A statue is usually the centre of a home altar, so it is worth choosing slowly. Three questions help: which figure, what size, and which material.
Which figure
The most common advice is to choose a figure connected to your own practice. If you follow a teacher or tradition, ask which one they suggest. If you are starting out, these are frequent choices for a home altar:
- Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha, suitable for any Buddhist altar.
- Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), associated with compassion.
- Green Tara, often approached for protection and swift help.
- Medicine Buddha, associated with healing.
- Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), central in the Nyingma tradition.
One main statue is enough. A crowded altar is harder to keep clean and can feel less settled.
What size
Measure the space first, including the height. A statue should sit comfortably with room around it and should not touch a shelf above.
- Up to about 15 cm (6 in): a shelf, desk or travel altar.
- About 16 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in): most home altars.
- 30 cm (12 in) and above: a dedicated altar cabinet or room.
In Tibetan custom the statue is placed at the highest point of the altar, with offerings in front and below.
Statues for a home altar
Handmade Himalayan statues in brass and copper. See all Buddha statues.
Which material
Most Himalayan statues are cast in brass or copper. Some are left in the natural metal, some are fully gilded, and some have painted faces or inset stones. Gilding gives a warm gold finish; brass and copper darken gently with age. We explain the differences and how to look after each in our guide to statue materials.
Before you place it
Many Tibetan statues are hollow with a sealed base. In the tradition they are often filled with rolled mantras and consecrated by a lama. If this matters to you, ask a teacher or a local monastery. Otherwise, place the statue in a clean, quiet spot, a little above eye level when you are seated, and keep the area around it tidy.
