Serkyem and Torma Offering (1/2)

Serkyem (Golden Drink Offering) is also known as Dharmapala Offering. Serkyem are used for ritual offering to Protector deities and guardian. Serkyems comprises of two pieces, a chalice and a basin for overflowing. A serkyem is most commonly filled w/ tea or wine and other tsok substances and offered to the Dharma protectors for the continuous protection and spread of the holy teachings of the Buddha. In the Tibetan language "Ser" means gold and "Kyem" means drink.

Generally speaking, we make offerings to the Dharma Protectors to remove any outer or inner obstacles to our practice.  We do this by reminding them of the oath they made to Guru Rinpoche or Machig Labdron or any other great teacher from the past to assist and protect their lineage, the teachings of the Buddha and those who practice them. 

When we are making offerings to the Guardians of the Dharma, we are asking them to protect us yogis and yoginis by warding off all outer and inner obstacles that may hinder our practice, our Dharma centers and monasteries. We are also asking them to assist our practice and  support all our Dharmic aspirations.  This is the purpose of our offering. There are stories that when Longchenpa was writing The Seven Treasures Rahula was actually present assisting him by preparing the ink.

Some protectors were present in Tibet before Buddhism and then enlisted by Padma Sambhava to become Buddhist protectors like Dorje Legpa (Vajra Sadhu) was a Bon protector before. When Lonchenpa was restoring the Zha temple in Uru, Dorje Legpa emanated as a boy wearing a turquoise earring and helped the craftsmen each day.

The Serkyem Offering Container

When we make our offering to the Guardians of the Dharma, we use what is known as a serkyem (gser skyem, the golden beverage).  A serkyem consists of two pieces stacked;  a tall, thin chalice placed inside a container. 

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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.

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

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