Above: A monk lights butterlamps at the Great Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal.
Butterlamps are an essential element of any shrine. They symbolise the light of wisdom and provide a means of making an offering of light. Traditionally they burn using ghee and a wick made of cotton, which is wound around a wooden stick for support. A floating wick with olive or vegetable oil may also be used in place of ghee, or even a night light candle.
N. B.It is important to be mindful of your burning lamp, making sure it is not near to anything that could easily catch on fire.
