Material: 925 silver

Size: Base diameter 9.7 cm

Description:

The "Dharma Cup" in Tibetan Buddhism (often called **Dorma** or **Bali** in Tibetan, or specifically refers to the vessel for offering to the Dharma Protector) is a Dharma instrument used to offer to the Dharma Protector. It is mainly used in the religious ceremonies of Tibetan Buddhism, especially when offering, praying or appeasing the Dharma Protector. The following is a brief introduction to the origin and use of the Dharma Protector Cup:

**Origin**

The origin of the Dharma Protector Cup is closely related to the worship of the Dharma Protector God in Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism incorporates elements of Indian Buddhism, Bonism and local folk beliefs. The Dharma Protector Cup is regarded as a supernatural force that protects the Dharma, temples and practitioners. The use of the offering cup can be traced back to the ritual traditions of Tantric Buddhism, especially the offering ceremony of Vajrayana. These offering cups are usually used to hold offerings to express respect for the guardian god and pray for his blessing and protection.

In the history of Tibetan Buddhism, with the development of various sects (such as Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, etc.), the worship of guardian deities gradually became institutionalized. The shape and use of the offering cup also vary according to the sect and specific guardian deity. For example, some guardian deities (such as Mahakala or Auspicious Goddess) have their own exclusive way of offering, and the design of the offering cup and the content of the offering will be adjusted according to the requirements of the ceremony.

**Purpose**

The offering cup of the guardian deity is usually used in specific religious ceremonies, daily offerings or major ceremonies. Its main uses and uses are as follows:

1. **Shape and material of the offering cup**:

- The offering cup is usually a small container made of metal (such as copper, silver) or ceramics, mostly in the shape of a bowl or cup, with simple patterns, but sometimes auspicious patterns or mantras are engraved.

- Some offering cups are designed for specific guardian deities and may have unique shapes or decorations, such as skull-shaped offering cups (kapalas), which are designed for certain wrathful guardian deities.

- Offerings are usually placed in the offering cup, such as tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter, wine, water, flowers, spices, etc., depending on the ceremony.

2. **Purpose of offering**:

- **Prayer**: Offering to the guardian deity, seeking the protection of the guardian deity, helping practitioners to eliminate obstacles, subdue demons and enemies, and ensure the success of the Dharma cause.

- **Appease the guardian deity**: Some guardian deities (especially secular guardian deities) are considered to be fierce and need regular offerings to appease their power and avoid negative effects.

- **Purification and gratitude**: The offering cup is also used to purify the temple or thank the guardian deity for its protection.

3. **Used in rituals**:

- **Daily offering**: In temples or personal altars, the offering cup is usually placed in front of the guardian deity or altar, containing offerings, and the offering is accompanied by chanting and mantras (such as the guardian deity’s exclusive mantra). - **Specific pujas**: In large Dharma protector ceremonies (such as Mahakala pujas), the offering cup may be used with a torma (a special offering sculpture), and the offerings may be more elaborate and placed according to the requirements of the ritual.

- **Offering disposal**: The offerings are usually disposed of after the ceremony, such as distributed to participants, scattered in nature, burned, or discarded in a clean place according to the requirements of the ritual.

4. **Notes on offerings**:

- The offering cup must be kept clean and the offerings must be fresh and in accordance with the requirements of the ritual.

- Offerings must be made respectfully and with specific visualizations and mantras to enhance the effectiveness of the offerings.

- Different Dharma protectors have different preferences. For example, Mahakala likes wine offerings, while other Dharma protectors may prefer vegetarian offerings. This depends on the sect and tradition.

**Cultural and symbolic meaning** The Dharma protector offering cup is not only a practical ritual tool, but also has a deep symbolic meaning. It represents the practitioner's devotion and reliance on the Dharma protector. It also embodies the concept of "offering" in Tibetan Buddhist practice, which is to accumulate merit and purify karma through giving and dedication.

The Dharma Protector Cup is an important utensil for offering to the Dharma Protector in Tibetan Buddhism. It originates from the tradition of the fusion of Tantric rituals and Tibetan culture. It plays an important role in daily offerings, rituals and special ceremonies. It is used to pray for the blessings of the Dharma Protector, appease the gods or pray for blessings.