Material: Plastic. Painted. Rechargeable (can be used for about a week after fully charged)

Size: 30 cm (Medium)

Description:

Ghee lamp (Tibetan: མར་མེ་, Mar Me, meaning "Ghee Light") is a highly symbolic instrument in Tibetan Buddhism, widely used in temples, family temples, pilgrimage sites and various religious ceremonies. It uses ghee (usually extracted from yak or goat milk) as fuel, and ignites the wick to worship the Buddha, the main deity or the guardian deity. The following will discuss in detail the origin, symbolic meaning and use of ghee lamps in Tibetan Buddhism.

1. The origin of ghee lamps

1. **Historical and cultural roots**

The origin of ghee lamps can be traced back to the ancient Indian Buddhist tradition of offering lamps. Buddhist scriptures (such as the Sutra on the Merits of Offering Lamps) record that offering lamps is an important way to support the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), symbolizing the use of light to dispel ignorance. With the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet in the 7th century (during the Songtsen Gampo period), the custom of offering lamps was introduced to Tibet, and ghee was used as fuel to replace Indian vegetable oil in response to the plateau environment. Ghee lamps have thus become a unique instrument of Tibetan Buddhism, integrating the religious concepts of Indian Buddhism with the material basis of Tibetan herders' lives.

2. **The influence of Bon religion and Tibetan culture**

Before the formation of Tibetan Buddhism, the Bon religion in Tibet had used lights as part of sacrificial and purification rituals. The lighting custom of Bon religion and the tradition of offering lamps in Tibetan Buddhism have influenced each other, forming a unique form of using ghee as fuel. Ghee comes from yaks or sheep, and is the core resource of Tibetan nomadic culture. It adapts to the needs of the high-altitude environment, making ghee lamps the most common way of offering lamps in Tibetan Buddhism.

3. **Legend and Guru Padmasambhava**

In the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava (8th century) is credited with popularizing the use of butter lamps. He taught followers to light butter lamps to worship the deity, purify the environment, and as part of tantric practice. Legend has it that the light of the butter lamp can summon the blessings of the deity and the guardian deities, helping practitioners to eliminate obstacles.

4. **Making and Form**

Usually made of metal (copper, silver, or brass) or clay, butter lamps are mostly shallow bowls or cups with butter inside and a wick (usually cotton thread or cloth strip) in the center. When the wick is lit, it emits a soft light from the burning butter. Butter lamps vary in size, with small lamps used in home shrines and large lamps used in temple ceremonies or major festivals (such as the Tibetan New Year or Vesak). On special occasions, temples may light hundreds or even thousands of butter lamps to create a solemn atmosphere.

2. Symbolic meaning of butter lamps

1. **Light dispels ignorance**

The core symbol of butter lamps is light, representing the wisdom (Prajñā) of the Buddha dispelling ignorance (Avidyā). In Tibetan Buddhism, ignorance is regarded as the root of reincarnation, and lighting a butter lamp symbolizes lighting the light of wisdom in the heart and guiding sentient beings to enlightenment. The continuous burning of the light also represents the sustainable spread of the Dharma, just like the constant rotation of the Dharma wheel.

2. **Offerings and merits**

Offering butter lamps is an offering to the Buddha, the deity or the guardian deity, expressing piety and gratitude. Tibetan Buddhism believes that lighting a butter lamp can accumulate infinite merits, purify the evil karma of body, speech and mind, and bring blessings to the lamp-offerer and his relatives. According to the scriptures, the merits of offering lamps include increasing wisdom, prolonging life, eliminating obstacles and obtaining a pure afterlife.

3. **Compassion and salvation**

The light of a ghee lamp not only benefits the lamp-holder, but is also believed to illuminate all living beings, including humans, non-humans (such as ghosts and spirits), and animals. The act of lighting a lamp embodies the spirit of compassion in Tibetan Buddhism, praying for all living beings to be free from suffering and attain liberation. In some rituals, ghee lamps are also used to liberate the souls of the dead and help them find the path to light.

4. **Symbol of impermanence and life**

The burning process of a ghee lamp symbolizes the impermanence of life (Anicca). The gradual burning of the wick and the consumption of ghee reminds practitioners of the brevity and impermanence of life and motivates them to practice diligently. At the same time, the steady burning of the light also symbolizes inner peace and concentration, which echoes the state of meditation (Samādhi).

5. **Connection between the universe and the deity**

In the Tantric tradition, the flame of a ghee lamp is seen as a resonance with the energy of the universe, especially with the blessings of deities such as Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig) or Mañjuśrī. The flickering of the light is believed to summon the presence of the deity, purify the environment and enhance the power of practice.

3. How to use butter lamps

1. **Personal practice and family offering**

- **Daily lamp offering**: Tibetan families usually have small butter lamps in the Buddhist hall. Believers light them every morning or evening to worship the Buddha or the deity, while chanting or silently reciting the six-syllable mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum). This is a simple and pious way of practice to express respect for the Three Jewels.

- **Meditation aid**: In personal retreat or meditation, the soft light of the butter lamp helps to create a peaceful atmosphere and help practitioners enter a state of concentration. Staring at the light (similar to candlelight meditation) is also a technique in some tantric practices to stabilize the mind.

2. **Temple and Dharma Assembly**

- **Large lamp offering**: During major Tibetan Buddhist festivals (such as the Tibetan New Year, Vesak Day, or the anniversary of Tsongkhapa's death), monasteries will light hundreds or even thousands of butter lamps and offer them in front of the altar or pagoda to symbolize the light of the Dharma. These lights create a sacred atmosphere and attract many believers to worship.

- **Empowerment and ritual**: In tantric empowerment or Dharma assembly, butter lamps are used to purify the venue, invoke the deity, or enhance the power of the ritual. For example, in the Guanyin Dharma Assembly, lighting butter lamps is combined with chanting the six-syllable mantra to pray for compassion and blessings.

3. **Pilgrimage and circumambulation**

At holy places in Tibet (such as the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Mount Kailash, or the Jokhang Temple), pilgrims often light butter lamps in front of the temple or pagoda as part of their offering. Some pilgrims carry small butter lamps when they circumambulate the Kora, combining circumambulation with offering lamps to accumulate merit.

4. **Sacrifice and Blessing**

- **Sacrifice for the Dead**: In Tibetan Buddhist salvation rituals, butter lamps are believed to guide the dead souls to a bright path, helping them escape the bardo or obtain a better afterlife. Monasteries or families often light butter lamps within 49 days of the death, accompanied by chanting and offerings.

- **Blessing and Healing**: Lighting butter lamps is also used to pray for health, longevity, or to avoid disasters. Believers may light lamps for their loved ones or themselves, praying for the blessings of the deity or guardian deity.

5. **Special Rituals**

- **Butter Lamp Festival (Tibetan: Mar Me Monlam)**: During the Tibetan New Year or certain festivals (such as the anniversary of Tsongkhapa's death), a grand lamp festival is held in Tibetan areas, with tens of thousands of butter lamps lit, symbolizing the light of the Dharma illuminating the universe. This activity is particularly spectacular in Lhasa, Labrang Monastery and other places.

- **Tantric practice**: In some Tantric rituals (such as Chöd or Homage), butter lamps are used to purify the environment or as part of offerings to enhance the effect of the practice.

IV. Application of different sects

1. **Nyingma (Red Sect)**

Nyingma emphasizes the secret practice of Guru Padmasambhava, and butter lamps are widely used in Terma practice and Avalokitesvara ceremony. Light is regarded as a medium for summoning the deity and guardian deity, especially in treasure guardian or longevity practice.

2. **Kagyu (White Sect)**

Kagyu focuses on actual practice and Mahamudra meditation. Butter lamps are used to adjust the mind and create a sacred atmosphere in retreat and personal practice. Kagyu pilgrims often light butter lamps while circumambulating the stupa, combining body, speech and mind practice.

3. **Gelugpa (Yellow Sect)**

The Gelugpa uses butter lamps extensively in large-scale ceremonies and temple rituals, emphasizing their functions of offering and purification. In Tsongkhapa's teachings, offering lamps is regarded as an important way to accumulate merit, especially on Vesak Day or the anniversary of Tsongkhapa's death.

4. **Sakya (Flower Sect)**

The Sakya sect frequently uses butter lamps in the practice of Avalokitesvara and the ceremonies of the treasure guardian, focusing on their meaning of symbolizing compassion and wisdom. The design of Sakya butter lamps may incorporate exquisite artistic elements, reflecting its characteristics of focusing on rituals.

V. Modern influence of butter lamps

1. **Globalization**

As Tibetan Buddhism spreads around the world, butter lamps have become a common ritual implement for Western Buddhists and spiritual practitioners. Western Buddhist centers often use butter lamps or their substitutes (such as candles) for meditation and offerings, symbolizing wisdom and compassion. The image of butter lamps also appears in Buddhist books and documentaries, becoming one of the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. **Culture and Art**

The exquisite shape of butter lamps makes them a representative of Tibetan handicrafts, and they are often seen in temple decorations and family temples. The light landscape of large butter lamp festivals attracts tourists from all over the world and has become an important element of Tibetan cultural tourism.

3. **Modern alternatives and controversies**

In modern times, some areas have switched to candles or electric lamps as a way of offering lamps due to the high cost of butter or environmental considerations. Although these alternatives retain the symbolic meaning of light, some traditionalists believe that they lack the authenticity and blessing power of butter lamps. In addition, the burning of butter lamps may produce smoke and dust, and modern temples sometimes use improved designs to reduce pollution.

4. **Ecology and Ethics**

The compassionate concept of Tibetan Buddhism has prompted some monks and believers to pay attention to the ecological impact of butter lamps. For example, it is advocated to use sustainably sourced butter or reduce excessive burning to meet the values ​​of modern environmental protection.

VI. Summary

Ghee lamps are a Tibetan Buddhist ritual instrument that combines religion, philosophy and culture. Their origins combine the lamp-offering tradition of Indian Buddhism with the characteristics of Tibetan butter culture. Ghee lamps symbolize wisdom dispelling ignorance, offering to the Three Jewels, compassion and salvation, and the impermanence of life. They are widely used in personal practice, temple ceremonies, pilgrimages and salvation ceremonies. Different sects (such as the Nyingma and Gelug sects) have slightly different emphases on the use of butter lamps, but their core functions are purification, blessing and accumulation of merit. With the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, the influence of butter lamps has transcended the scope of religion and become a symbol of cultural and spiritual practice, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhist pursuit of wisdom, compassion and cosmic harmony.