Material: Copper

Size: Base diameter 15 cm

Description:

The "Dharma Cup" in Tibetan Buddhism (often called **Dorma** or **Bali** in Tibetan, or specifically refers to the vessel for offering to the Dharma Protector) is a Dharma instrument used to offer to the Dharma Protector. It is mainly used in the religious rituals of Tibetan Buddhism, especially when offering, praying or appeasing the Dharma Protector. The following briefly introduces the origin and use of the Dharma Protector Cup:

**Origin**

The origin of the Dharma Protector Cup is closely related to the worship of the Dharma Protector God in Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism incorporates elements of Indian Buddhism, Bon religion and local folk beliefs. The Dharma Protector Cup is regarded as a supernatural force that protects the Dharma, temples and practitioners. The use of the offering cup can be traced back to the ritual traditions of Tantric Buddhism, especially the offering ceremony of Vajrayana. These offering cups are usually used to hold offerings to express respect for the guardian god and pray for his blessing and protection.

In the history of Tibetan Buddhism, with the development of major sects (such as Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, etc.), the worship of guardian gods has gradually become institutionalized. The shape and use of the offering cup also vary by sect and specific guardian deity. For example, some guardian deities (such as Mahakala or Auspicious Goddess) have their own exclusive way of offering, and the design of the offering cup and the content of the offerings will be adjusted according to the requirements of the ceremony.

**Purpose**

The offering cup of the guardian deity is usually used in specific religious ceremonies, daily offerings or major ceremonies. Its main uses and uses are as follows:

1. **Shape and material of the offering cup**:

- The offering cup is usually a small container made of metal (such as copper, silver) or ceramics, mostly in the shape of a bowl or cup, with simple patterns, but sometimes auspicious patterns or mantras are engraved.

- Some offering cups are designed for specific guardian deities and may have unique shapes or decorations, such as skull-shaped offering cups (kapalas), which are designed for certain wrathful guardian deities.

- Offerings are usually placed in the offering cup, such as tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter, wine, water, flowers, spices, etc., depending on the specific ceremony.

2. **Purpose of offerings**:

- **Pray for blessings**: Offerings are made to the guardian deities to obtain their protection, help practitioners eliminate obstacles, subdue demonic enemies, and ensure the success of the Dharma cause.

- **Pacifying the guardian deities**: Some guardian deities (especially secular guardian deities) are considered to be fierce and need regular offerings to appease their power and avoid negative effects.

- **Purification and gratitude**: Offering cups are also used to purify temples or thank the guardian deities for their protection.

3. **Used in rituals**:

- **Daily offerings**: In temples or personal altars, offering cups are usually placed in front of the guardian deity or altar, containing offerings, and are accompanied by chanting and mantras (such as the guardian deity's exclusive mantra).

- **Specific pujas**: In large guardian ceremonies (such as the Mahakala puja), offering cups may be used with tormas (a special offering sculpture), and the offerings will be more exquisite and placed according to the requirements of the ritual. - **Offering Handling**: Offerings are usually handled after the ceremony, such as being distributed to participants, scattered in nature, burned, or discarded in a clean place according to the requirements of the ceremony.

4. **Offering Notes**:

- The offering cup must be kept clean and the offerings must be fresh and in accordance with the requirements of the ceremony.

- Offerings must be made with respect and with specific visualizations and mantras to enhance the effectiveness of the offerings.

- Different Dharma protectors have different preferences. For example, Mahakala likes wine offerings, while other Dharma protectors may prefer vegetarian offerings. This depends on the sect and tradition.

**Cultural and Symbolic Meaning**

The Dharma protector offering cup is not only a practical ritual tool, but also has a profound symbolic meaning. It represents the practitioner's devotion and reliance on the Dharma protector. It also embodies the concept of "offering" in Tibetan Buddhist practice, which is to accumulate merit and purify karma through giving and dedication.

The Dharma protector offering cup is an important instrument for offering to the Dharma protector in Tibetan Buddhism. It comes from the tradition of the fusion of Tantric rituals and Tibetan culture. It plays an important role in daily offerings, rituals and special ceremonies. It is used to pray for the blessings of the guardian gods, appease the gods or pray for blessings.