In Buddhism, symbolic offerings are made to the Triple Gem, giving rise to contemplative gratitude and inspiration.[1] Typical material offerings involve simple objects such as a lit candle or oil lamp,[2] burning incense,[3] flowers,[4] food, fruit, water or drinks.[5]
Contemporary Western practitioners often find the making of offerings to be occasions for gracious mindfulness.[6] Within the traditional Buddhist framework of karma and rebirth, offerings also lead to:
a better rebirth in the cycle of birth and death (Pali: vattagamini-kusala)
progress towards release from suffering (Pali: vivattagamini-kusala).[7]
These offerings often act as preparation for meditation.[8]