Showing posts with label Current update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Current update. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Saga Dawa Duchen And The Vesak Day

" I am the chief of the world,
  Eldest am I in the world,
  Foremost am I in the world,
 This is the last birth,
 There is now no more coming to be."
Afterbirth, the Buddha began walk on the 7 lotus steps, He stopped with his noble voice shouted.

"Profound peace, natural simplicity, uncompounded luminosity, I have found a nectar-like Dharma"
The enlightenment of the Buddha at the age of thirty-five in Bodhgaya.
"It is in the nature of all things that take form to dissolve again. Strive with your whole being to attain perfection"
The passing of the Buddha's Paranirvana in the forest grove in Kusinagara, India. 

May 10, 2017 Wednesday is a day that fill with many special events:-
1) Shakyamuni Buddha Purnima/Visakha.
2) Full Moon Day of Vesak / Saga Dawa Duchen
3) Amithabha Buddha Prayer Day
4) Sojong Practices ( Eight Mahayana Precepts Practice)
According to Vajrayana practice, on this day, the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied by 10,000,000 times if one committed.
The Buddhas Vesak Day / Saga Dawa Duchen 2017 in the following Asia countries:
  1. South Korea Buddhas Birthday -  May 3rd
  2. Macau              Buddha's Birthday -  May 3rd
  3. Taiwan             Buddha's Birthday  - May 3rd
  4. India                 Buddha Purnima    - May 10th
  5. Bangladesh     Buddha Purnima     - May 10th
  6. Thailand          Visakha Bucha Day - May 10th
  7. Malaysia          Wesak Day                - May 10th
  8. Singapore        Vesak Day                 -  May 10th
  9. Cambodia        Visak Bochea Day   -  May 10th
  10. Sri Lanka         Vesak Poya               -  May 10th
  11. Myanmar         Kasong                      -  May 10th
  12. Indonesia         Waisak Day              -  May 11th
  13. Bhutan              Saga Dawa Duchen - June 09th
  14. Tibet                  Saga Dawa Duchen - June 09th
Although Buddhists regard every full moon as sacred, the moon of the month of Vaisakh has special significance because on this day the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment (nirvana), and attained parinirvana (nirvana-after-death of the body) when he died.

Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical founder of Buddhism, was born in India 3,000 years ago. There are various opinions concerning the exact dates of his birth and death, but according to Buddhist tradition, he is said to have been born April 8, 1029 BC and died on February 15, 949 BC, although other Buddhist scholars place his birth five hundred years later.

Come this Wednesday, May 10 its known as the Vesak day in many Asian countries. In Tibet it is known as the “Saga Dawa Duchen” and this festival is usually held at the 4th month of the Buddhist Calendar and this year it fall on the June 09, 2017.  
Saga Dawa is called the "month of merits" for Tibetan Buddhists. Dawa means "month" in Tibetan, and "Saga" is the star prominent in the sky during the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar when Saga Dawa is observed. Duchen means "great occasion." Saga Dawa Duchen usually begins in May and ends in June.

The Vesak Day or Saga Dawa Duchen day is the single most holy day of Tibetan Buddhism. Like the Theravada observance of Vesak. Saga Dawa Duchen commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana) of our  historical Lord Shakyamuni Buddha.

This is a month especially dedicated to "making merit." Merit is understood in many ways in Buddhism. We can think of it as the fruits of good karma, especially when this brings us closer to enlightenment.

In early Buddhist teachings, the three grounds of meritorious action are generosity (dana), morality (sila), and mental culture or meditation (bhavana), although there are many ways to make merit.
Amithabha Buddha Prayer Day
"If you wish to come and be born in my realm, you must always recite my sacred mantra again and again, you must always keep this thought in mind without letting up, and thus you will succeed in coming to be born in my realm. 
If my 48 Great Vows do not come to pass, may I not attain my enlightenment".
Amitabha Buddha 48 Great Vows
The Tibetan word of "Dewachen" literally means the celestial mandala or the Amithabha Buddha pure land, and in Sanskrit name is Sukhavati and in Chinese is 西方極樂淨土. The Sacred Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha was delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha at the Vulture Peak in Rajagriha, India.

Amithabha  Buddha 南無阿彌陀佛 he is represents the Padma Lotus family. Amitābha means "Infinite Light" so Amitābha is also called "The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light".

He is the Buddha of the West direction.
His Mantra is " OM AMI DEVA HRIH " 
His Mantra in Chinese is " 南無阿彌陀佛 " 
His syllable is "Hrih" 
His color is in red.
His element is signifies or represents fire 
His symbolism is the Lotus.
His wisdom is signifies as Inquisitive and the wisdom of observation.
His hands mudras are signify as Meditation.
He is symbolizes or associated with summer season.
His consort is Pandara.
Sojong Practices ( Eight Mahayana Precepts Practice)
Sojong and its definition (Practice of Confession) by the second Buddha of Oddiyana.
"So" means to replenish, virtue and purify.
"Jong" means harmful deeds as the Tathagata has taught the practice of Sojong. 

Sojong is the Tibetan language and it's also known as the 八關齋戒 or the Eight precepts by the Mahayana practitioners. 
The observance of the Eight Precepts or Sojong Practices:-
1-To refrain from killing.
2-To refrain from stealing.
3-To refrain from sexual misconduct.
4-To refrain from lying and intoxication.
5-To refrain from taking a high or luxurious seat.
6-To refrain from singing and dancing.
7-To refrain from wearing ornaments.
8-To refrain from eating after midday.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Help Us To Grow Better Each Day

Every drop of water helps to swell the ocean
Every good and bad action will not go unnoticed

You are contributing towards for a healing of the body, mind and spirit.

You are helping us to create a place of learning, nourishment and inspiration.

You are giving back to society and advocating a sustainable spiritual lifestyle.

You are shaping and helping the next generation, instilling moral values, kindness and compassion. 


You are teaching children skills for life, to bring support to spiritual newcomers, and create a home away from home.

You are creating conscious communities, which will make Tibetan Buddhism, culture and heritage a better place for current and future generations. 

We have got a small favor to ask. More people are reading the Tibetan Buddhism than ever, but far fewer are making it better for all. Advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organization’s, we haven’t put up a pay wall.

We want to keep our posts and journals as open as we can. So you can see why we need to ask for your help. Our blog administrative takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters – because it might well be your perspective, too.

If everyone who reads our posts, who likes it, helps to support it, our future would be much more secure.


Contribute however much you want or choose one of our structured fundraising initiatives. Whatever the amount, a donation to Tibetan Buddhism does not go without a lot of appreciation and thanks. 

Please know that every single cent that you donate to us, goes towards a very good cause. A cause that brings peace to people's body, mind and spirit.

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Sincerely,
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Administrative 

Sunday, April 16, 2017

A New Tibet Comes With A Price

A few facts of Tibet Nowadays 

Modernization poses a new challenge for a new Tibet and herecomes with a price and the causes and effects of Urbanization and modernization of Tibet under People's Republic of China. 

Tibet in recent decades is transformed beyond recognition. Modern Face of Tibet is in fact, modernization poses a new challenge for a new Tibet and herecomes with a price.  What can we find true or real face of Tibet?

Pollution into the environment with new high rise apartment buildings, new highways, new railroads, new airports, new malls, business hotels, pubs and lounges, underground disco, KTV , alcohols, drug abuses , crime rate on the rise and diseases that easily find a place in Tibetan Soil.
STD and AIDS in Tibet autonomous region (TAR)
Tibet, one of the latest places in the world to be exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is now becoming a place of high prevalence rate, according to some studies that have been kept low key where the first case was diagnosed in 2002. 

While the number of HIV-positive Tibetans are going up yearly, many residents of major Tibetan regions in Gansu, Qinghai, Suchuan and Yunnan Provinces and the Tibet Autonomous Region do now know what AIDS is or realize it is fatal, said Chupal Sangpo, deputy director of an NGO in Sichuan dedicated in educating Tibetans about HIV.

At the end of 2015, new HIV cases in Tibet went down, while 77,000 people diagnosed as HIV-positive received treatment in the past 12 months.
Tibetan Buddhism is a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet was conquered by the Chinese. At one time it was thought that 1 in 6 Tibetan men were Buddhist monks. The best known face of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since he fled the Chinese occupation of his country in 1959.

Tibetan Buddhism combines the essential teachings of the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism with Tantric and Shamanic, and material from an ancient Tibetan religion called Bon. Although Tibetan Buddhism is often thought to be identical with Vajrayana Buddhism, they are not identical - Vajrayana is taught in Tibetan Buddhism together with the other vehicles.
History
Buddhism became a major presence in Tibet towards the end of the 8th century CE. It was brought from India at the invitation of the Tibetan king, Trisong Detsen, who invited two Buddhist masters to Tibet and had important Buddhist texts translated into Tibetan.

First to come was Shantarakshita, abbot of Nalanda in India, who built the first monastery in Tibet. He was followed by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, who came to use his wisdom and power to overcome "spiritual" forces that were stopping work on the new monastery.
The Groups within Tibetan Buddhism
1) Nyingmapa: Founded by Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, this is oldest sect, noted in the West for the teachings of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

2) Kagyupa: Founded by Tilopa (988-1069), the Kagyupa tradition is headed by the Karmapa Lama. Important Kagyupa teachers include Naropa, Marpa, and Milarepa.

3) Sakyapa: Created by Gonchok Gyelpo (1034-1102) and his son Gunga Nyingpo (1092-1158).

4) Gelugpa: (The Virtuous School) Founded by Tsong Khapa Lobsang Drakpa (also called Je Rinpoche) (1357 - 1419), this tradition is headed by the Dalai Lama.

In addition, Tibetan is widespread as a liturgical language throughout the Tibetan Buddhist cultural area. Tibetan culture and language are today under strong pressure. Tibet has today the status of an autonomous region (TAR) in the People’s Republic of China. The number of Tibetans living in China is disputed. According to official Chinese statistics, the number is between 4 to 5 million, and under half of these live in the TAR, while the rest are found in other Chinese provinces.

Somewhat more than 100,000 Tibetans live in South Asia, primarily in India, and in the West. According to the Tibetan Government in Exile, the total number of Tibetans is approximately 5 - 6 million. Tibetan Buddhism is a strong and living religious tradition in Tibetan areas in China and parts of neighboring countries. 
Together with Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism is the Buddhist movement which has spread more widely in the West.  Buddhism came to Tibet in the 7th century A.D., first and foremost from India. It assimilated local religious traditions and became what we call Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetans adopted an Indian alphabet in order to translate Buddhist texts and for practical purposes in the country's administration, and is still used today.

Buddhism was transmitted into Tibet mainly during the 7th to 10th centuries. Notable early teachers were the illustrious 8th-century Tantric master Padmasambhava and the more orthodox Mahayana teacher Shantirakshita. With the arrival from India in 1042 of the great teacher Atisha, a reform movement was initiated, and within a century the major sects of Tibetan Buddhism had emerged. 
The Dge-lugs-pa, or One of the Virtuous System, commonly known as the Yellow Hats ( The Gelupa lineage ) the order of the Dalai and the Panchen Lamas, was the politically predominant Tibetan sect from the 17th century until 1959, when the hierocratic government of the Dalai Lama was abolished by the People’s Republic of China.

Much of the Buddhist literature that was lost in India exists today in Tibetan translations, and Tibetan is therefore one of the important languages in the study of Buddhism. Since the 11th century, Tibetans have also composed their own Buddhist literature, which consists of historical, biographical and liturgical texts, commentaries, meditational texts, poetry, grammar and philosophy and, since the twentieth century, also secular literature, which comprises poetry, novels and short stories. 
In the second half of the 20th century Tibetan Buddhism spread to the West, particularly after the subjugation of Tibet to Chinese Communist rule sent many refugees, including highly regarded “reincarnated lamas,” or tulkus, out of their homeland. Tibetan religious groups in the West include both communities of refugees and those consisting largely of Westerners drawn to the Tibetan tradition.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva 南無大願地藏王菩薩

“If the Hell is not empty, I shall not attain Buddhahood”
The Great Vow of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is known for his vow to take responsibility for the instruction of all beings in the six worlds between the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha and the incoming of Maitreya the next future Buddha,

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in Tibetan word is "Sa Yi Nyingpo". In Sanskrit name is "Ksitigarbha". In Chinese name is "地藏王菩薩" with his great vow- “If the Hell is not empty, I shall not attain Buddhahood”. Having vowed not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied, his activity focuses more particularly on helping those who suffer in the hell realms.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has received great respect and trust from all since long ago. Not only did he point out to us a road to achieving Buddhahood, but he also lighted up for us a hope in Dharma. For these reasons, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is known as “The King of Great Vows”. 

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is one of the most wonderful dimensions of the Mahayana Tradition of Buddhist practice and teaching are the different manifestations of Buddha’s Qualities of compassion and wisdom. These emanate as different Buddha deities. The form, appearance, costumes, mudras, implements and jewellery of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva differ quite considerably under Mahayana & Tibetan Buddhism. 
Manifestation in Mahayana Buddhism 
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is typically depicted with a shaven head, dressed in a monk's simple robes (unlike most other bodhisattvas, who are dressed like Indian royalty). In his left hand, Ksitigarbha holds a cintamani; in his right hand, he holds a staff "錫杖" , which is used to alert insects and small animals of his approach, so that he will not accidentally harm them. He is often depicted as white in color, holding a staff in his right hand and a jewel that symbolizes wisdom in his left hand.
Manifestation in Tibetan Buddhism
Ksitigarbha is shown wearing a crown depicting the Five Dhyani Buddhas as worn by Tibetan and in Tantric rituals.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is revered as the protector of stillborn, miscarried and aborted babies. He is the protective deity of travelers and guardian of pregnant women. He protects against earthquakes; he prolongs life and is a guardian of children.
The practice and prayers 
His mantra in Mahayana is “南無大願地藏王菩薩”
His mantra in Sanskrit is “oṃ ha ha ha vismaye svāhā”

I prostate, go for Refuge, make offerings, please grant blessings. The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, who has unbearable compassion for me and all sentient beings (whose minds are obscure and who are suffering), who has qualities like the sky and liberates sentient beings from all the sufferings and gives all the happiness. (Recite three times.)
Five Reasons for Being Born into Poverty according to the Sutra of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva:-
  1. The first of these is arrogance, particularly toward one’s parents.
  2. The second is obstinacy, that is, refusing to listen to teachers and elders.
  3. The third is lack of diligence in honoring the Triple Gem.
  4. The fourth is thievery.
  5. The fifth reason for being born into poverty is accumulation of unpaid debts. Although money is false and empty, it cannot be used casually and wasted. To borrow money and not repay it, thinking that you have no obligation because money is of no true importance, will lead to rebirth as a servile and poor person.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of these pictures.
Pictures courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Pictures are intended for editorial use only.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

The Divine Manifestation - Sacred Mudras

The sacred Mudras are symbolic ritual hand gestures that play a major role in Hinduism and Buddhism. In addition, some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers. Mudras are also present in the Indian dancing tradition, Mudras are an important part of yoga, where Yoga should also have an effect on the body and mind. 

Mudras are a non-verbal modes of communication and self-expression, consisting of hand gestures and finger-postures. They are symbolic signs based finger patterns taking the place, but retaining the efficacy of the spoken word, and are used to evoke in the mind ideas symbolizing divine powers or the deities themselves. 

The composition of a mudra is based on certain movements of the fingers. They constitute a highly stylized form of body or hand language. It is an external expression of 'inner resolve', suggesting that such non-verbal communications are more powerful than the spoken word.

Mudras were used in the Buddhist sculpture and painting of India, Tibet. Mudras indicate to the faithful in a simple way the nature and the function of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and deities represented. 
Mudras are thus gestures which symbolize divine manifestation. They are also used by Lamas in their spiritual exercises of ritual meditation and concentration, and are believed to generate forces that invoke the enlightened beings.

A mudra is used not only to illustrate and emphasize the meaning of an esoteric ritual but also it gives significance to a sculptural image, a dance movement, or a meditative pose, intensifying their potency. In its highest Tantric practice, it is a magical art of symbolical gestures through which the invisible forces may operate on the earthly sphere. 
The symbolic of the esoteric ritual
An interesting meaning of the mudra reveals the secret imbibed in the five fingers. In such an interpretation, each of the fingers, starting with the thumb, is identified with one of the five elements, namely the sky, wind, fire, water, and the earth. 

Their contact with each other symbolizes the synthesis of these elements, significant because every form in this universe is said to be composed of a unique combination of these elements. 

This contact between the various elements creates conditions favorable for the presence of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Deities at rites performed for securing some desired object or benefit. That is, mudras induce the deity to be near the worshiper.

9 important mudras of Buddhism
  • Bhumisparsa Mudra – “Gesture of the Earth Witness”. 
This mudra represents the historical Buddha Siddhartha Gautama with His right hand touches the earth with the tips of its fingers (the palm inwards) while the legs remain in meditation posture.

The Bhumisparsa Mudra plays an important role in the history of the historical Buddha Shakyamuyni. While Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree, he was disturbed by Mara, who tempted him by taking the form of a naked girl. But Siddhartha wouldn’t deviate from his path to enlightenment, and so he touched the earth with the fingertips of his right hand and said, “the earth shall be my witness, I will not let myself be seduced”
  • Dharmachakra Mudra - "Turning the Wheel of Dharma". 
This mudra symbolizes one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. In this mudra the thumb and index finger of both hands touch at their tips to form a circle. 

This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom. Significantly, in this mudra, the hands are held in front of the heart, symbolizing that these teachings are straight from the Buddha's heart.
  • Varada mudra - "Boon granting".
This mudra symbolizes charity, compassion. It is the mudra of the accomplishment of the wish to devote oneself to human salvation. It is nearly always made with the left hand, and can be made with the arm hanging naturally at the side of the body, the palm of the open hand facing forward, and the fingers extended.

The five extended fingers in this mudra symbolizes of perfections, Generosity, Morality, Patience, Effort and Meditative Concentration.
  • Dhyana Mudra - "Meditation"
The Dhyana mudra may be made with one or both hands. When made with both hands, the hands are generally held at the level of the stomach or on the thighs. The right hand is placed above the left, with the palms facing upwards, and the fingers extended.  In some cases the thumbs of the two hands may touch at the tips, thus forming a mystic triangle. 

The esoteric sects obviously attribute to this triangle a multitude of meanings, the most important being the identification with the mystic fire that consumes all impurities. This triangle is also said to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism. The Dhyana mudra is the mudra of meditation, of concentration on the attainment of spiritual perfection. 

According to tradition, this mudra derives from the one assumed by the Buddha when meditating under the pipal tree before his Enlightenment. This gesture was also adopted since time immemorial, by yogis during their meditation and concentration exercises. It indicates the perfect balance of thought, rest of the senses, and tranquility.
  • Abhaya Mudra “Protection, Reassurance and Blessing”
Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness. Thus this mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. It is made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright and joined. 

Abhaya Mudra can be found in images of standing Buddhas and Tara. The fifth Dhyani Buddha Amogasiddhi is also represented with the Abhaya mudra.
  • Vitarka Mudra “Gesture of Teaching, Giving Instruction“
The Vitarka Mudra is the gesture of discussion and Teaching, Giving Instruction. It is characteristic of those regarded as teachers and instructors. In this Mudra the right arm is bent, the hand raised with the palm outwards. Thumb and forefinger touch and thus form the “Wheel of Dharma”. One finds this gesture often in depictions of the Buddha, but also in pictures and sculptures of the Tara.
  • Tarjani Mudra “Gesture of Warning” 
In Buddhism it is also an expression of warning or admonition. In this Mudra, the right hand is held vertically in front of the chest and only the index finger is stretched upward while the other fingers and thumb roll into a fist.  

One finds this gesture especially in the wrathful deities, Dakinis and Dharmapala ( Dharma Protectors) 
  • Karana Mudra – “Gesture to ward off the evil“
The Karana Mudra is a symbolical protection to keep demons and other negative influences at bay. In this Mudra, the hand is outstretched vertically or horizontally and with the palm facing forward. The two middle fingers are held down under the thumb. The index and the little fingers extend upwards. 

One finds this gesture often in depictions of Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava right hand is holding a Vajra that symbolize divine manifestation of gesture to ward off the evil forces.
  • Uttarabodhi Mudra“Gesture of Perfection“
The Uttarabodhi Mudra represents supreme enlightenment and should bring positive energy and vibrations. By performing this Mudra, we connect with the universal divine energy. 

In this Mudra, both hands are folded across the chest. The two index fingers touch each other and point upwards. The thumbs are interwoven. The remaining fingers encircle each opposite hand.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.


Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note

I do not own or infringe any copyright of these pictures.
Pictures courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Pictures are intended for editorial use only.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

The Golden Drink Offerings - Serkyem

What is the golden drink Serkyem Offering?

The Serkyem offering set is used for making ritual offerings to Dharma-protectors and guardians. Literally, serkyem means “golden-drink.” Often serkyems are filled with black-tea and various grains such as hulled barley, rice, or wheat. Other offerings might include fruits, cookies, breads, and alcohol.

Serkyem, in Tibetan " Ser" literally  means golden and "Kyem" means beverage. Despite the existence of Serkyem-offering liturgies composed by High Lamas to certain Yidams, it remains largely a unique aspect of the Dharma Protector practice.

In the ancient times, the lamas developed this practice as an extended offering to the Dharma Protector to request for swift assistance. Hence, the Serkyem offering has become extremely popular among modern practitioners who seek assistance , especially in times of dire need.
The Serkyem offering is traditionally offered by pouring the beverage into a two-tiered vessel, which consists of a taller vessel placed into a lower bowl. Naturally, the Serkyem offering is offered from a jug or a suitable pot.

During the offering, the beverage is poured into the taller vessel to the point where the liquid overflows down into the lower bowl. In Buddhism, the symbolism of the overflowing liquid is highly auspicious because it represents an abundant flow of merits, virtues, material resources and conditions that are conducive for one’s Dharma practice.

The beverage can either be poured fully into the vessel prior to the recitation of the Serkyem verses, or it can be poured a little at a time during the recitation of relevant passages throughout the liturgy. 
The Serkyem vessel can be of any material such as gold, silver, copper, brass or even glass. Offering vessels that are made of precious materials are considered highly propitious, especially for lay practitioners who want to create tremendous merits and establish the closest affinity with the Protector.

In addition, the traditional Serkyem vessel that is made up of a taller central vessel and lower bowl is optional, although the overflowing symbolism is an auspicious offering to the Protector. In some cases, practitioners even use a tall wine glass placed inside a glass bowl as a Serkyem vessel.
Black Tea is traditionally offered as Serkyem because in ancient times, it was considered a precious beverage and a valuable commodity that the Tibetans imported from China. Due to its exquisite taste, it is usually offered to the Lamas, Yidams and Dharma Protectors and its golden color reflect the meaning of Serkyem. When tea is offered, it is traditionally offered piping hot as a direct request to the Dharma Protector for the swiftest assistance, heat being symbolic of rapidity.
Besides tea, Tibetan beer or alcohol can also be offered because of the Tantric meaning behind such substances. During a Tsog offering that the Tantrikas perform, a little bit of consecrated alcohol and meat is partaken to symbolize the psychic winds and bodily elements used in Tantric meditation. Hence, beer or alcohol represents Tantric attainments and is offered to the Dharma Protector as a direct request to overcome all obstacles that obstruct spiritual attainments and to bring about beneficial conditions swiftly.

Other suitable beverages that can be offered as Serkyem include milk, which symbolizes spiritual nourishment and also various types of fizzy drinks such as Coca-Cola.
The actual Serkyem offering ritual begins with the pouring of a little of the beverage into the vessel so it’s not empty (if its not already poured in full) along with a few grains of rice. The Serkyem is consecrated with three repetitions of the mantra Om Ah Hum, while purifying with incense. Then, the Serkyem liturgy is recited with each stanza describing an offering of the Serkyem to a particular being or a class of beings that play a defined role in our spiritual practice.

During the offering, the Serkyem is visualized to be divine nectar that expands to fill an entire ocean. This ocean is made out of not just the beverage that the practitioner offered but of all the desirable things in the world that excite and please the 5 senses.

This vast ocean is offered to the Protector and to the other special beings mentioned in the liturgy. In addition, the request or what the practitioner wants to achieve is visualized to come into fruition with the assistance of the Protector.
A brief explanation of the Serkyem liturgy:-
To the lineage Guru - The first stanza is an offering to the root lama whose blessings and teachings guide us along the path of attaining Compassion (Bodhichitta) and realization of Emptiness (Shunyata), the two main qualities of a Buddha.
To the Yidam - Offered to the Yidam that has been received as a practice from our Master.  Examples of yidams include, Manjushri, Vajrayogini, or Guru Rinpoche, Arya Tara and Avalokestesvara. Through the yidam’s Sadhana practice, we can achieve ordinary (health, wealth, clairvoyance and so forth) and extraordinary attainments (wisdom and compassion).
To the Enlightened Dakas and Dakinis - The offering of Serkyem continues by making offerings to the enlightened Dakas and Dakinis, the celestial enlightened beings that play a significant role in higher Tantric practices. This is to rouse them to come to our aid, especially to make our practice successful. 

To the Wisdom Dharmapalas - We offer Serkyem to the various Dharmapala Protectors like Mahakala, Palden Lhamo, Vaishravana, and so forth to create the merit to receive protection. 
Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 10 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 


Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios.
Picture(s) is/are intended for editorial use only.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

What is Tibetan Tormas?

Torma in Sanskrit word is called " Balingta"  and Tormas are offering cakes and symbolize the food offering to the Buddhas, Deities.  Originally made of dough, in Tibet, it roasted barley flour is used, and also sculpted from butter, they have evolved into elaborately decorated objects.  

Since making them is time-consuming, people have begun to use clay, wood and more recently, synthetic substances. Tormas are used not only in Vajrayana, but also during the Buddha Shakyamuni times. 
Legend has it, in the past in India, one day Ananda was in the forest in Kapilavastu. As he was contemplating the Dharma, before him low down in the sky appeared a *Preta with fire blazing from its mouth, terrifying to look at. It said to Ananda, " In seven days time you will die," Upon hearing this, Ananda was filled with fear and then told the Buddha what had happened. 

*Footnote
Preta is the Sanskrit name for a hungry ghost being described in Hinduism, Buddhism as undergoing suffering greater than that of humans, particularly an extreme level of hunger and thirst.
Buddha Shakyamuni then taught a majestic Dharani mantra and immeasurable Torma offering and by offering that Torma, Ananda was freed from the terror of untimely death and attained many excellent qualities.
The Essence of Tormas
Tormas are in essence the identity of indivisible basic space and wisdom

The Etymology of Tormas
Guru Rinpoche once said:-
Since they do not hold, but cast away, they are called "Tor" and since they pervade everything, they are called "Ma"

In that way, because they are given free of grasping and attachment they are described as "Tor" which means to scatter and disperse, and because they appear in front of all guests as they are described as "Ma".
The Different Types of Guests
How many types of guests, or recipients of Tormas are there? The different types of guests can be condensed into the objects of homage and objects of generosity. To be more detailed, there are four types of guests:-
  1. The guests of honor, the objects of refuge
  2. The guests of qualities, the glorious protectors
  3. The guests of compassion, beings of the six classes
  4. The guests of karmic debts, negative spirits
1-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of honor in the way that you would pay your taxes to the King.In that way, one gathers vast accumulations and protected by their compassion.

2-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of qualities in the way that you would give a present to a friend or equal standing.In that way, beneficial activities are accomplished and obstacles are prevented.
3-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of compassion as a feast or banquet.In that way, one accomplishes the benefit of others and thereby becomes a follower of the great vehicle.

4-Tormas are dedicated to the guests of karmic debts, negative spirits like paying back a debt. In that way, grudges are purified and future negative and harm is averted.
Tormas have different uses. Some are created and placed on shrines for ceremonies or to represent deities. Others are used in feast practice and consumed by practitioners during the practice. Others are made to appease spirits, accumulate merit, or remove obstacles. The Tormas are mostly made of barley flour and butter, but traditionally other ingredients such as egg, milk, sugar, honey, and even meat may be included depending upon the purpose of the Torma.
There Are 6 Different Types of Tormas
1) Deity Tormas are kept in the shrine, and represent a particular tantra deity. These Tormas vary in complexity from a very simple cone painted white for peaceful deities like Buddha, Tara and Avalokiteshvara, to very complex designs for semi-wrathful deities like Vajrayogini.
2) Food Tormas are used in feast practices and are consumed partially by practitioners during the feast, with leftovers offered to lower beings after being blessed. In some traditions, food Tormas are now made with more contemporary ingredients, whereas others stay faithful to the barley flour tradition.
3) Offering Tormas may be made for and offered to deities and Dharma Protectors, to obstruct spirits, or to other lower beings. Torma for obstructing spirits are called "Gektor".
4) Medicine Tormas may be used in Tibetan medicine to extract an illness from a patient as a cure. The torma is then cast away.

5) Captured Tormas may be used to speed completion of activities, by planning to offer the torma at the completion of the activity thereby encouraging successful activity.


6) Inner and secret Tormas are for practicing meditation with deity visualization is considered a form of Torma offering, though no physical Torma is created and then offered. Similarly, offering one's internal emotional and mental experiences and experiences of non-physical forms of Torma offerings.

Do you earnestly cherish our devoted work? Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. Would you consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?  

We need your help to secure the future of scholarly interaction with Buddhism. Since our very first publication of Dharma works and activities in the year 2008, we had been effortlessly providing free distribution of Dharma posts and articles throughout the previous 10 years.  We have exceptionally constrained supports and do not receive subsidized or funding from people in general. 

Please help us and to develop our Dharma activities that will not only benefit you, but to all Dharma readers on the planet. Please consider showing your support. Your generosity will certainly help us to enhance our work and to accomplish for a better and brighter prospect to come. 

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta
For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen
May it arise and not decrease
But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit
By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.
May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.
With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of these pictures.
Pictures courtesy and credit to the rightful distributors and or studios. Pictures are intended for editorial use only.