Materials: Copper, Electroplated, Cast, Inlaid

Size: 6 cm diameter / Set of 8

Description:

The Eight Offering Cups (also known as the Eight Offering Utensils or Eight Water Offerings) is a common offering ritual in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana), used to express respect for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and to accumulate merit. It consists of eight cups, each representing an offering, symbolizing eight special ways of offering that can combat defilements such as greed, hatred, and ignorance, and purify the body and mind. These cups are typically made of gold, silver, copper, or porcelain and are displayed in an orderly arrangement before the altar. Although less common in Chinese Buddhism, its core concepts originate from ancient Indian texts and are incorporated into tantric practices.

Origin of the Eight Offering Cups

The Eight Offering Cups' origins can be traced back to ancient India. Originally, they were not purely religious rituals, but rather a secular custom of welcoming guests. According to legend, in ancient India, due to the hot climate, when distinguished guests arrived from afar, their hosts would prepare eight types of hospitality as a sign of respect: first, water to quench thirst, then water for washing feet, and finally, flowers, incense, lamps, oils, food, and music to comfort the guests physically and mentally. These eight courtesies were later Buddhistized and incorporated into the tradition of offering to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), becoming a spiritual tool symbolizing the "Eight Winds of Invulnerability" (profit, decline, criticism, praise, acclaim, ridicule, suffering, and happiness).

In Buddhist texts, such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and the tantras, the eight offerings are considered a supreme offering to the Buddha, capable of accumulating immeasurable merit. Tibetan Buddhism places particular emphasis on this ritual, believing it to originate from the mandala offering of the deity. Through the offering of physical objects such as water, it is visualized as transforming into an endless offering of the Dharma realm. The Kagyu tradition emphasizes the eight offerings of water as the best way to accumulate merit and combat the karmic obstacles of poverty and hunger and thirst. Overall, this offering practice, evolved from worldly rituals, emphasizes purity and respect and has become a core element of daily Tibetan Buddhist practice.

When to Use the Eight Offering Cups

The Eight Offering Cups are used flexibly and diversely, primarily during daily practice, special pujas, or during deity visualizations, to cultivate generosity and purify karmic obstacles. Specifically:

- **Daily Offering**: The most common time is each morning, when water is offered before a Buddhist altar or personal mandala, symbolizing purity and respect for the new day. The offered water is collected in the evening or before bedtime to prevent overnight deterioration. This daily offering accumulates immeasurable merit and is particularly suitable for lay practitioners.

- **Prayers and Practices**: During Tibetan Buddhist empowerments, rituals for eliminating karma, fire offerings, or deity yoga, the Eight Offering Cups are used as part of the mandala offering. For example, during the practice of Yamantaka or Manjushri, they are displayed at the opening of the mandala to enhance the power of the practice.

**Special Occasions**: For example, on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, Buddha's Birthday, or during personal prayers, the offering can be larger. When pouring water at night, visualize offering it to the hungry ghosts, alleviating their suffering from hunger and thirst.

In short, the principle of "offering in the morning and collecting in the evening" should be followed. Emphasize consistent, rather than occasional, practice to cultivate a respectful habit.

How to Use the Eight Offering Cups

Using the Eight Offering Cups emphasizes cleanliness, order, and visualization, and must be done with respect. The following are standard steps and details:

1. **Preparation and Arrangement**

**Cleaning the Cups**: Before use, wipe all eight cups with a clean cloth until they are free of dust, symbolizing the elimination of the five poisons (greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt). Arrange the cups from left to right, representing the eight offerings.

**Materials**: The first two cups contain water (clear water). For the remaining cups, place the corresponding offerings on a base of white rice or jewels (coral, pearls). Use fresh, uncooked water to avoid impurities.

2. **Order and Contents of the Eight Offerings**

The Eight Offerings are arranged from left to right (when facing the Buddha statue) in the fixed order shown in the table below. Each offering is visualized as transforming into an infinite Dharmadhatu, offered to all the Buddhas of the ten directions and three times:

| Order | Offering Name | Cup Contents | Symbolic Meaning |

|------|----------|----------|----------|

| 1 | Drinking Water (Agā Water) | Clean water | Offered to the Buddha to quench thirst and show respect |

| 2 | Washing Water (Mouthwash) | Clean water | Offered to the Buddha to wash his feet or rinse his mouth, purifying the body and mind |

| 3 | Flowers | White rice + fresh or paper flowers | Offering flowers is pleasing to the eyes and a symbol of solemnity |

| 4 | Incense | White rice + incense sticks or powder | Offering incense is pleasing to the nose and a symbol of purity |

| 5 | Lamp | White rice + wick (or small candle) | Offering lamps to dispel darkness and represent wisdom |

| 6 | Perfume (Oil) | White rice + fragrant oil or ghee | Offering oil to soften the body and mind and a symbol of blessing |

| 7 | Food (Fruit) | White rice + fruit or food | Offering food, quenching hunger and symbolizing abundance |

| 8 | Music | White rice + small bell or musical instrument image | Offering music, pleasant to the ears and symbolizing joy |

3. **Offering Process**

- **Offering Water and Chanting**: In the morning, pour clean water into each cup from right to left (counterclockwise). While offering water, chant the Eight Offering Mantra (such as "Om Ah Hum" or a specific mantra). Visualize the water transforming into nectar, filling the mandala.

- **Visualization and Dedication**: After offering water, place your hands together and visualize the Eight Offerings expanding into a boundless cloud of offerings, receiving the Buddha's light and blessings. Continue this daily to counteract the eight winds.

- **Recycling and Giving**: In the evening, pour the water out of each cup from right to left (do not pour from left to right to avoid reversing the merit). Pour the water into a clean place (such as a garden or untouched land). Visualize giving alms to sentient beings in the three lower realms. After pouring, wipe dry with a clean cloth and place upside down on the altar to avoid dust.

4. **Notes**

- The cup should be of moderate size (not too large). Do not drink the water yourself (to avoid contaminating your karma). If physical objects are unavailable, use water entirely and visualize its transformation.

- Beginners can start with seven cups of water (omitting the joss offering) and gradually complete the eight offerings.

Through this ritual, you will not only accumulate merit but also cultivate a non-attached spirit of generosity. For in-depth practice, consult a Tibetan Buddhist guru for guidance to ensure correct interpretation.