First of all, the placement of Buddhist niches is taboo.
Generally, niches are placed from the inside out, facing the gate, that is, facing the gate. In our building, almost all buildings follow the gate facing south, so all niches are naturally placed facing south, but they cannot directly face the gate. However, there is also a saying that it is best to put the niches with the front facing west and the back facing east, or the back facing west and east. This can be placed according to the layout of the apartment and your own wishes, but it should be noted that no matter which direction the niche is placed, it must be remembered that the space behind it cannot be a bathroom or a kitchen, and there cannot be a mirror in front.
The place where the shrine is placed should be quiet and tidy, and it is best not to have audio, television and other things near the shrine or altar; The shrine or altar should be supported, and the back should not be empty or under the beam. If conditions permit, the shrine or altar should not be too low, and the height should be moderate, preferably basically consistent with the height of my heart. It is better to put the niche on the table, which is not suitable for hanging. Both sides of the table should be the same width.
Generally speaking, Buddhist niches should not face the gate, toilet door, kitchen door, dining table, nor should they be placed in the south or west of the home, let alone in the bedroom, which not only affects people's sleep, but also disrespects the Buddha. The Buddha statue can be placed in the hall, but the two sides of the Buddha statue can't face the door or aisle, which will easily lead to the decline of family fortune. The incense burner should not be near the foot of the Buddha statue, but should have a distance. In front of the Buddha table, you can't go near the fish tank or the lucky pot.
Families don't need too much, too complicated and too messy to worship Buddha and Bodhisattva icons. One Buddha can represent ten thousand buddhas, and one bodhisattva can represent all buddhas and bodhisattvas. If there are already icons of Buddha and Bodhisattva, put the Buddha statue in the middle or above the back, and the Bodhisattva in the front or below. We must make the Buddha stand out to show its dignity. The size of the icon should be commensurate with the spatial position of the Buddhist altar and the Buddhist temple, neither too big nor too small. If the icon is small and made of seven treasures, you can carve multiple niches to set off the greatness of the Buddha statue.
Second, the positioning of niche.
The niche facing the Buddha statue should face the west. After all, "Western Heaven" is an important place for Buddhism. Such a display can show respect for one's own religious culture, and it is easier to get its protection. It is better to have a cushion or a wall at the bottom and back of the niche, so as to achieve the effect of sitting in the east. The east is the source of good luck in the direction of geomantic omen, which means "purple gas comes from the east", and the location facing east and west is an important place for its geomantic omen. In addition to sitting east facing west, the principle from the inside out is also a point that needs attention. It is best not to face west inside the hall, but to face the direction of the communication between the indoor doors in the whole room; You can also face out of the window. Of course, don't use the whole door and window to create a positive hedge. If you can't get rid of it, you can solve it through a movable screen partition.
Third, the height of niche.
The niche should be placed in a higher position and on a shelf, preferably above 1.5M, which is basically consistent with the height of human heart. This can express a kind of respect for the gods. If you put it on the floor or put it too low, it will be blasphemous.