Empowerment - The Highest Blessings of Vajrayana Buddhism (2/7)

 

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva 

The Importance and Significance of Empowerment in Vajrayana

Empowerment, or initiation (Abhisheka in Sanskrit, Wang in Tibetan), is a crucial ritual within the Vajrayana tradition of Buddhism. It serves as an essential gateway for practitioners wishing to engage in Vajrayana practices.Empowerment: The Highest Blessing

In Vajrayana, empowerment is regarded as the highest blessing a Lama can bestow. During the ritual, the Lama supplicates with deep devotion to the entire lineage of enlightened masters, from their root guru back to the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara.

Through this supplication, the blessings of all lineage masters, whose minds are inseparable from the Dharmakaya mind of all Buddhas, converge upon the Lama. By receiving the Lama's blessing, practitioners also receive the blessings of all Buddhas.

The Importance of a Pure Lineage 

Therefore, it is vital to follow a master who upholds a pure, unbroken lineage in the propagation and practice of Dharma. Connecting with such a Lama allows practitioners to receive the full blessings of the Buddhas through them. 

The Swift Path of Vajrayana: Empowerment and Lineage 

Vajrayana, the "swift path," offers direct, experiential instructions and the profound blessings of an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters. 

Through unwavering faith and dedicated practice, enlightenment is attainable within this very lifetime. Therefore, connecting with a master who upholds a pure, unbroken lineage is paramount. 

Garuda, is an important deity of protection 

The Significance of Empowerment:

Empowerment, in the Vajrayana context, is a transmission of esoteric wisdom and realization. It is not merely a ceremony. Only a qualified Vajra Master, possessing direct experience and having completed the necessary retreats, can bestow it. 

For beginners, it imparts blessings; for advanced practitioners, it plants the seed of enlightenment. 

This transmission transcends mundane knowledge, requiring a master who has personally explored the depths of reality as described in Buddhist Tantric scriptures. Mere scholarly expertise is insufficient. 

A genuine master must possess the inherent power and qualifications to empower students.

Because empowerment establishes samaya, a sacred bond, careful consideration is vital. Samaya signifies a profound connection with the master, making them an important guru. Breaking this bond creates obstacles.

Therefore, exercise discernment and approach empowerment with the utmost respect. 

While seeking Dharma teachings and paying respects to genuine teachers is beneficial, reserve the profound act of empowerment for a master in whom you have complete trust. 

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Note: Vajrayana offers countless skillful and powerful methods that, when practiced correctly, can significantly accelerate the processes of accumulation and purification. It is crucial to have pure motivation and understand that Vajrayana practice is not intended to increase one's ego, power, or self-interest.

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. Your support helps spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn the Dharma wheel in the world.

Aspiration for Bodhichitta: 

May the precious Bodhichitta, which has not yet arisen, arise and not diminish, but rather increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit: 

By this merit, may we swiftly attain omniscience. Having overcome the enemies of wrongdoing, may we liberate all beings from the ocean of existence, with its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness, and death. 

Note

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The Primordial Buddha - Vajradhara

Vajradhara: The Primordial Buddha of Vajrayana

Vajradhara is a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric Buddhism. He is revered as the Adi-Buddha, or primordial Buddha, considered the ultimate source of all Buddhist tantric teachings.

Meaning and Symbolism

The Sanskrit term "Vajradhara" translates to "diamond-holder." He is typically depicted holding two symbolic objects: 

In the Tibetan language, Vajradhara is known as Dorje Chang. Vajradhara, meaning "Vajra Holder" or "Bearer of the Thunderbolt," is a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Tantric and Vajrayana traditions, symbolizing ultimate enlightenment and the essence of the Dharmakaya (truth body).

Here's a more detailed explanation and symbolism and significance:

Vajradhara embodies the essence of Buddhahood and is considered the primordial Buddha, the Dharmakaya Buddha. 

He is depicted as dark blue, representing the quintessence of enlightenment. He is seen as the supreme essence of all Buddhas and the tantric form of Shakyamuni Buddha.

In the Vajrayana tradition, Vajradhara is the progenitor of the system and the source of the Five Symbolic Buddhas and Vajrasattva. He is also seen as an activity emanation of Buddha Samantabhadra in the Nyingma tradition.

• Iconography:

  • Vajradhara is often depicted holding a vajra (a thunderbolt or sceptre) in his hands, symbolizing spiritual power and firmness of spirit.

  • He is sometimes shown with a consort, representing the union of wisdom and compassion. 

• Historical Context:

  • The concept of Vajradhara evolved with the development of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, moving from a focus on the historical Buddha to more transcendent representations.

  • In the New (Sarma) Schools, Vajradhara is seen as the secret or inner form of Shakyamuni Buddha and the combined essence of all Buddhas. 

    

• Relationship to other deities:

  • In Anuttarayoga Tantra, Vajradhara emanates the forms of the Five Symbolic Buddhas and Vajrasattva, followed by meditational deities like Guhyasamaja, Shri Hevajra, and Chakrasamvara.

* Vajra (thunderbolt): Representing indestructible energy and skillful means.

 * Bell: Symbolizing emptiness and wisdom.

These objects, held together, illustrate the union of skillful means and wisdom, a core concept in Vajrayana.

Significance

Vajradhara holds profound significance within Vajrayana: 

 * He embodies the highest state of enlightenment.

 * He is understood to be the same mental continuum as Buddha Shakyamuni, but manifests a distinct aspect.

 * He is considered the originator of Vajrayana Buddhism and its tantric practices.

 * He is the source from which all tantric teachings emanate.

Appearance

Vajradhara's iconography typically includes the following characteristics: 

 * He is often depicted with a dark blue complexion.

 * He commonly appears with a single face and two arms.

 * His expression is generally peaceful.

 * He is frequently shown holding the vajra scepter and bell in the vajra embrace gesture, symbolizing the union of his attributes.

Alternative Names

Vajradhara is also known by the following names:

 * Dorje Chang (Tibetan)

 * Jīngāng zǒng chí (Chinese)

Do you value our work?
If you find our blog helpful, please consider supporting our Buddhist research and development with a donation.

Donate via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3ywRH2N

Note: Vajrayana offers countless skillful and powerful methods that, when practiced correctly, can significantly accelerate the processes of accumulation and purification. It is crucial to have pure motivation and understand that Vajrayana practice is not intended to increase one's ego, power, or self-interest.

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. Your support helps spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn the Dharma wheel in the world.

Aspiration for Bodhichitta: 
May the precious Bodhichitta, which has not yet arisen, arise and not diminish, but rather increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit: 
By this merit, may we swiftly attain omniscience. Having overcome the enemies of wrongdoing, may we liberate all beings 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 on the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful
distributors and/or studios
The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

Abhiseka, The Secret Transmission of Vajrayana.

Abhisheka is a Buddhist ritual of anointment or consecration that involves pouring a liquid offering on a deity or practitioner. It's a significant moment in the journey toward enlightenment.  

In Vajrayana Buddhism, an empowerment or consecration (Sanskrit: abhiseka) is an esoteric initiation or transmission of secret teachings performed by a tantric guru (vajracharya) to a student in a ritual space containing the mandala of a Buddhist deity. 

The initiation is traditionally seen as transmitting a certain spiritual power (Sanskrit: adhisthana, Tibetan: jinlap, sometimes translated as "blessings") that allows the tantric yogi to reach enlightenment swiftly or to attain other yogic accomplishments.

Many tantric practices are commonly said to be secret and are only to be revealed after ritual initiation.

Other tantric practices may be openly known but are only considered to be effective after being initiated into the proper mandala, which corresponds to a specific practice.

The secrecy of teachings was often protected through the use of allusive, indirect, symbolic, and metaphorical language (twilight language), which required interpretation and guidance from a teacher.

The teachings may also be considered "self-secret," meaning that even if they were to be told directly to a person, that person would not necessarily understand the teachings without proper context or initiation.

In this way, the teachings are "secret" to the minds of those who are not following the path with more than a simple sense of curiosity.

Because of their role in giving access to the practices and guiding the student through them, the role of the Vajracharya guru or lama (who himself must have been initiated by a previous guru of a specific lineage) is indispensable in Vajrayana. 

In Tibetan Buddhism

What is abhisheka used for in Buddhism?Initiation: In Vajrayana Buddhism, abhisheka initiates practitioners into deity-focused practices. 
Purification: In esoteric Buddhism, abhisheka is a purificatory rite that signifies a change in status. 
Empowerment: Abhisheka symbolizes the empowerment of a practitioner or sacred object. 

How is abhisheka performed? Practitioners are anointed with water, practitioners make vows, practitioners chant mantras, and practitioners are introduced into a mandala. 

What are the different types of abhisheka? 

Master consecration: One of the four classes of abhisheka

Secret consecration: One of the four classes of abhisheka

Knowledge of prajna (“wisdom”): One of the four classes of abhisheka

The fourth consecration: One of the four classes of abhisheka. 

Abhisheka is also practiced in Hinduism and Jainism. 

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Assuming this is the case, we are delighted that you are finding our blog useful and valuable. 

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 *Footnote
Vajrayana features countless skillful and powerful methods that, if practised in the proper way, can make the process of accumulation and purification incredibly swift and direct. 

It is absolutely necessary to have pure motivation and to know that Vajrayana practise is not carried out to increase one’s own ego, power, or self-interest.

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn 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 then obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings
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 on the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful
distributors and/or studios
The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

Abhiseka (Empowerment in Vajrayana Buddhism)

Abhiseka, (empowerment), in esoteric Buddhism, is a purificatory or initiatory rite in which a candidate is sprinkled with water or other liquid, signifying a change in status. Originally, abhiseka was an integral part of the ancient Indian royal consecration rite.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, an tempowerment or consecration (Sanskrit: abhiseka) is an esoteric initiation or transmission of secret teachings performed by a tantric guru (vajracharya) to a student in a ritual space containing the mandala of a Buddhist deity. 

The initiation is traditionally seen as transmitting a certain spiritual power (Sanskrit: adhisthana, Tibetan: jinlap, sometimes translated as "blessings") that allows the tantric yogi to reach enlightenment swiftly or to attain other yogic accomplishments. 

Many tantric practices are commonly said to be secret and are only to be revealed after ritual initiation.

Other tantric practices may be openly known but are only considered to be effective after being initiated into the proper mandala, which corresponds to a specific practice.

The secrecy of teachings was often protected through the use of allusive, indirect, symbolic, and metaphorical language (twilight language), which required interpretation and guidance from a teacher.

The teachings may also be considered "self-secret," meaning that even if they were to be told directly to a person, that person would not necessarily understand the teachings without proper context or initiation. 

In this way, the teachings are "secret" to the minds of those who are not following the path with more than a simple sense of curiosity. 

Because of their role in giving access to the practices and guiding the student through them, the role of the Vajracharya guru or lama (who himself must have been initiated by a previous guru of a specific lineage) is indispensable in Vajrayana. 

Empowerment in Vajrayana Buddhism

Traditionally, there are three requirements before a student may begin a tantric practice:

• The ritual empowerment (Tib. wang)
• A reading of the text by an authorized holder of the practice (Tib. lung)
• The oral instruction on how to perform the practice (Tib. thri) 

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

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*Footnote
Vajrayana features countless skillful and powerful methods that, if practised in the proper way, can make the process of accumulation and purification incredibly swift and direct. It is absolutely necessary to have pure motivation and to know that Vajrayana practise is not carried out to increase one’s own ego, power, or self-interest.

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn 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 then obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings

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 on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful

distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

 

Why Practicing Arya White Tara?

In Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara is a bodhisattva and goddess who represents compassion, healing, and longevity. 

Compassion: White Tara is associated with maternal compassion and is often depicted, with a young face. She is said to see all suffering and cries for help in the human world. 

Healing: White Tara is associated with healing and is sometimes depicted in a trinity of healing deities. 

Longevity: White Tara is associated with lengthening one's lifespan so that they can continue practicing the Dharma. 

Purity: White Tara's white color symbolizes purity, wisdom, and truth. 

Absolute Truth: White Tara's white color also indicates that she is Absolute Truth. 

Essence of the Buddhas: White Tara is often referred to as the Mother of all the Buddhas and is said to be the essence of the past, present, and future Buddhas. 

White Tara is worshipped in Tibet and Nepal and is second in popularity only to Avalokiteshvara. 

She is often depicted with eyes in the palms of her hands, on the soles of her feet, and in the center of her forehead. She also holds a lotus flower in her left hand, which symbolizes the past, present, and future Buddhas. 

What's the difference between White Tara and Green Tara? 

Green Tara and White Tara are two of the most popular forms of the Buddhist goddess Tara, and they differ in color, posture, and what they represent: 

Color: Green Tara is emerald green, while White Tara is white. 

Posture: Green Tara is in her royal ease posture, with her right leg extended forward. White Tara is in the Vajra-paryanka posture. 

Lotus: Green Tara holds a blue lotus, while White Tara holds a white lotus. 

Eyes: Green Tara has two eyes, while White Tara has seven, with three on her face, two on her palms, and two on her legs. 

Representation: Green Tara is often depicted as a young, mischievous girl, while White Tara is depicted as a mature woman.

Focus: Green Tara focuses on eliminating obstacles and overcoming fears, while White Tara focuses on healing, serenity, and extending life. 

Symbolism: Green Tara's color symbolizes her connection to nature and her role as a protector. White Tara's calm energy symbolizes nurturing, peace, and a mother's love. 

Practices: Green Tara practices focus on accomplishing activities, while White Tara practices focus on pacifying illness. 

Together, Green Tara and White Tara represent unending compassion around the world at all times., serenity, and extending life. 

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 please consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

Please support us via PayPal here:
https://bit.ly/3ywRH2N

*Footnote
Vajrayana features countless skillful and powerful methods that, if practised in the proper way, can make the process of accumulation and purification incredibly swift and direct. It is absolutely necessary to have pure motivation and to know that Vajrayana practise is not carried out to increase one’s own ego, power, or self-interest.

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn 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 then obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings

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 on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful

distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

 

The Compassionate Arya White Tara

 

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pustim Kuru Svaha.

White Tara is associated with long life, health, and wisdom. Many people turn to her for protection and guidance, believing that she swiftly responds to their prayers with comfort and support. 

What are the benefits of White Tara practice?

White Tara is one of the three long-life deities. This practice strengthens and restores health and life-force energy. By relying on White Tara, students are able to accumulate merit and purify negative karma in order to accomplish their aims.

How do you practice White Tara? 

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pustim Kuru Svaha

Visualize beams emanating from Tara and purifying your sickness, spirit harm, negative karma, and defilements collected from beginningless rebirths. 

All these are purified, particularly your life obstacles. Think that you receive nectar beams from White Tara, so all her qualities and long immortal life are received.

What is the mantra for White Tara?

The White Tara mantra is a revered Buddhist chant that invokes the blessings and protection of the enlightened female deity, White Tara. This powerful mantra is believed to cultivate compassion, longevity, and healing.

Why does White Tara have seven eyes?

It is said that White Tara's seven eyes enable her to clearly "see" all beings in all the realms of existence. Her expression is one of the utmost compassion.

What is the difference between White Tara and Green Tara?

While Green Tara is known for her swift action and protective qualities, White Tara embodies healing and serenity. Both forms of Tara encourage practitioners to cultivate compassion, seek guidance in difficult times, and promote spiritual growth.

Arya White Tara is a Buddhist deity and meditation practice that represents a Buddha who helps beings reach enlightenment. 

Deity

Arya Tara is a female Buddha who embodies compassion, wisdom, and tranquility. Her name means "liberator" in Tibetan, and she is known for freeing beings from ignorance and delusion. She is a popular deity in Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism. 

Practice

White Arya Tara is a Tantrayana practice that is part of all four Buddhist Tantras. The practice involves visualizing Arya Tara and reciting her mantra to help eliminate obstacles on the path to liberation. 

Compassion and healing

White Tara is associated with healing and maternal compassion. She is often depicted with eyes in the palms of her hands, on the soles of her feet, and in the center of her forehead, representing her ability to see and help those who are suffering. 

Patron deity

White Tara is the patron deity of Mongolia.

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 please consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

Please support us via PayPal here: 

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 *Footnote

Vajrayana features countless skillful and powerful methods that, if practised in the proper way, can make the process of accumulation and purification incredibly swift and direct. 

It is absolutely necessary to have pure motivation and to know that Vajrayana practise is not carried out to increase one’s own ego, power, or self-interest.

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn 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 then obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings

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 on the picture(s).

Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful

distributors and/or studios

The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

The Luminous One - Buddha Vairocana

Vairocana

Also known as the Luminous One, Vairocana is a major Buddha in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. 

Vairocana is often seen as the Dharmakaya, or supreme Buddha-body, of the historical Buddha, Gautama. 

Vairocana is also the embodiment of wisdom and purity and the Buddhist concept of emptiness (sunyata). 

Vairocana is often depicted in the Dharmachakra mudra, where the thumbs and index fingers of both hands touch to form a circle. 

Vairocana is a cosmic Buddha in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism and an important figure in Buddhism in East Asia, Tibet, Nepal, and Java: 

• Meaning

  Vairocana is also known as the Luminous One, the Great Universal Light, and the Illuminator. 

   
• Role

  Vairocana is the original of the five Transcendent Buddhas of Vajrayana Buddhism. He is considered the primordial Buddha and is thought to reside at the center of Buddhist cosmology. 

   
• Iconography

  Vairocana is often depicted sitting on a high throne and a double lotus, with his hands in the gesture of teaching, known as the "Turning of the Wheel of Law" (dharmacakramudra). 

   

  

  Interpretation
• Vairocana is often interpreted as the dharmakāya of the historical Gautama Buddha. In East Asian Buddhism, Vairocana is also seen as the embodiment of the Buddhist concept of śūnyatā. 

   
• Significance

  Vairocana's portrayal inspires people to rise above the ordinary and connect with the cosmic forces that permeate the cosmos.

What are the benefits of Vairocana Buddha?

Buddha Vairocana is a radiant symbol of enlightenment, wisdom, and universal compassion. Vairocana Buddha is a well-known and iconic figure in the Mahayana school of Buddhism, particularly in the Vajrayana and kindred esoteric traditions. 

Who is Virochana in Buddhism? 

Vairochana is the original of the five Transcendent Buddhas of Vajrayana Buddhism, identified by his hands held in bodhyagri mudra, an esoteric gesture denoting the zenith of the universe. Considered the primordial Buddha, he is understood to reside at the center of Buddhist cosmology.

In Tibetan Buddhism, Vairocana Buddha is known as Namnang or Nampar nangdze. He is a central figure in Buddhism, representing the essence of Dharma realm meditation mudra and the profound wisdom of Sunyata.

Vairochana Buddha, known as Namnang in Tibetan Buddhism, holds the highest position among the Pancha Buddhas. As the Primordial Buddha, Vairochana personifies the profound wisdom of Sunyata and embodies the essence of Dharma realm meditation mudra.

What is the symbol of the Vairocana Buddha? 

His symbol is the Dharma wheel. When all five Dhyani Buddhas are depicted together in a mandala, Vairocana is placed in the center. He is often shown larger than other Buddhas around him.

What is the meaning of the Buddha Vairocana mantra? 

The translation of this mantra is Praise be to the unfailing, all-pervasive illumination of the great mudra (or seal of the Buddha), the jewel, the lotus, and the radiant. 

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 please consider making a donation for our Buddhist research and development?

Please support us via PayPal here: 

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 *Footnote
Vajrayana features countless skillful and powerful methods that, if practised in the proper way, can make the process of accumulation and purification incredibly swift and direct. 

It is absolutely necessary to have pure motivation and to know that Vajrayana practise is not carried out to increase one’s own ego, power, or self-interest.

Thank you for reading. May you find peace and great bliss. With your support, it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turn 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 then obtain omniscience then.
Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings
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 on the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful
distributors and/or studios
The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.