The Living Journal - The Precious Gurus.

Many beginners who have an interest in practicing the Dharma, generally do not know how or where to begin, and therefore, he or she would rely heavily on Dharma books. This has both its advantages and disadvantages, because in Tibetan / Vajrayana Buddhism, there are many esoteric teachings that have been published and are inappropriate reading material for the beginner.

Why ? The reason is when the beginner read and it creates confusion and doubts, and may prevent him or her from following the Buddhist path.
For examples, the image of a wrathful deity and the image of a Yam-yum union consort that may confuse the new students:-

[1] Wrathful deity one might think they are demons and  based on their terrifying appearance. In Fact, their terrifying appearance is meant to frighten forces of evil and to protect the Dharma.

[2] Yab-yum [male-female in an union consort position]

It represents the primordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male deity in unwholesome act with his female consort. The male figure represents compassion and skillful means, while the female partner represents insight.

In fact, unlike other traditions,Vajrayana Buddhism, places great emphasis on the concept of the Guru or master. A Guru is the guide that the student relies on to steer them to the right path. 

In Buddhism, we take refuge in the Three Jewels - the Buddha, Dharma and Shangha. But in Vajrayana, we also take refuge in the three roots. The root of one's blessing is the Guru, the root of all accomplishments is one's Yidam, and the root of all activities is the protectors and Dakinis. 

There is a saying in Tibet- if you see your Guru as a Buddha, you will receive the blessing of a Buddha.So the level of one's achievements depends on the strength of the student's faith and devotion. If these two qualities are not present, then you will receive nothing at all. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and joyfulness.With your support it helps to spread the Dharma and as well, turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

Jang Chub Sem Chog Rinpoche

Ma Kye Pa Nam Kye Gyur Chiang

Kye Pa Nyam Par Mey Pa Yang

Gong Nay Gong Du Phel War Shog.

May the precious Bodhichitta arise

Where it has not arisen

And where it has arisen may it not decrease

But increase further and further.

Nagarjuna's Dedication of Merit
So nam di yi tham chay zig pa nyi
Thob nay nye pa'i dra nam pham jay nay
Kye ga na chi'i ba lab thrug pa yi
Si pa'i tso lay dro war drol war shog.

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migrators from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.