A mandala offering set is a stack of metal rings on a round base that is filled with rice and precious things. In Tibetan Buddhism, building it is a way of offering the whole universe, in its most beautiful form, to the buddhas. It is one of the core practices of the preliminaries (ngöndro), and a filled mandala is also a lovely offering to keep on a shrine.
What it symbolises
The layers represent the traditional Buddhist cosmos: Mount Meru at the centre, the four continents around it, the sun and moon, and every kind of treasure. Offering it means giving away everything, with no wish to keep anything back, which is why the practice is linked with building generosity and merit.
Parts of a set
- Base plate: the round foundation, often engraved with a design.
- Three rings of decreasing size that are stacked and filled one by one.
- Top ornament: usually a Dharma wheel or a wish-fulfilling jewel that crowns the mandala.
- Filling: rice mixed with grains, small gemstones, coins or other precious items. Saffron water is sometimes used to colour the rice.
Mandala sets in our shop
Brass mandala sets, offering gemstones and a filigree mandala plate. See all mandala items.
How to choose
- Two mandalas or one: many practitioners keep an offering mandala filled on the shrine and use a second practice mandala to build again and again. One set is enough to begin.
- Size: a base of about 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in) is comfortable to hold in one hand for practice. Smaller plates suit a compact shrine.
- Material: brass and copper are traditional and durable; silver-plated or filigree sets are more decorative. Check that the rings sit evenly on the base.
- Weight: for practice you hold the base in your left hand, so a lighter set is easier for long sessions.
How it is used, in brief
The details differ between lineages, so learn the practice from your teacher. In outline, you hold the base in your left hand, wipe its surface with your right hand while reciting, then place small heaps of rice for Mount Meru, the continents and the treasures, stacking the rings as you go and finishing with the top ornament. The completed mandala is offered with a short verse, then usually tipped into your lap or a cloth so it can be built again.
Looking after it
Replace the rice on a shrine mandala from time to time and give the old rice to birds rather than throwing it away. Wipe the metal with a soft dry cloth. For other shrine offerings, see how to choose Tibetan offering bowls.
