Giving without thought of return is a Buddhist practice. Also, each placement on the Onaijin (altar) is a Buddhist lesson in real form: The Teachings of impermanence and interrelatedness through flowers, candles, incense and rice. "Offerings" are also a means of adorning and beautifying so that all can enjoy and have pleasure in seeing what is there. Giving also teaches gratitude for the Teachings of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni.