Auspicious Amithabha Buddha Day and Sojong Practice 八關齋戒 on August 29, 2015

 Homage to the Amithabha Buddha

August 29, 2015 is the 15th full moon day and is an auspicious day according to the Tibetan calendar, on this day is the auspicious prayer day to be practiced as follows:-

1. Amithabha Buddha Prayer Day. 
2. Sojong Practice.

On this day,  the effects of  positive or negative actions are said to be multiplied by *100 times according to the Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. If you have committed a positive good action, and you will be blessed with the positive 100 times of positive Karma actions, but if one has committed the negative actions and it will be multiplied by 100 times of bad and negative action. 

Amithabha  Buddha he is represents the Padma family. 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.

His Dhyani Bodhisattva is Avalokiteshvara.

His Pure Land is called Sukhavati, the Western Pure Land.

Dewachen is the celestial mandala or the Amithabha Buddha pure land, and in Sanskrit name is Sukhavatī and in Chinese is         西方極樂淨土.

Dewachen Prayer to Amithabha Buddha pure land /Sukhavatī往生西方極樂淨土經文

E ma ho

Ngo tshar sang gye nang wa tha ye dang

Ye su jo wo thug je chhen po dang

Yon du sem pa thu chhen thob nam la

Sang gye jang sem pag me khor gyi kor

De kyi ngo tshar pag tu me pa yi

De wa chen zhe ja wai zhing kham der

Dag ni di ne tshe pho gyur ma thag

Kye wa zhen gyi bar ma chho ba ru

De ru kye ne nang tha zhal thong shog

De ke dag gi mon lam tab ba di

Chhog chu sang gye jang sem tham che kyi

Geg me drub par jin gyi lab tu sol

Tat ya tha pen tsan dri ya a wa Bodha ni so ha

Chhog du gyal wa se che gong

Tshog nyi dzog la je yi rang

Dag gi du sum ge sag pa

Kun chhog sum la chho ba bul

Gyal wai ten pa phel gyur chig

Ge wa sem chen kun la ngo

Dro kun sang gye thob gyur chig

Ge tsa tham che chig du te

Dag gi gyu la min gyur chi

Drib nyi dag ne tshog dzog te

Tshe ring ne me nyam tog phel

Tshe dir sa chu non gyur chig

Nam zhig tshe pho gyur ma thag

De wa chen du kye gyur chi

Kye ne pe mai kha je te

Lu ten de la sang gye shog

Jang chhub thob ne ji si du

Trul pe dro wa dren par shog

The Healing Powers of The Goddess of Green Tara.

Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha, Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha,

In Vajrayana Buddhist tradition it is believed that practice of Tara mantra or reciting sacred Tara Mantra brings Green Tara’s instant help to overcome all problems and help actualize all our material needs and heartfelt wishes.

Goddess Tara is the embodiment of enlightened activity. Tara is a manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who is  although totally free from the imperfections of Samsara, but have chosen to be remained
in samsara to help sentient beings and all those that are suffering.

Tara is known to protect from fear and danger, heal illness, increase longevity and increase prosperity. On the ultimate level, she awakens our wisdom so that we can realize the nature of true reality.

Apart from the mantra recitation and Tara will:-
Protects us from eight obscurations and fears externally symbolized by animals and situations described as an external and internal elements of Eight Obscurations Fears.

The first H.H. Dalai Lama lists the Eight Obscurations Fears and interprets them as representative of corresponding defects flaws or obscuration.

[1] Elephants = ignorance / delusions
[2] Lions = pride
[3] Fire = anger / hatred
[4] Snakes = jealousy / envy
[5] Thieves = erroneous or wrong views
[6] Imprisonment = greed / avarice / miserliness
[7] Floods = desire and attachment / lust
[8] Demons = deluded doubts

Symbolic Meaning of the Manifestation of Green Tara:

Green symbolizes the color of awakened activity and deep compassion. Green also indicates the color of wind and Nature.

Tara acts for the benefit of those who pray to her with the swiftness of wind. Her left leg represents renouncement of conflicting emotions.

Her right leg indicates that Tara is ready to stand up to come to the help of sentient beings. Her right hand is in the gesture of generosity signifying that she bestows boons of ordinary supernormal powers as well as sublime accomplishments such as realization of the nature of the mind.

Her left hand is in the gesture of refuge. Her thumb and ring finger are joined to symbolize the union of skillful ways and knowledge.

Her other fingers are held up to represent detachment. Her left hand is held as her heart, indicating that her mind is never separate from the Dharmakaya.

The stems of the lotuses she holds with her hands indicate that all the qualities of realization have fully blossomed within her. Her charm and beauty reveal that she is the ‘ mother of all Buddhas and her compassion for all beings is flowing continuously.

The ornaments (silks and jewels) she wears bear witness of her masterful qualities and activity. Her straight back shows that her meditation is unfaltering. The moon behind her symbolizes the fullness of inexhaustible happiness.

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

Dedication of merits
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.

* Note
I do not own or infringe any copyright of these pictures,
Pictures courtesy and credit to the rightful owners.

The Living Journal - Buddha is in tears

This article is dedicated to all of us , and the reason is very simple : Have you ever asked yourself - will you be safe today? tomorrow ? next minutes ?

Today we are living in a senseless, violent act, and every day our sensibilities are once again assaulted by the breaking news reported in the media, about the loss of many innocent fellow human beings due to the law of Karma or perhaps it's our very own malevolent tendency?

Senseless slaughter of the innocent, and in the land of life and liberty. A country of brotherly love, a melting pot of diversity and acceptance. An eye once looking for and forward to achieving of our dreams that may look promising and rewarding.

Sadly, the murder wreaks havoc in the land of plenty, lives taken in the blink of an eye. Violence is winning while and we seemingly no longer free to pursue our goals as we used to. Our lives are constantly cheated by an early fate of death.

As the saying goes for the senseless evil criminal mind :-

They look like us,

They live like us,

But they don't act like us.

May you find peace and joyfulness within yourself when you are reading this Dharma.

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.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Bangkok.

Om Mani Pad Me Hum Hrih , Om Mani Pad Me Hum Hrih,

Om Mani Pad Me Hum Hrih 

Om Ami Deva Hrih, Om Ami Deva Hrih, Om Ami Deva Hrih

I am reading with great sadness of such a massive explosion in an area of Bangkok. At least more than 20 people are known to have died and 100 more casualties in a powerful explosion on August 17, 2015 at the nearby walkway of a popular Hindu Brahma Ehrawan shrine. 

Please know how very saddened I am for the loss of your beloved ones. I can’t imagine how painful it is for you but don’t forget that our prayers and thoughts will always be with you. Having lost of someone is a difficult moment of life, and may our prayers and thoughts that may provide you the strength you need to cope with this at the soonest time. 

Words are not enough to express how sorry we are for your loss. May our prayers to provide you the strength and courage you need in order to handle this difficult moment appropriately.

May you find peace and joyfulness within yourself when you are reading this Dharma.

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.

King Gesar the manifestation of Guru Rinpoche.

King Gesar the manifestation of Guru

Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, as a famous warrior king or general. Some people think of King Gesar as a famous warrior king or general, like Alexander the Great or the Chinese war gods. 

Others are of the opinion that King Gesar is primarily something like a     * terton * an individual blessed by Guru Rinpoche who manifests to benefit beings through that blessing. 

But the real nature of the manifestation we know as King Gesar is actually that of Guru Rinpoche himself appearing in the form of a ** drala ** legendary warrior king who is invoked as a protector of the teachings.

* Terton * 

A revealer of spiritual treasures (terma) hidden by Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal for the benefit of future generations.

** Drala ** 

A dynamically active non-human beings inhabiting the air element, who are usually invisible to ordinary human perception. They form the retinue and agents of Gesar and are usually portrayed as wild, fearless warriors on horseback.

 Prayer to Guru Rinpoche to clear away obstacles on the path.

Du sum sang gyay guru rinpoche

Ngo drup kun dak de wa chhen poi zhap

Bar chhad kun sel dud dul drak po tsal

Sol was deb so jyin gyiy lap tu Sol

Chhyi nang sang wai bar chhad zhi wa dang

Sam pa lhun gyi drup par jyin gyi lob

Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung 

(Please repeat for 3 times, 21 times, 108 times)

Explanations of the Supplication prayer to Guru Rinpoche.

Guru Rinpoche, The Buddha of , past, present ,the Future.

Guru of the Great Blissful One, Lord and sources of all Accomplishments.

Wrathful Tamer of all maras, Dispelled of All Obstacles.

We pray to you, please grant your blessings and grace.

Please pacify all outer, inner and secret obstacles;

Bless and grace us with spontaneous fulfillment of our aspirations and prayers. 

May you find peace and joyfulness within yourself when you are reading this Dharma.

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.

Is all about Guru Rinpoche Padmasembhava.

Lake Dhanakosha, Kingdom of Oddiyanna in ancient time of India.

Birthday and birthplace of Guru Rinpoche

It is said that Guru Rinpoche , Padmasembhava birth took place  on the 10th day of the waxing  moon in monkey month was Guru Rinpoche birth anniversary according to Vajrayana Buddhsim. Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava was incarnated as an eight-year-old child appearing in a lotus blossom floating in Lake Dhanakosha, in the kingdom of Oḍḍiyana in ancient India.

In modern times, the kingdom of Oddiyanna is now known as the Swat Valley of South Asia present-day Pakistan.  

The National Flag of The Kingdom Of Bhutan. 

The Birthday of Guru Rinpoche is a public holiday in Bhutan

The kingdom of Bhutan is fondly known as the “land of thunder dragons” to their citizens. Buddhism is supposed to have been brought to Bhutan by the “Padmasambhava” or the “Lotus Born”. 

This is a different form of Buddhism with a tantric side to it. In Tibet and Bhutan, the Padmasambhava is referred to as Guru Rinpoche (“Precious Master”) or Lopon Rinpoche. His birthday is celebrated with great joy in Bhutan.

Guru Rinpoche left His footprint, and imprinted in the stone in Tso Pema India.

Guru Rinpoche left His footprint, and imprinted in the stone. In the area around Muktinath Padmasambhava left footprints in stone. On this picture an imprint of his shoe and his right bare foot.

Prayer to Guru Rinpoche to clear away obstacles on the path

Du sum sang gyay guru rinpoche

Ngo drup kun dak de wa chhen poi zhap

Bar chhad kun sel dud dul drak po tsal

Sol was deb so jyin gyiy lap tu Sol

Chhyi nang sang wai bar chhad zhi wa dang

Sam pa lhun gyi drup par jyin gyi lob

Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung 

(Please repeat for 3 times, 21 times, 108 times)

Explanations of the Supplication to Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rinpoche, The Buddha of , past, present ,the Future.

Guru of the Great Blissful One, Lord and sources of all Accomplishments.

Wrathful Tamer of all maras, Dispelled of All Obstacles.

We pray to you, please grant your blessings and grace.

Please pacify all outer, inner and secret obstacles;

Bless and grace us with spontaneous fulfillment of our aspirations and prayers. 

Thank you for reading and may you find peace and joyfulness within yourself when you are reading this Dharma.

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.

The Living Journal - Your Faithful Pets First & Last Moments

When you first meet your pets, and spent together during it's last moments. 

As an animal lover, the loss of our pet is something we dread.  I have gone through this in 2013, with the death of my much-loved mixed breed Labrador, called "Prince".  

Prince has just spent less than 2 years of his life with me, and Prince was given by my friend as a soulmate. Unfortunately, he died of pneumonia and the pained and sorrowed is too dreadful and unbearable for me, and ever since I had stopped keeping any pet with me.

Much has been written about the human-animal bond, and the benefits it can bring to owners of companion animals. It's the moment every pet owner dreads -when the time comes when they have to say a final goodbye to a faithful friend. 

Cheryl shared her first image of her English Springer Spaniel Flynn with siblings when they were born.

Cheryl with her beloved pet and she was privileged to be the first to hold Him when he was born and I held him while he took his last breaths at his aged 11. There isn't a day goes by that I don't miss him dearly.

Another image of a cute and lovely puppy was held in his owner's arms, and after many years the dog has lived together with his owner. This was his last moments and the doggy said goodbye to me. I cried when I took the picture - Sad tory written by the owner.

Another sad moment, as the owner shared the photo of his beloved pet was having a fun time with his child. The owner took his pet around the park one last time before her pet rest in peace.

In a heartbreaking selection of images pet owners have shared the lifespan of their pets with their very first and very last moments with their four-legged friends. The moving pictures are accompanied by emotional messages from the pet's owners expressing their love for their dearly departed animal.

If you have a leaning towards Buddhism, it’s also very useful to create a positive association in your pet’s mind between Buddhist images/statues/mantras and a state of well-being.  Murmuring mantras to your pets as you stroke with an example of this :–           Om mani padme hum is one such mantra.  Or if you are inclined to Tara practice – Om tare tuttare ture soha.

If you meditate regularly, there’s a good chance that your pet will want to join you.  Let them.  There’s plenty of research showing that animals’ perceptive abilities are, in certain respects, far more sensitive than humans’.  If they are able to associate the practice of meditation with a positive state of being, so much the better.

From a Buddhist perspective, whether we are human or animal, we are constantly creating the causes for future effects, positive or negative.  The more we are able to help our pet create imprints for a disposition towards enlightened actions, the better.

Please CLICK HERE and learn how you can love and care about our faithful best friend ever.

Puctures courtesy and credited to Redditch.com