Practice/Recitation Guide for The Way of the Bodhisattva: Difference between revisions
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A Method for Reciting the Text Engaging in Bodhisattva Conducts: A Stream of Blessings | <h2>A Method for Reciting the Text Engaging in Bodhisattva Conducts: A Stream of Blessings</h2> | ||
Author: Dam tshig rdo rje Aka Mkhan po chos rje | Author: Dam tshig rdo rje ''Aka'' Mkhan po chos rje | ||
Homage to Mañjughoṣāya! | Homage to Mañjughoṣāya! | ||
The aspiration here is to recite the extraordinary Mahāyāna mind training text, The Way of the Bodhisattva, composed by Lord Śāntideva. | The aspiration here is to recite the extraordinary Mahāyāna mind training text, ''The Way of the Bodhisattva'', composed by Lord Śāntideva. | ||
Generally, when reciting any text written by the great charioteers or the like, visualizing the author and imagining them explaining the text while repeating after them can make a significant difference, such as helping one comprehend the meaning of text more quickly. | Generally, when reciting any text written by the great charioteers or the like, visualizing the author and imagining them explaining the text while repeating after them can make a significant difference, such as helping one comprehend the meaning of text more quickly. | ||
Moreover, as passed down in the oral tradition of the sublime masters, if one invites the gods, nāgas, and other beings to listen to the Dharma and recites as if teaching them, it brings great benefit to both oneself and others. Therefore, one should apply these methods as appropriate. | Moreover, as passed down in the oral tradition of the sublime masters, if one invites the gods, nāgas, and other beings to listen to the Dharma and recites as if teaching them, it brings great benefit to both oneself and others. Therefore, one should apply these methods as appropriate. | ||
Begin by taking refuge, generating bodhicitta, and meditating on the four immeasurables. Visualize in the space before you, on a lion throne with a variegated lotus and moon seat, Lord Śāntideva, inseparable from your root guru. His body is wrapped in the three Dharma robes, and he wears a paṇḍita’s hat on his head. | Begin by taking refuge, generating bodhicitta, and meditating on the four immeasurables. Visualize in the space before you, on a lion throne with a variegated lotus and moon seat, Lord Śāntideva, inseparable from your root guru. His body is wrapped in the three Dharma robes, and he wears a paṇḍita’s hat on his head. | ||
With his two hands forming the dharma wheel mudra at his heart, he holds the stem of an Utpala flower, with the blossoms blooming at the level of his right and left shoulders, upon which rests a sword and a volume of The Way of the Bodhisattva. | With his two hands forming the dharma wheel mudra at his heart, he holds the stem of an Utpala flower, with the blossoms blooming at the level of his right and left shoulders, upon which rests a sword and a volume of The Way of the Bodhisattva. | ||
He sits in the vajra posture at the center of a five-colored rainbow tent. Limitless rays of light emanate from every part of his body, inviting all the gurus, buddhas, and bodhisattvas from the infinite realms of the ten directions to fill the sky. Then, imagine them dissolving into the guru’s body, transforming him into the embodiment of all refuges, and then recite: | He sits in the vajra posture at the center of a five-colored rainbow tent. Limitless rays of light emanate from every part of his body, inviting all the gurus, buddhas, and bodhisattvas from the infinite realms of the ten directions to fill the sky. Then, imagine them dissolving into the guru’s body, transforming him into the embodiment of all refuges, and then recite: | ||
Embodiment of all Buddhas combined, | |||
Very essence of the Vajra Holder, | :Embodiment of all Buddhas combined,<br>Very essence of the Vajra Holder,<br>Root of the Three Jewels—<br>To the Gurus, I prostrate and praise. | ||
Root of the Three Jewels— | |||
To the Gurus, I prostrate and praise. | |||
and | and | ||
The eye that beholds the vast expanse of sacred teachings, | :Revealer of profound and vast great chariot traditions,<br>Beautiful ornament of Jambudvīpa,<br>Son of the Sugatas, second lord of sages,<br>Lord Shantideva, I pay homage to you. | ||
Supreme gateway for the fortunate bound for liberation, | |||
Who, moved by compassion, through skillful means and noble deeds, | :The eye that beholds the vast expanse of sacred teachings,<br>Supreme gateway for the fortunate bound for liberation,<br>Who, moved by compassion, through skillful means and noble deeds,Illuminate the path—to the Spiritual Friends, I respectfully bow. | ||
Illuminate the path—to the Spiritual Friends, I respectfully bow. | |||
and so on. | and so on. | ||
Then perform the seven-branch prayer, beginning with “However many of those who…” up to “I dedicate for awakening,” and offer either an elaborate or a brief maṇḍala: | Then perform the seven-branch prayer, beginning with “However many of those who…” up to “I dedicate for awakening,” and offer either an elaborate or a brief maṇḍala: | ||
The Seven Preliminaries for Purifying the Mind | The Seven Preliminaries for Purifying the Mind | ||
