Are there other types of Mandala?

In fact there are many other types of Mandala. These are mainly offshoot Mandalas. For example, the three saints of the Western Pure Land and the sixteen contemplations of the Western Pure Land are known as the Pure Land Mandala. A common mandala, depicting Buddha Shakyamuni’s preaching at the Spiritual Vulture Peak, is known as the "Dharma-flower Mandala."

A Mandala with the drawing of the sun, moon and five planets, together with Rahu (the demon who seizes the sun and moon and thus causes eclipses, according to legend) and Ketu (the name of two constellations to the left and right of Aquila), is known as the "Nine Illuminaries Mandala."

In fact many others can originate from the families of Buddha, Lotus, Vajra, and Karma. As long as the Three Mystics are complete, a Mandala is considered perfect. Mandala is the substance element in the three great fundamentals in the awakening of faith, i.e. substance, characteristics and function.

Should the decoration of a sacred shrine be elaborate or simple?

If you are well-to-do, it should be elaborate, otherwise, be simple. There is no right or wrong way of decoration. The most important point is that it must be solemn, and the implements used must be complete, otherwise this will be considered improper in the context of Dharma. The essential implements are the bell, vajra, and rosary.

Is the choice of location for a sacred shrine important?

In my view, it is of utmost importance. Some of the venerables may think that as long as we are devoted, the location does not matter because they do not understand the significance of geomancy. If the sacred shrine is placed under a beam, or its rear is facing a big window, or a walkway, or facing the toilet door....not to mention the art of geomancy, one is already affected by the unconducive ambience.

Geomancy is a study of the invisible environment. Once a clean room is converted into a sacred shrine, it will be an assembly place for the enlightened ones, which is why we cannot overlook the choice of location. In the view of Living Buddha Lian-Sheng, when converting a room into a sacred shrine, the following must be observed:

The room must be clean and quiet.

The room must be able to captivate the wind energy.

The direction of the room must be in harmony with the practitioner’s inner vibration.

The direction of the room must be against the flow of water (wind).

The wall behind the sacred shrine must be solid; without open space on any side.

The room must have adequate lighting.

It would be best if all these conditions are met; otherwise you may ask a geomancer to help in addressing any shortcomings. The geomancy of the sacred shrine is a profound knowledge. The sacred shrine must be of utmost solemnity, the room must be clean and make one feel comfortable. During our practice, if we make offering to the Three Jewels and strive to relieve the suffering of those born under the four forms of rebirth, we will definitely generate abundant merit, and achieve great accomplishment. Such is the union of Buddha, sacred shrine and Man. Such is the union of the Heaven, Earth, and Man.

Although Living Buddha Lian-Sheng has explained the geomancy aspect of the sacred shrine clearly, I am still not quite clear about it, what should I do?

You do not have to worry about the direction of the flow of water nor your inner vibration. As long as the room is clean, quiet, and the back of the sacred shrine is solid, it should be OK. If you are still doubtful, then consult a geomancer. Since the sacred shrine will be used life long, and not just for a short spell of one year or two, it is advisable for one to consult an expert. In the future, when I travel around the world, I may be able to inspect the sacred shrines of disciples, to ensure that things are done correctly