My Pilgrimage Tour To India - Sankasia Part 3

Today Sankasia is the one of the most remote and undeveloped Buddhist Holy site in India. A far cry from the Buddha's time when Sankasia was called "City of Sankasia".

In 1961 India's Prime Minister Mr Nehru  when he was asked by some of the Japanese visitors, which was the poorest holy Buddhist shrine in India ? Mr Nehru he promptly replied: "Sankasia"

This are the typical daily street vendors who are selling food to the locals for a living.  

This are the most common houses and it was built mainly by the animal waste products of cow dung. The villagers used the mud soil which is the same as cob and then cover the walls with this in 3 or 4 layers. In between the first and third layer use a sandy soil, and the last layer use cow dung and mud and compress it to seal it off.

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A moment of light and easy with His Holiness the 17th Karmapa

A moment of light and easy with His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee has spent some of his precious time preparing and mixing together ingredients to make cookies at the Bodhgaya.

Preparation of the cookies are ready to be baked in the oven. 

The sweet and tasty traditional Tibetan cookies are perfectly well baked and arranged by His Holiness.

Thank you for reading my blog, and it helps to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

Dedication of merits
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A verdict of not guilty for His Holiness The 17th Karmapa

November 24, 2014, The Enforcement directorate (ED) has given a *clean chit  and dropped charges of forex violations against Tibetan religious leader His Holiness of the 17^th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee.during the investigation in 2011. Four years after His Holiness the 17^th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee and his associates were charged with keeping illegal foreign and domestic currency worth about Rs6 crore (about USD 1 billion)

A truth has finally revealed and come clean sheet or a verdict of not guilty of such allegations 

against His Holiness of The 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee of illegal foreign and domestic currency worth about Rs6 crore.

Why H.H under the scanner? (Based on News special report on January 31, 2011)

The 17^th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee has been on the radar of intelligence agencies ever since he started staying at his current place, following his sensational escape in 1998. For reason unknown to the media, has always suspected him to have links with his origin where he belongs to.

*clean chit - The expression is used to mean 'cleared of any wrongdoing'. or  ‘verdict of not guilty’ . As for the native speakers of English prefer to use 'clean sheet', instead of clean chit.

Thank you for reading my blog, and it helps to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

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My Pilgrimage Tour To India - SanKasia Part 2

Sankasia is located in the village of Sankasia -Basantapur in district of Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. From Agra, Sankasia is about 175km via the Farrukhabad-Shikohabad-Mainpuri-Bewar-Pakhna route. Sankasia is a very small in size but renowned an important Buddhist tour destination. 

According to the Dhammapada Commentary, after the Buddha mother, Maya Deva, was reborn in Thirty-Three Gods Trayastrimsa heaven after she died. To repay her kindness and to liberate her, and also to benefit the gods in the heaven, Buddha ascended to the heaven where he preached before the divine congregation including his mother, for three months.

Nearby under a tree, is a small shrine with a standing image of Lord Buddha, flanked by Brahma and Sakka to depict the Buddha's descent from Heaven. Behind the shrine,King Asoka has raised a stone column 18 m high with a lion capita on top on its four sides, placed Buddha images.

Thank you for reading my blog, and it helps to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

Dedication of merits

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My Pilgrimage Tour To India - SanKasia Part 1

Sankasia, a place when Buddha returns from heaven.  Sankasia is located in the village of Sankasia -Basantapur in district of Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. From Agra, Sankasia is about 175km via the Farrukhabad-Shikohabad-Mainpuri-Bewar-Pakhna route.

Sankasia is a very small in size but renowned an important Buddhist tour destination. According to the Dhammapada Commentary, the Buddha to repay her kindness and to liberate her, and also to benefit the gods in the heaven, Buddha ascended to the Tavatimsa heaven where he preached before the divine congregation including his mother, for three months.

The Buddha informed Sakka Devaraja of his intention to return to earth. Thereupon, Sakka created three ladders, one of gold, one of jewels and one of silver, the tops of which  rested on the summit of Mt. Sumeru and feet of which rested against the gate of the city of Sankasia.

As the Buddha descended upon the jewelled ladder, devas and Brahmas honored the Buddha by accompanying him on each side. With this retinue the Buddha descended and set foot on the earth at the gate of the city of Sankasia, and because of this miraculous event, which was witnessed by a great multitude, Sankasia became an important Buddhist shrine and several stupas and viharas were erected there. 

Nearby under a tree, is a small shrine with a standing image of Lord Buddha, flanked by Brahma and Sakka to depict the Buddha's descent from Heaven. Behind the shrine,King Asoka has raised a stone column 18 m high with a lion capita on top on its four sides, placed Buddha images.

King Asoka visited Sankasia as part of his itinerary of pilgrimage and Asoka built a shrine over the spot where the Buddha set foot on earth. Behind the shrine, he raised a stone column 18.3m high with a lion capita on top on its four sides, places Buddha images.

Tourists can witness The Ashokan Elephant Pillar and a Buddha Temple that are situated here. The pillar supports on the large pavillion, surrounded by an iron fence.

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My Pilgrimage Tour To India - Vulture's Peak Part 4

At the summit, one can see the huge granite rock formation resembling a vulture standing with folded wing, from which the hill derived its name. This spot offers a commanding  view of the valley below. It is a favourite place for pilgrims to perform puja while reciting the virtues of the Buddha.Guijjhakuta hill (Vulture's Peak) was the favourite resort of the Buddha and the scene of many important discourses while he was in Rajgir. 

His Ven. Sherap Rinpoche (in the middle) and his elder brother are the pilgrimage planners

To reach the top, one has to climb up a long stone stairway from 6.1 m to 7.3 m wide, called the Bimbisara road, built by the King to enable him to reach the summit to see the Buddha. Recent years, a cement staircase has been constructed to facilitate the pilgrim's climb to the top, which is a flat terrance surrounded by a low retaining wall with a shrine near the precipice.

Thank you for reading my blog, and it helps to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

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My Pilgrimage Tour To India - Vulture's Peak Part 3

Guijjhakuta hill (Vulture's Peak) was the favourite resort of the Buddha and the scene of many important discourses while he was in Rajgir.  The rocky path ends near the top of the hill where one can see two natural caves, which were probably used by the Buddha and Ven . Ananda.

Near the bottom of the cement staircase are two smaller caves believed to be used by two rich brahmins, Upatissa and Kolita, popularly known as the Ven. Sariputta and Ven. Moggallana respectively.Both joined the sangha after their conversion by the Arahant Assaji and became followers of the Buddha.

Please take a closer look to find out  where the holy mantras was crafted onto the rocky surface. 

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My Pilgrimage Tour To India - Vulture's Peak Part 2

Guijjhakuta hill (Vulture's Peak) was the favourite resort of the Buddha and the scene of many important discourses while he was in Rajgir. To reach the top, one has to climb up a long stone stairway from 6.1 m to 7.3 m wide, called the Bimbisara road, built by the King to enable him to reach the summit to see the Buddha. Recent years, a cement staircase has been constructed to facilitate the pilgrim's climb to the top, which is a flat terrance surrounded by a low retaining wall with a shrine near the precipice.

The rocky path ends near the top of the hill where one can see two natural caves, which were probably used by the Buddha and Ven . Ananda. At the summit, one can see the huge granite rock formation resembling a vulture standing with folded wing, from which the hill derived its name. This spot offers a commanding  view of the valley below. It is a favourite place for pilgrims to perform puja while reciting the virtues of the Buddha.

Thank you for reading my blog, and it helps to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

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

My Pilgrimage Tour To India - Bimbisara jail

This is the Bimbisara jail , about 2 1/2 km south of Veluvana beside the main road, is an area about 60 m square enclosed by the remains of a stone wall 2 m thick. This area has been identified as the prison in which Bimbisara was jailed by his son Ajatasattu, who usurped the throne. It is said that from this prison, the King could see the Buddha up in Gijjhakuta (Vulture peak) 

Ajatasattu the king's son at his instigation, usurped the throne imprisoned his father in order to starve his father to death. His mother the Queen secretly applied the sticky honey all over her body to feed the king whenever she visited the Bimbisara jail, and soon the Prince has discovered that his mother the Queen secret tactics  to save his father , and the Prince has prohibited the Queen to visit the King in order to starve him to death as quickly as possible.
The Queen was mourning in grief and was prayed to the Buddha if he could  guide her to a better realm or pure land if she could be reborn there to end the suffering.
At the Gijjhakuta (Vulture peak) where the Buddha was delivered the Prajnaparamita Sutra and the Lotus Sutra.  The Buddha knew the Queen was calling upon him and the Buddha was using his spiritual power to presence there and explained to her the meritorious benefits if any sentient beings who wish to be reborn to the Amitabha Buddha Pure land. (Sukhavati in sanskrit) (Dewachen in Tibetan)

Ajatasattu, later has regretted his evil actions too late, as his father had died before he could release him. In later, Ajatasattu at the suggestion of Jivaka, sought the Buddha's advice and became a lay disciple.

Thank you for reading my blog, and it helps to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.
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November 21, 2014 Mahakala prayer day

November 21, 2014 today is the auspicious Mahakala Dharma Protector prayer day according to the Tibetan month calendar and the Mahakala prayer day is to be done on the 29th of the Tibetan lunar month calendar, and this is also to be known as the 'Dharmapala' day. There are certain days are considered auspicious day for certain practices, and on these particular days of the practices,  the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 times. 

The  Mahakala is the high level of of Dharma protectors , he is the well known Dharma protectors and he is the wrathful manifestation of the compassion of Chenrizig (In Tibetan) or Avalokitesvara (In Sanskrit) Kuan Yin (In Chinese) Bodhisattva. 

Mahakala using his power to protect the temples, monasteries, protect the precious Vajrayana teachings and help other dharma practitioners. He is typically black color. Just as all colors are absorbed and dissolved into black, all names and forms are said to melt into those of Mahakala, symbolizing his all-embracing, comprehensive nature. 

Black can also represent the total absence of color, and again in this case it signifies the nature of Mahakala as ultimate or absolute reality. Mahakala he is always depicted with a crown of five skulls, which represent the transmutation of the five negative afflictions into the Five wisdom. The wisdom are representations of the five qualities of the  Buddhas. 

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Dedication of merits

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My Pilgrimage Tour To India - Vulture's Peak Part 1

Vulture's Peak  rises over mostly dry land, and its jagged rocks indeed resemble vultures when seen from a distance and this is one of the most important Buddhists pilgrimage holy site located Hill in India, a few kilometers south of the town of Rajgir.

Vultures Peak, One descends about 100 meters or so and there is a paved pathway on the left which leads to Vultures Peak. A small shrine and two caves identify the peak. It was here that the Buddha delivered the Prajnaparamita Sutra and the Lotus Sutra and where, according to Buddhist scripts, the Shakyamurni Buddha he twirled the flower and gave transmission to Mahakasyapa.

To reach the spot on this mountain where the Mahayana tradition text statedthat the Buddha gave the actual discourses; one must walks a fairly long path that lifts one higher and higher above one's surroundings. As one proceeds, one joins the vast community of followers of the Buddha who have visited this spot, either to hear the actual words of their teacher, or to pay homage as a pilgrim to the spot where those fortunate disciples heard those words

With your continuing support to read my blog, it helps to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.
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Supplication to Guru Rinpoche

Prayer to Guru Rinpoche to clear away obstacles on the path, the precious guru, embodiment of all Buddhas of the three times.

Great bliss, the lord of all accomplishments, wrathful power who dispels all hindrances and subdues demons.

Pray bestow your blessing, please remove the outer, inner and the secret obstacles and grant your blessings to accomplish wishes spontaneously.

Supplication to Guru Rinpoche 

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

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.

When, due to the obstacles of the elements earth, water, fire and wind. This illusory body , which is rented, is meeting the time to be perished.

Requesting undoubtedly, without two pointed mind to Padmasambhava and the goddess of the elements, [there is] no doubt the four elements get naturally pacified.  I request , Orgyen, the one arising from the lotus ( Orgyen Padma Chung Na). Please bless the wishes to succeed naturally.

With your continuing support to read my blog, it helps greatly to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

Dedication of merits
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Holy hand print of Guru Rinpoche at the sacred cave in Pharping Nepal Part 2

When I on a pilgrimage trip to Katmandu Nepal, Bodhgaya in India, we make an actual physical connection with a sacred place and can open ourselves to the blessings that subtlety permeate the atmosphere. It is very helpful then to make our deepest aspirations to follow in the footsteps of the realized beings who were (and are) invisibly present.  Their teachings and lives are a model or profound pattern that we can emulate. 

Holy hand print of Guru Rinpoche at the sacred cave in Pharping Nepal, Pharping lies about two hours by bus fromRatna Park outside of Kathmandu and for many Vajrayana practitioner Pharping is as holy as Bodhgaya.

Guru Rinpoche himself said that in all the caves and places he has meditated and people in the future could receive his blessing as if meeting him in person.  Furthermore Guru Rinpoche mentioned that especially in the time of degeneration and visiting those holy places would be very beneficial for one's spiritual development and purification of sicknesses and obstacles.

With your continuing support to read my blog, it helps greatly to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.
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

Holy hand print of Guru Rinpoche at the sacred cave in Pharping Nepal Part 1

When I on a pilgrimage trip to Katmandu Nepal and India, we make an actual physical connection with a sacred place and can open ourselves to the blessings that subtlety permeate the atmosphere. It is very helpful then to make our deepest aspirations to follow in the footsteps of the realized beings who were (and are) invisibly present.  

The sacred holy cave of Guru Rinpoche, Buddha of the three times

Their teachings and lives are a model or profound pattern that we can emulate. This is a powerful way to enhance our practice.The inner or sambhogakaya realm is accessible when we have cultivated the ability to experience all phenomena in their perfect purity as they would appear in a Buddha realm. Our way in to this realm is pure perception or pure vision.

By going on pilgrimage to one of the 25 actual places on this earth where great masters such as the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and others have lived, practiced and gained realization, we can potentially experience their pure enlightened energy.

Holy hand print of Guru Rinpoche at the sacred cave in Pharping Nepal, Pharping lies about two hours by bus from Ratna Park outside of Kathmandu and for many Vajrayana practitioner Pharping is as holy as Bodhgaya.

Guru Rinpoche himself said that in all the caves and places he has meditated and people in the future could receive his blessing as if meeting him in person.  Furthermore Guru Rinpoche mentioned that especially in the time of degeneration and visiting those holy places would be very beneficial for one's spiritual development and purification of sicknesses and obstacles.

With your continuing support to read my blog, it helps greatly to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.
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

My Pilgrimage Tour To Pharping Nepal

I was traveled with His Ven Tulku Nuptul Tenpei Nyinma Rinpoche and Rinpoche brought me to his residence Dharma center in Pharping Nepal . Pharping is far away from the busy city of Katmandu and surroundings with plenty of trees and less vehicles and less polluted environment. 

When the night fall and you can have a beautiful and a spectacular view of countless of sparkling stars. I just can't help myself looking up to the sky that was completely taken my breaths away.

We happy to meet tp with Rinpoche's auntie as she was trekking down from the Kyimolung valley to Pharping. She is so happy and her smiles speaks for herself and she wore a very traditional  Kyimoung costume.

She cooked a very traditional Kyimolung vegetarian dinner for Rinpoche and for us. Frankly, I have never eaten such a delicious Kyimolung vegetarian meal. 

With your continuing support to read my blog, it helps greatly to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.
Dedication of merits 

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Guru Rinpoche - The Seven Line Prayer

My prayer altar. 

The Vajra seven line prayers to Guru Rinpoche

Hung Orgyen Yuk Gyi Nub Chang Tsam

Pema Gesar Dongpo La

Ya Tsen Chog Gi Ngo Drub Nyey

Pema Jung Ney Shey Su Drag

Khor Du  Khandro Mang Poi Kor

Cheg Kyi Je Su Dag Drub Kyi

Chhen Gie Lab Chher Sheg Su Sol

Guru Pema Siddhi Hung

Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung 

(Please repeat for 3 times)

Guru Rinpoche's Holy Hand printed on His sacred Cave in Pharping, Nepal.

The explanations of The Vajra Seven Line Prayers

Hung, on the northwest border of the country Oddiyanna.

On the pistil of a lotus flower.

Endowed with the marvelous attainment.

You are renowned as the lotus-Born.

Surrounded by retinue of many Dakinis.

Emulating you in my practice.

I pray, you will come and confer your blessings.

With your continuing support to read my blogs, it helps greatly to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

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

Guru Rinpoche - 莲花生大士

Guru Rinpoche - Padmasambhava 莲花生大士 an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he was a great yogi from the region that borders in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He brought Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century. He spent at least 55 years in Tibet, manifesting countless wonders and highly revered by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Guru Rinpoche Mantra:-

OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG.

The benefits of reciting Guru Rinpoche mantra:-

Om Ah Hung - purify obscurations arising from the three mental poisons, desire, attachment, aversion and ignorance.

Vajra - purifies obscurations which arises from anger.

Guru - purifies obscurations which arises from pride.

Pema -purifies obscurations which arises from desire , attachment.

Siddhi - purifies obscurations which arises from envy, jealousy.

Hung -  in a general way purifies obscurations which arises from all emotional afflictions.

Thank you for reading my blogs, it helps greatly to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

Dedication of merits 

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Words of wisdom

Watch your thoughts and it will becomes your words.

Watch your words and it will becomes your actions.

Watch your actions and it will becomes your character.

Watch your character and it will becomes your destiny. 

Watch your destiny and it will becomes your karma.

We don't see the world as it is, rather  we see the world as we are. 

In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.

With your continuing support, it helps greatly to spread the Dharma knowledge and as well turning the Dharma wheel to the world.

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