In this video teaching, Phakchok Rinpoche reminds us that the essence of our mind is already enlightened. Yet, even though our nature is pure, that does not imply that we then can sit back and do nothing. We need to accumulate merit!
Feast offerings are very important in the Vajrayāna tradition. Here, Phakchok Rinpoche describes the meaning and significance of this ritual practice. Additionally, he gives some very practical instruction on how we prepare for a feast offering.
Malas : What are malas? Why and how do Buddhists use them?
Malas are found throughout Indian traditions. The Sanskrit word mālā means garland–flowers were traditionally strung together on a continuous loop or thread.
When we speak about Buddhist malas we refer to strings of beads. Buddhist practitioners use them to count mantra recitations and prayers.
Ritual dance performances occur on special days in the Tibetan calendar, particularly around the new year, and are an important way of transmitting the Dharma.
When we spin maṇi wheels in a clockwise direction, rolls of paper (or film) printed with mantras spin. In this way, we are turning the wheel of the Dharma for the benefit of sentient beings and accumulating merit.
For today’s message, Phakchok Rinpoche offers insight into Kyepar Pakpey, the seventh manifestation of Guru Rinpoche. At the heart of this practice is making peace with all sentient beings and showing respect for the environment and those beings and aspects of our world that we tend to forget.
Offering water bowls is an easy and pleasurable meritorious activity widely practiced in Tibetan Buddhism. Water’s purity gives it great power.
How do we skillfully share our understanding and our practice? Phakchok Rinpoche here shares some suggestions after years of working with students from many cultures.
Sādhana practice is the essence practice of the Vajrayāna tantras. Many great masters brought us important tantras, but in order to practice them, we use practice manual texts. In Tibetan, we use the term druptap (sgrub thabs). In Sanskrit the name is sādhana. This translates as “the means of accomplishment.”
Why lights? Light means understanding because light represents wisdom. And light removes and dispels misunderstanding. All of our sufferings come from not knowing and not seeing. Offering lights or butter lamps indirectly removes confusion. Throughout the Buddhist world, in all traditions of Buddhist practice, devotees offer light. The life stories of accomplished men and women give examples of people beginning their path to liberation by offering light to an image or at a place of pilgrimage. We are lighting the way for ourselves and for other beings when we make the wish to dispel the darkness of ignorance!
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