently recite prayers, visualizing the light spreading blessings everywhere.
• Dedication of Merit
  After lighting, the accumulated merit is dedicated to all sentient beings, often including prayers for health, longevity, and spiritual progress.

• Daily temple offerings or personal devotional practice
• Religious festivals and special ceremonies (e.g., Thousand Lamps Festival, Shoton Festival)
• Community or family prayer gatherings
• New or restored altar installations

• Accessible and Profound: While simple to perform, the ritual is spiritually powerful and auspicious.
• Mindful Participation: Practitioners can engage directly or through mental offering and rejoicing, both generating merit.
• Symbol of Everlasting Dharma: The lamp’s light represents the enduring presence and blessings of the Buddha’s teachings.