You’ve probably noticed that buddhist meditative practices have become mainstream in the West. Why? Well mainly because it offers simple, practical methods for cultivating greater awareness and presence of mind. The tools it offers, most of which aren’t really bound to religious beliefs, are sorely needed in our fast-paced world filled to the brim with distractions.
The beauty of mindfulness is that it empowers us to fully embody our lives and experiences from moment to moment, rather than escaping into addiction or destructive habit-patterns, such as emotional eating, mindless scrolling or empty gossip.
Here are some inspiring decorative items taken from the Buddhist tradition and/or with Buddhist themes that you can use to decorate your home and give yourself the gift of daily reminders to be more mindful, aware, loving and kind—and to uncover your true Buddha nature within.
1. Buddha Statue
The most iconic Buddhist décor item of them all is without an doubt, the many different styled statues of the Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama. Statues or figurines of the Buddha are constant reminders of the potential of each human being to realize his or her true nature. A true nature which is no different from the essential fabric of the cosmos. This spiritual realization is commonly known as “nirvana“, which simply means the cessation of “psychological unsatisfactoriness”.
2. “A Precious Human Life” Cotton Canvas Scroll
This simple, cotton scroll is made in India by Tibetan refugees. With a natural white color, it can complement the decor in your office, meditation room, bedroom or bathroom. Hang this handwoven scroll with a motivational quote by His Holiness the Dalai Lama anywhere in your home to inspire yourself, family and guests with its message:
Every day, think as you wake up:
Today I am fortunate to have woken up.
I am alive, I have a precious human life.
I am not going to waste it.I am going to use
all my energies to develop myself,
to expand my heart out to others,
to achieve enlightenment for
the benefit of all beings.I am going to have
kind thoughts towards others.
I am not going to get angry,
or think badly about others.I am going to benefit others
as much as I can.
3. Handmade Tibetan Affirmation Prayer Flags
Prayer flags are traditionally placed outdoors. It is believed that their energy, good intentions and prayers are released into the universe when they are blown by the wind. These lovely flags can be hung on your patio or balcony, and they also make for a unique and colorful indoor decoration.
Each set features six vibrant flags, handmade with love by a family of Balinese artisans. Invite peace, happiness, courage, love, tranquility and wisdom into your space with these special prayer flags. Each virtue is presented in both English and Tibetan, along with a short, sweet quote in English.
4. Buddha Canvas Wall Art
The Buddha’s name was Siddhartha Gautama, and he lived in India thousands of years ago. After experimenting with various spiritual paths for years, and ultimately rejecting each one, he spent a fateful night in deep meditation under a Bodhi tree. During his meditation, all of the answers he had been seeking became clear, and he achieved full awareness, thereby becoming Buddha, or “the awakened one”.
This framed wall art depicting the Buddha sitting in meditation under a tree is printed on waterproof canvas and comes ready to hang in your living room, dining room, office or bedroom. Energize the wall of any room and invigorate your mindfulness practice with this magnificent three-piece painting.
5. Tibetan Buddhist Table Top Prayer Wheel
Tibetan Buddhists believed that spinning a prayer wheel brings merit to the spinner, as does chanting the sacred mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, which translates to “praise the jewel in the lotus”. Practitioners hold mala beads in their left hand and a prayer wheel in their right hand while reciting mantras. The intention is to purify negative karma from our path, and remove obstacles that prevent us from realizing our Buddha nature and the true nature of reality.
Handcrafted in Nepal, this gorgeous prayer wheel’s design features intricate copper details set in a red coral background. It stands on a two-inch brass base and is decorated with copper coins that help cultivate compassion, wisdom and bliss. Bring the beauty and artisanship of the Himalayas into your home. This prayer wheel is an exquisite and powerful addition to your meditation space.
6. Buddhist Thangka Wall Hanging
Inspired by ancient Tibetan artwork, this wonderful, handcrafted hanging silk canvas is the perfect Buddhist-inspired addition to your living space. These tapestries depict the Buddhist goddess, White Tara, sitting atop a mountainous landscape. The handy cloth hanger enables quick and easy installation of the 30-inch x 23-inch thangka on a hook or nail.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are new to Buddhism or have been practicing for years – and whether you identify as “Buddhist” or are simply inspired by the teachings of the Buddha – decorating your home with Buddhist-inspired accessories is a wonderful way to support your meditation practice and mindful lifestyle.
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