Empowerment - The Highest Blessings of Vajrayana Buddhism (1/3)

Vajradhara is the Primordial Buddha in Tantric Buddhism. 

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 as a Gateway

Just as a door is necessary to enter a house, empowerment is the necessary entry point into Vajrayana. Without it, practitioners cannot effectively engage in the practices.

Stages of Vajrayana Practice and Empowerment

Vajrayana practice encompasses two primary stages:

 * Developing Stage: This stage involves the visualization of deities (yidams). To begin visualizing a specific deity, practitioners must first receive the corresponding empowerment. 

Vajrapani, the protector of Buddha’s teachings, symbolizing power and fearlessness. 

 * Completion Stage: Following the developing stage, the completion stage involves more advanced practices.

Before embarking on any sadhana (practice) related to a deity, practitioners must receive the appropriate empowerment, along with explanations and instructions from a qualified Master. 

Validity and Effectiveness of Tantric Practice

A tantric practice is considered valid and effective only when a qualified master transmits the power of the practice directly to the student through empowerment. This transmission ensures the authenticity and efficacy of the practice.

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.

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

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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
I do not own or infringe any copyright on the picture(s).
Picture(s) courtesy and credit to the rightful
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The picture(s) are intended for editorial use only.

 

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)

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

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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
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 Four Conditions For Empowerment

Empowerment is an initiation ritual that introduces one to a specific Vajrayana practice and authorizes them to engage in it.

During an empowerment, the vajra master transmits the realization of a particular practice to the initiate. 

This transmission doesn't bestow something the initiate lacks; rather, it activates a dormant quality.  

The vajra master's transmission awakens an innate quality to which the initiate previously had no access because it was obscured by habitual patterns.

This initiation allows one to enter the mandala and learn the visualizations, mantras, and mudras associated with that specific practice.  

Empowerment is one of three transmissions required for permission to engage in a Vajrayana practice. 

These three transmissions are:

* Wang: Transmission of the realization of the practice.

* Lung: Reading transmission that authorizes one to read the text.

* Tri: Instructions on how to perform the practice.

An Anuttarayogatantra initiation comprises four empowerments: 

* Vase Empowerment: This relates to the purification of the body, the sense faculties, and the phenomenal world, transforming them into the Nirmanakaya (manifest body of enlightenment).

* Secret Empowerment: This relates to the purification of speech, transforming it into the Sambhogakaya (enjoyment body).

* Knowledge-Wisdom Empowerment: This relates to the purification of the mind, transforming it into the Dharmakaya (body of ultimate enlightenment).

* Word Empowerment: This purifies the previous three, integrating them into the Svabhavikakaya (essential body), which represents the inseparability of the Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Dharmakaya. 

For an empowerment to be effective, two causes and four conditions are necessary:

Two Causes:

 * Associated Cause: The presence of Buddha-nature within the initiate.

 * Cooperative Cause: The ritual implements and substances used in the ritual.

Four Conditions:

 * Causal Condition: The initiate possesses faith and intelligence. 

* Dominant Condition: A fully qualified teacher/vajra master is present.

* Objective Condition: The vajra master has knowledge of the ritual.

* Immediate Condition: The preceding stage or empowerment has prepared the initiate for the current stage.

The vase, secret, knowledge-wisdom, and word empowerments must be given in the correct sequence, as each prepares the ground for the next. 

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.

The Four Aspects of Empowerment Rituals

The Function of Empowerment

Empowerment is to ripen or mature our buddha nature. Even though all beings possess the Buddha nature, without receiving empowerment it is not posspible to receive blessings and accomplishments through a particular practice, just as it will never be possible to get oil by pressing sand.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama says:

When an empowerment is conferred on you, it is the nature of your mind—the Buddha nature—that provides a basis upon which the empowerment can ripen you. 

Through the empowerment, you are empowered into the essence of the buddhas of the five families. In particular, you are ‘ripened’ within that particular family through which it is your personal predisposition to attain Buddhahood. 

What Is Empowerment? 

Receiving a Vajrayana Empowerment is like planting a seed for enlightenment. A special and sacred rite, empowerment prepares our body, speech, and mind just as tilling the soil and adding nutrient-rich compost encourages the seed to sprout and grow. 

Even though we are Buddha nature, our self-doubts and confusion often keep us from connecting to it. So, empowerment is an important step toward our own enlightened mind. 

An empowerment will introduce those attending to a single meditational deity, creating an auspicious connection with the awakened energies that the deity represents. 

After empowerment and instruction, a meditator is able to practice the meditation associated with that deity. This is a process in which the meditator relaxes their usual focus on themselves and practices being much more than one usually imagines oneself to be—a great awakened being with the skill to affect the world and its beings in a positive way. 

There are usually four aspects to an empowerment ritual: 

(1) The vase empowerment prepares the body and removes impurities and hindrances that limit our view of ourselves;

(2) The speech or secret empowerment purifies our speech and supports correct practice;

(3) The wisdom empowerment refines our thinking and cleanses the mind of impediments and illusions.

(4) The word mahamudra empowerment distills our practice to focus on the very essence of the mind. 

The Goddess of Healing - Parnasavari

The Refuge Vow is the first step on the Buddhist path. It is a statement of confidence in the path’s founder, the Buddha, and in our own qualities of goodness and potential to awaken just as he did. 

In the Refuge Vow, we also acknowledge our reliance on the teachings of the Buddha, and we commit to learning and embodying them. Finally, in the Vow, we entrust ourselves to the community of teachers and fellow practitioners who are our companions on the Buddhist path.

Do you value our work?

If you find our blog helpful, please consider making a donation to support our Buddhist research and development.

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Footnote:

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.

 

Three Types of Empowerment

The Function of Empowerment

Empowerment is to ripen or mature our buddha nature. Even though all beings possess the Buddha nature, without receiving empowerment it is not posspible to receive blessings and accomplishments through a particular practice, just as it will never be possible to get oil by pressing sand.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama says:

"When an empowerment is conferred on you, it is the nature of your mind—the Buddha nature—that provides a basis upon which the empowerment can ripen you.

Through the empowerment, you are empowered into the essence of the buddhas of the five families. In particular, you are ‘ripened’ within that particular family through which it is your personal predisposition to attain Buddhahood. 

In addition to these aspects, Patrul Rinpoche adds that empowerments:

1) Repair violated and broken samayas,

2) Enable you to meditate on all the paths of the generation phase, the perfection phase, and the Great Perfection.

3) Prevent obstacles and errors from arising, 

Allow all your attainments to develop more. and more. 

In general, there are three types of empowerment:

• The ground empowerment
• The path of empowerment
• The result of empowerment

The ground empowerment is so called because when the nature of mind, sugatagarbha, is realized, this constitutes the "empowerment" of nirvana, and when it is not realized, this constitutes the "empowerment" of the three worlds of samsara. 

This nature is actually what is to be matured in the ground empowerment of the path empowerment. 

The path empowerment is divided into three: ground, path, and result:

• The ground empowerment of the path empowerment
• The path empowerment of the path empowerment
• The result empowerment of the path empowerment 
  

The result of empowerment: In the very instant following the result of the empowerment of the path, one gains mastery of the wisdom of omniscience and has authority over everything in samsalra and nirvana.

When other sources refer to ground, path, and fruition empowerments, they most The Function of Empowerment

Empowerment is the process of ripening or maturing our Buddha nature. While all beings possess this Buddha nature, without receiving empowerment, it's impossible to receive the blessings and attainments of a particular practice, much like trying to extract oil from sand.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama states:

"When an empowerment is conferred upon you, it is the nature of your mind—the Buddha nature—that provides the foundation upon which the empowerment can ripen you.

Through the empowerment, you are empowered into the essence of the Buddhas of the five families.  Specifically, you are 'ripened' within the family that aligns with your personal predisposition for attaining Buddhahood."

In addition to these points, Patrul Rinpoche explains that empowerments:

 * Repair violated and broken samayas (sacred vows).

 * Enable you to meditate on all the paths of the generation phase, the perfection phase, and the Great Perfection.

 * Prevent obstacles and errors from arising.

 * Facilitate the development of your attainments. 

Generally, there are three types of empowerment:

 * The ground empowerment

 * The path empowerment

 * The result empowerment

The ground empowerment refers to the realization of the nature of mind, sugatagarbha.  This realization constitutes the "empowerment" of nirvana. Conversely, the lack of this realization constitutes the "empowerment" of the three worlds of samsara. This nature is what is matured in the ground empowerment of the path empowerment. 

The path empowerment is also divided into three:

 * The ground empowerment of the path empowerment

 * The path empowerment of the path empowerment

 * The result empowerment of the path empowerment

The result empowerment: Immediately following the result empowerment of the path, one gains mastery of the wisdom of omniscience and authority over everything in samsara and nirvana.

When other sources refer to ground, path, and fruition empowerments, they usually refer to what Patrul Rinpoche presents as the ground empowerment of the path empowerment, the path empowerment of the path empowerment, and the result empowerment of the path empowerment.

In this context, Patrul Rinpoche explains:

"The empowerment we receive when first introduced to the mandala by an authentic Vajra Master is the ground empowerment."

Do you value our work?

If you find our blog helpful, please consider making a donation to support our Buddhist research and development.

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Footnote:

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.

Granting an empowerment in Vajrayana Buddhism.

Granting an empowerment in Vajrayana Buddhism. 

During an initiation we are introduced to an aspect of ourselves that already exists within us but that we have yet to recognize, and it is the activation of this recognition that we call 'empowerment' or 'initiation.'. This is the real meaning of abhisheka.

Sanskrit Abhisheka, or granting an empowerment, refers to the Vajrayana ritual that awakens the special capacity for primordial wisdom (Tib. yeshe) to arise in the mind of the disciple. 

It is called 'empowerment' because when we receive it, we are empowered to follow a particular spiritual practice and so come to master its realization. 

It is said:

In the Secret Mantra Vehicle, there can be no accomplishment without empowerment.

For that would be like a boatman without oars.

And also: Without empowerment there's no accomplishment;

You can't get oil from pressing sand.

Empowerments can only be granted by qualified vajra masters and require the students receiving them to maintain the specific vajrayana precepts (Sanskrit: samaya) on the basis of the refuge and Bodhisattva vows. 

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche reminds us of the real meaning of 'empowerment':

"The most common description of abhisheka is that it is a transfer of power during a ceremony to give recipients the authorization to hear, study, and practice the teachings of the vajrayana; we therefore “receive an empowerment. 

But the problem is that receiving an empowerment suggests someone is giving us a power we previously lacked and is a long way away from the true spirit of tantric initiation. 

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche writes: Abhisheka is a Sanskrit term, and its two fundamental meanings have been translated into Tibetan as torwa and lugpa. 

Torwa is usually translated as “dismantling” and refers to the cocoon of ignorance in which we are wrapped and that needs to be dismantled, and lugpa is translated as “pouring”—as in “pouring blessings”—and more obliquely, as “discovering our Buddhanature. 

The Function of Empowerment

Empowerment is to ripen or mature our Buddha nature. Even though all beings possess the Buddha nature, without receiving empowerment, it is not possible to receive blessings and accomplishments through a particular practice, just as it will never be possible to get oil by pressing sand.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama says:"When an empowerment is conferred on you, it is the nature of your mind—the Buddha nature—that provides a basis upon which the empowerment can ripen you. 

Through the empowerment, you are empowered into the essence of the Buddhas of the five families. In particular, you are ‘ripened’ within that particular family through which it is your personal predisposition to attain Buddha hood. 

In addition to these aspects, Patrul Rinpoche adds that empowerments:

1. Repair violated and broken samayas,
2. Enable you to meditate on all the paths of the generation phase, the perfection phase, and the Great Perfection,
3. Prevent obstacles and errors from arising, 

Allow all your attainments to develop more and more. 

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 with your donations 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.
 

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. 

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/3ywRH2

 *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.