The Eight Offerings

In Vajrayāna Buddhism—especially prominent in the Nyingma tradition and Dudjom Tersar lineage—the Eight Offerings symbolize the complete offering of the six senses and the mind to the Three Jewels.

1. Drinking Water (Argham)
An offering of coolness and purity, symbolizing hospitality and the purification of body, speech, and mind.

2. Water for Washing the Feet (Padyam)
Represents humility and reverence, cleansing karmic obscurations and obstacles on the path of practice.

3. Flowers (Pushpe)
Symbolize virtuous causes and the fruition of enlightenment, reminding practitioners to cultivate merit and noble qualities.

4. Incense (Dhupe)
Represents ethical discipline and moral conduct; its fragrance spreading everywhere is like the good reputation of a sincere practitioner.

5. Light / Lamp (Aloke)
Symbolizes wisdom that dispels ignorance and illuminates the path to liberation.

6. Perfume / Fragrant Water (Gandhe)
Represents the purity of body and mind, soothing and transforming afflictive emotions.

7. Food (Naividya)
Symbolizes the nourishment of the Dharma, offering all pleasures of taste without attachment.

8. Music / Sound (Shabda)
Represents the sound of the Dharma, the harmonious union of wisdom and compassion.

🪷 The Eight Offerings are not merely external objects, but inner offerings—
the complete offering of one’s body, speech, mind, and all sensory experiences to the Buddhas, Deities, and Guru, thereby accumulating both merit and wisdom.