1.Essentials for the recitation of Little Houses (refer to Figure 9)
• Sutra booklets containing the four Buddhist scriptures contained in the Little House;
• Counters for keeping track of the number of sutras and mantras recited;
• Red pens (to put the dots in the circles), and black pens (to fill in the date, names of the recipient and the reciter);
• Blank Little Houses;
• Red envelopes for storage;
• A piece of red fabric at least 60cm x 60cm in size.It should be placed underneath the Little House while dotting.
2.Essentials for burning Little Houses (refer to Figure 10)
• Tweezers for gripping the Little House, preferably brand new.
• Plain white porcelain or chinaware plate to hold the ashes of the burnt Little House.It must be new and preferably with no design.It should not be made of metal, neither should it be a bowl, and it must not be used to serve food or for any other purpose once it has been used for burning Little Houses.
• Matches or lighters – if you have access to a Buddhist altar, Little Houses can be lit directly from the oil lamps thereon.However, it is not advisable to do so.It is best to light a Little House with matches or lighters instead.
• Paper napkins or envelopes – for wrapping the ashes of burnt Little Houses and disposing of them appropriately.
• After use, the plate, the tweezers and other tools for burning Little Houses should not be left exposed at home or near the Buddhist altar unless they are wrapped up in a piece of red fabric.
