Dear friends,
Altars are often a topic of discussion. They are places where the mind can focus on its inherent buddha nature. To express their openness, all Buddhist schools use altars. The diverse ways in which they are designed show an understanding of conditioned as well as ultimate values. For us in Diamond Way, it is important to bring the immense richness of our transmission together with an honest expression of gratitude.
I think this can be achieved if we stick as closely as possible to the structure of our refuge tree as suits our preferences and our Western imagination. We should offer that which is meaningful; namely our always idealistic attitude and work for the benefit of all beings. Of course, if you really want, a couple of precious stones and jewels lift the general feeling.
The lama or Diamond Holder (Tib. Dorje Chang) goes in the middle, and the lineage lamas can go above or around him. The yidams can go in the front, below the lama, and the protectors further down. The Buddha, the teachings and Loving Eyes (or other bodhisattvas) can go around the center part at the level of the yidams. If you want to simplify everything, that is fine as well, but keep the general structure of the refuge tree in your mind with the lama/lamas in the middle.
