The subject continue today is
all about what significant for Eight offerings, we make these offerings to the
Buddhas, enlightened beings in many practices, such as the Vajrasattva
Practice, Guru Yoga and other profound Vajrayana practices.
The Buddhas, enlightened beings
they do not requiring these kind of offerings. We make these offerings is for
accumulation of merits and wisdoms, enlightenment, Buddha hood, is achieved
through these great qualities - accumulation and purifications. As we knew the
Buddhas had limitless of qualities which were attained through these two
mentioned qualities.
4) Incense for
offerings ( Discipline, Moral Ethnic )
Om Benza Dhupe Ah Hum
Incense, or fragrance is offered not because the Buddhas
and Bodhisattvas are in need of assistance to get rid of any bad odors. Rather,
incense if offered so that the annihilation of all unpleasant and unhealthful
smells may take place, and, ultimately, that the merit accumulated might bring
about the realization of perfection of the profound scent of discipline. It has
been said that whoever has perfected the discipline is surrounded by a sweet
fragrance.
Incense symbolizes moral ethnics or discipline, moral disciplines
is one of the most important practices. When we are having a good discipline,
there is morality.
Discipline is in the teaching of dharma, for instances will
be when our guru or Lama asking us to meditate like this, sit like this, do
this and that, so this is being taught like discipline, when we followed the
instructions, it is good moral ethnics but if we can't do or following the
instructions that are taught to be done, then there is no morality, no
ethnics.
In Sanskrit, this is called
shila which means coolness, freshness. When we are having good disciplines, it
cools the mind free from sufferings. When we sit or stay in the rightful and
correct position while meditating, it relaxes the minds and frees it from
agitation. Therefore the Buddha gave us these three teachings - moral ethnic,
samadhi and wisdom, called the three trainings.
These three trainings are very
important. Wisdom or special insight comes from samadhi , the stability and strength
of the mind. This kind of mind is based on discipline and morality. All
are related to each other, are connected to each other and depend on each
other. Moral and ethnic is a very important aspect of our paths.
Incense, which is the natural of
morality, makes offerings to the enlightened beings. The enlightened beings are
not attracted to the incense smell or smoke, but to our purity.
All people
respect those who have kept moral ethnic well and it doesn't matter who they
are, they get respect because they are trustworthy and dependable.
The
qualities of the enlightened beings are also attached to by morality. It is
their foundation, basis, just like the ground which grows all the
"crops" of the enlightened qualities.
Fifth offerings to be continued in part 6
*Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of these photos.
Photos courtesy and credit to it rightful owners.
Dedication of merits
May those who read and sharing of
this blog's information be peaceful and joyful. May the Buddha Dharma be
flourished and the merits will be dedicated to the sentient beings.
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