Difference between revisions of "A Requesting Prayer to Maratika: The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis"
(Created page with " By Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen Translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche Maratika also known by its local name of Halesi, is the site of the caves in Khotang District i...") |
|||
| (2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | [[File:4656 n.jpg|thumb]] | |
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
| − | Maratika also known by its local name of Halesi, is the site of the caves in Khotang District in eastern Nepal where the great master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) achieved immortality with the dakini | + | [[Maratika]] also known by its local [[name]] of Halesi, is the site of the [[caves]] in Khotang District in eastern [[Nepal]] where the [[great master]] [[Padmasambhava]] ([[Guru Rinpoche]]) achieved [[immortality]] with the [[dakini]] [[Mandarava]]・ Rich in history and legend, it is a popular [[pilgrimage]] destination for both [[Buddhists]] and [[Hindus]] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | seeking its powerful [[blessings]] through [[offerings]], [[prayers]], practice, and [[retreat]]. Not just [[ordinary people]], but even great [[masters]], [[yogis]], and accomplished [[siddhas]] from all four [[traditions]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] travel to [[Maratika]] to perform long [[life]] practices, clear away [[obstacles]], and make [[prayers]] for [[success]] at the wish-fulfilling [[long-life vase]] | |
| − | |||
| − | 'byung gnas), composed by Khenpo Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen, is a concise guide to the holy places and holy objects of Maratika in the form of a request・ It also tells of the history and origin of the caves, the unique characteristics of the environment, the etymology of the place's name, and the particular | + | 1. In recent years, more and more foreign [[pilgrims]] from around the [[world]] have also been making their way to [[Maratika]]. |
| + | The [[prayer]] translated here, A Requesting [[Prayer]] to [[Maratika]]: The Source of an Ocean of [[Siddhis]] (ma ra ti ka'i [[gsol 'debs]] '[[chi med]] [[siddhi]] [[rgya mtsho'i'byung[gnas]]), composed by [[Khenpo]] [[Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen]], is a concise guide to the [[holy places]] and {{Wiki|holy}} [[objects]] of [[Maratika]] in the [[form]] of a request・ It also tells of the history and origin of the [[caves]], the unique [[characteristics]] of the {{Wiki|environment}}, the {{Wiki|etymology}} of the place's [[name]], and the particular | ||
| − | practices to be done・ The prayer is a condensed version of the Guidebook to Maratika compiled by the current Maratika Lama from ancient and modern traditional written and oral sources・ | + | practices to be done・ The [[prayer]] is a condensed version of the Guidebook to [[Maratika]] compiled by the current [[Maratika]] [[Lama]] from [[ancient]] and {{Wiki|modern}} [[traditional]] written and oral sources・ |
| − | Khenpo Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen offered a copy of this prayer to Lama Zopa Rinpoche during a long life retreat in | + | [[Khenpo]] [[Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen]] [[offered]] a copy of this [[prayer]] to [[Lama Zopa Rinpoche]] during a long [[life]] [[retreat]] in |
| − | the main cave in 2016・ Due to that auspiciousness, Rinpoche translated the prayer into English and requested that it be made available in Tibetan, English, and Nepali to benefit the many Buddhist pilgrims visiting Maratika's holy | + | the main [[cave]] in 2016・ Due to that auspiciousness, [[Rinpoche]] translated the [[prayer]] into English and requested that it be made available in [[Tibetan]], English, and {{Wiki|Nepali}} to [[benefit]] the many [[Buddhist]] [[pilgrims]] visiting Maratika's [[holy places]]・ As [[Rinpoche]] explained: |
| − | Any fortunate person who wishes to not only liberate themselves from the ocean of samsaric suffering, but also the six types of sentient beings—who have been our mothers equaling the limitless sky—and lead them to buddhahood, which is the total cessation of mistakes and completion of realizations, must first generate devotion as the root of the path to achieve | + | Any [[fortunate]] [[person]] who wishes to not only {{Wiki|liberate}} themselves from the ocean of [[samsaric]] [[suffering]], but also the six types of [[sentient]] beings—who have been our mothers equaling the [[limitless]] sky—and lead them to [[buddhahood]], which is the total [[cessation]] of mistakes and completion of realizations, must first generate [[devotion]] as the [[root of the path]] to achieve [[buddhahood]]・ |
| − | [In the Maratika] cave where Guru Rinpoche found immortal realization all your prayers can succeed・ There is the naturally-arisen long-life vase of the Infinite Life Buddha Amitayus and many other precious holy objects of Maratika. If you wish to have an explanation and know how to pray to them [you will find instruction in this prayer]・ | + | [In the [[Maratika]]] [[cave]] where [[Guru Rinpoche]] found [[immortal]] [[realization]] all your [[prayers]] can succeed・ There is the naturally-arisen [[long-life vase]] of the [[Infinite Life Buddha]] [[Amitayus]] and many other [[precious]] {{Wiki|holy}} [[objects]] of [[Maratika]]. If you wish to have an explanation and know how to pray to them [you will find instruction in this [[prayer]]]・ |
| − | Thank you to the Maratika Lama Ngawang Jikdrel Chokyi Wangchuk for compiling the original Guidebook to Maratika, Khenpo Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen for composing this prayer, and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche for translating it. Due to this merit may His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all the great masters from all four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism have long lives and all their wishes be fulfilled without hindrance! | + | Thank you to the [[Maratika]] [[Lama]] [[Ngawang Jikdrel Chokyi Wangchuk]] for compiling the original Guidebook to [[Maratika]], [[Khenpo]] [[Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen]] for composing this [[prayer]], and [[Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche]] for translating it. Due to this [[merit]] may [[His Holiness the Dalai Lama]] and all the great [[masters]] from all four [[traditions]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] have long [[lives]] and all their wishes be fulfilled without [[hindrance]]! |
| − | The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis | + | ====The [[Source of an Ocean of Siddhis]]==== |
| − | OM SVASTI | + | [[OM]] SVASTI |
| − | This pleasing well-decorated devas' park, a joyful sublime place, Was blessed by the dharmakaya Vairochana, the sambhogakaya Amitayus, | + | This [[pleasing]] well-decorated [[devas]]' park, a [[joyful]] [[sublime]] place, Was blessed by the [[dharmakaya]] [[Vairochana]], the [[sambhogakaya]] [[Amitayus]], |
| − | And the nirmanakaya of the three types, the Lotus-Born | + | And the [[nirmanakaya]] of the three types, the [[Lotus-Born]] |
| − | Guru Padmasambhava; | + | [[Guru Padmasambhava]]; |
| − | The mind-sealed deities Hayagriva and Vajravarahi; and | + | The mind-sealed [[deities]] [[Hayagriva]] and [[Vajravarahi]]; and |
| − | the dakini Perfect Tara; | + | the [[dakini]] Perfect [[Tara]]; |
| − | The Dharma protectors Mahadeva/ Lion-Faced Dakini, Gesar, and so forth, | + | The [[Dharma protectors]] [[Mahadeva]]/ [[Lion-Faced Dakini]], [[Gesar]], and so forth, |
| − | Together with infinite bodhisattvas and victorious | + | Together with [[infinite]] [[bodhisattvas]] and [[victorious ones]]・ To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of |
| − | hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.4 | + | hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of immortality.4 |
| − | In particular; the sole refuge object of transmigratory beings of this degenerate time, | + | In particular; the sole [[refuge]] [[object]] of transmigratory [[beings]] of this degenerate time, |
| − | The Second Buddha Ogyen, father-mother in union, Accomplished the realization of immortal life in three months At this holy place for the sake of the teachings and transmigratory | + | The [[Second Buddha]] [[Ogyen]], [[father-mother]] in union, Accomplished the [[realization]] of [[Wikipedia:Immortality|immortal life]] in three months At this [[holy place]] for the [[sake]] of the teachings and transmigratory [[beings]]・ |
| − | They saw the Buddha of Infinite Life, Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara, Tara, and so forth, | + | They saw the [[Buddha of Infinite Life]], Great [[Compassionate]] [[Avalokiteshvara]], [[Tara]], and so forth, |
| − | Who offered them many profound methods of attainment. To | + | Who [[offered]] them many profound [[methods]] of [[attainment]]. To [[Maratika]] the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]. |
| − | At the center, on the side of the holy mountain of Avalokiteshvara/ is the splendid first door of the holy | + | At the center, on the side of the [[holy mountain]] of [[Avalokiteshvara]]/ is the splendid first door of the [[holy place]]・ |
| − | Inside the | + | Inside the [[cave]] is the wish-gran ting [[jewel]] and the [[long-life vase]] that fulfills all [[prayers]]・ |
| − | To the right of that is the magnificent imprint of the holy body of Amitayus, Infinite Life, | + | To the right of that is the magnificent imprint of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[body]] of [[Amitayus]], [[Infinite Life]], |
| − | And to its left, the self-arisen Mahaguru was born/ Unceasingly gran ting auspicious wishes of whatever is desired ・ To | + | And to its left, the self-arisen [[Mahaguru]] was born/ Unceasingly gran ting [[auspicious]] wishes of whatever is [[desired]] ・ To [[Maratika]] the wonderful supreme |
| − | holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, | + | [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], |
| − | And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality. | + | And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]. |
| − | There is a self-arisen canopy, umbrella, and banner, and below that a fortune-wealth stone8 | + | There is a self-arisen {{Wiki|canopy}}, [[umbrella]], and [[banner]], and below that a fortune-wealth stone8 |
| − | That grants any desired siddhi of wealth and sons to pitiful transmigratory | + | That grants any [[desired]] [[siddhi]] of [[wealth]] and sons to pitiful transmigratory [[beings]]・ |
| − | There are the holy objects of the Great Deva, the Four Guardians, Hayagriva father-mother, self-arisen Tara, and so forth, | + | There are the {{Wiki|holy}} [[objects]] of the Great [[Deva]], the [[Four Guardians]], [[Hayagriva]] [[father-mother]], self-arisen [[Tara]], and so forth, |
| − | Making it an especially exalted merit field for the devoted to collect merit. | + | Making it an especially [[exalted]] [[merit field]] for the devoted to collect [[merit]]. |
| − | To Maratika the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality. | + | To [[Maratika]] the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]. |
| − | The four paths of secrecy gradually purify the obscurations of the hells, | + | The [[four paths]] of secrecy gradually {{Wiki|purify}} the [[obscurations]] of the [[hells]], |
| − | Liberate from the difficult path of the intermediate state and the pollution of the womb, | + | Liberate from the difficult [[path]] of the [[intermediate state]] and the pollution of the [[womb]], |
| − | The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis 7 | + | The Source of an Ocean of [[Siddhis]] 7 |
| − | And enable confession of degenerated vows and samayas and so forth・ | + | And enable {{Wiki|confession}} of degenerated [[vows]] and [[samayas]] and so forth・ |
| − | By differentiating between virtue and nonvirtue, these are a wonderful sublime method persuading to virtue, | + | By differentiating between [[virtue]] and [[nonvirtue]], these are a wonderful [[sublime]] method persuading to [[virtue]], |
| − | And, due to the extremely powerful prayers of the one father, the Lotus-Born, | + | And, due to the extremely powerful [[prayers]] of the one father, the [[Lotus-Born]], |
| − | These bring relief to fortunate capable beings.9 | + | These bring relief to [[fortunate]] capable beings.9 |
| − | To | + | To [[Maratika]] the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]. |
| − | The second door of the holy place, the cave where Mara was completely controlled and subdued, | + | The second door of the [[holy place]], the [[cave]] where [[Mara]] was completely controlled and subdued, |
| − | Is a hollow in the rock that can hold five hundred | + | Is a hollow in the rock that can hold [[five hundred arhats]]・ |
| − | Whoever hears the sound of the self-arisen turquoise conch shell will be liberated from | + | Whoever hears the [[sound]] of the self-arisen {{Wiki|turquoise}} [[conch shell]] will be {{Wiki|liberated}} from [[samsara]]・ |
| − | Anyone who experiences the attainment-water on their tongues 10 will have a long life/1 | + | Anyone who [[experiences]] the attainment-water on their tongues 10 will have a long life/1 |
| − | Purify obscurations and the five negative karmas without break/2 | + | {{Wiki|Purify}} [[obscurations]] and the five negative [[karmas]] without break/2 |
| − | And ultimately become a direct disciple of Guru Padmasambhava ・ | + | And ultimately become a direct [[disciple]] of [[Guru Padmasambhava]] ・ |
| − | To | + | To [[Maratika]] the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]. |
| − | The Lotus-Born father-mother in union, who encompass all Three Roots, | + | The [[Lotus-Born]] [[father-mother]] in union, who encompass all [[Three Roots]], |
| − | Attained the Eight Deities Who Are Under Orders.13 | + | [[Attained]] the Eight [[Deities]] Who Are Under Orders.13 |
| − | There is the sign of the miraculous act of their having gone straight up [through the roof of the cave]/4 | + | There is the sign of the miraculous act of their having gone straight up [through the roof of the [[cave]]]/4 |
| − | And the imprint of the holy body and two footprints of the | + | And the imprint of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[body]] and two footprints of the [[Guru]]・ |
| − | There is a self-arisen phurba and dakini script. | + | There is a self-arisen [[phurba]] and [[dakini script]]. |
| − | The [marks of] Mara's head and hand having been immediately separated are very glorious・ | + | The [marks of] [[Mara's]] head and hand having been immediately separated are very glorious・ |
| − | To | + | To Maratia the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]・ |
| − | To the east of this holy place is the Peaceful Assembly Hall・ | + | To the [[east]] of this [[holy place]] is the [[Peaceful]] Assembly Hall・ |
| − | To the south is the imprint of the holy body of Ogyen and the Assembly Hall of One Hundred Thousand | + | To the [[south]] is the imprint of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[body]] of [[Ogyen]] and the Assembly Hall of One Hundred Thousand [[Dakinis]]・ |
| − | To the west is | + | To the [[west]] is [[Vajrayogini]]・ |
| − | The north is beautified by the signs of attainment of the Three Types of Savior.15 | + | The [[north]] is beautified by the [[signs]] of [[attainment]] of the Three Types of Savior.15 |
| − | In the four directions, from the centers of lotuses, medicinal trees are born as a cause, | + | In the [[four directions]], from the centers of [[lotuses]], {{Wiki|medicinal}} [[trees]] are born as a [[cause]], |
| − | And the resultant flowers blossom in all four seasons・ | + | And the resultant [[flowers]] blossom in all four seasons・ |
| − | To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of | + | To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]・ |
| − | At the top of the holy place is the self-arisen hat of the Guru, The secret water, and the self-arisen thighbone・ Around it is Manjushri mountain and the mountain of | + | At the top of the [[holy place]] is the self-arisen hat of the [[Guru]], The secret [[water]], and the self-arisen thighbone・ Around it is [[Manjushri]] mountain and the mountain of |
| Line 155: | Line 151: | ||
| − | There is the Secret Cave of the Guru, the holy place where the wisdom mother was hidden, | + | There is the [[Secret Cave]] of the [[Guru]], the [[holy place]] where the [[wisdom]] mother was hidden, |
| − | The holy place of Lhacham Mandarava's attainment, and so forth・ | + | The [[holy place]] of Lhacham [[Mandarava's]] [[attainment]], and so forth・ |
| − | These are beautifully decorated by the principal and entourage and possess | + | These are beautifully decorated by the [[principal]] and entourage and possess [[blessings]]・ |
| − | To | + | To [[Maratika]] the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]・ |
| − | In the past, when the Possessor of the Victorious Ones, Padmakara, | + | In the {{Wiki|past}}, when the Possessor of the [[Victorious Ones]], [[Padmakara]], |
| − | And Lhacham Mandarava were practicing vajra life, The [protectors] to whom the order was given to guard | + | And Lhacham [[Mandarava]] were practicing [[vajra]] [[life]], The [[[protectors]]] to whom the order was given to guard |
| − | those who practice the Dharma in this holy place were: Outwardly, Lion-Face Dakini; inwardly, Four-Arm Mahakala; Secretly, Mahadeva father-mother, and so forth— The oceans of the oath-bound who always guide without distraction. | + | those who [[practice the Dharma]] in this [[holy place]] were: Outwardly, [[Lion-Face Dakini]]; inwardly, [[Four-Arm Mahakala]]; Secretly, [[Mahadeva]] [[father-mother]], and so forth— The oceans of the [[oath-bound]] who always guide without [[distraction]]. |
| − | To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of | + | To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]・ |
| − | Mara means "killing" and tika means "essence." "Killing" literally means "not existing by nature/7 The actual meaning can be interpreted as "having achieved liberation from death/ | + | [[Mara]] means "{{Wiki|killing}}" and tika means "[[essence]]." "{{Wiki|Killing}}" literally means "not [[existing]] by nature/7 The actual meaning can be interpreted as "having achieved [[liberation]] from [[death]]/ |
| − | Even those whose religions have no levels 17 endeavor to liberate animals there・ | + | Even those whose [[religions]] have no levels 17 endeavor to {{Wiki|liberate}} [[animals]] there・ |
| − | It was called "Haleshe" because the Tibetan Dharma ministers were so astonished by this holy place/8 | + | It was called "Haleshe" because the [[Tibetan]] [[Dharma]] ministers were so astonished by this {{Wiki|holy}} place/8 |
And still to this day it is called that.19 | And still to this day it is called that.19 | ||
| − | To | + | To [[Maratika]] the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]・ |
| − | At this cave,20 which is nondual with the Potala, | + | At this cave,20 which is [[nondual]] with the [[Potala]], |
| − | It is said that the highest, most intelligent ones should do | + | It is said that the [[highest]], most {{Wiki|intelligent}} ones should do |
| − | the practice of long life, | + | the practice of long [[life]], |
| − | The middling ones should offer a wheel of tsog, And the least should make prostrations, offerings, | + | The middling ones should offer [[a wheel]] of [[tsog]], And the least should make [[prostrations]], [[offerings]], |
and requests.21 | and requests.21 | ||
| − | As was the compassionate advice of the one father, | + | As was the [[compassionate]] advice of the one father, |
| − | the Lotus-Born: | + | the [[Lotus-Born]]: |
| − | In later times, for those sons of the lineage devoted to the Lotus-Born/2 | + | In later times, for those sons of the [[lineage]] devoted to the Lotus-Born/2 |
| − | Maratika will be preeminent among the fields for collecting merit. | + | [[Maratika]] will be preeminent among the fields for collecting [[merit]]. |
| − | To Maratika, the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, | + | To [[Maratika]], the wonderful supreme [[holy place]], I request: Please pacify the [[obstacles]] of hindering [[conditions]], |
| − | And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality. | + | And grant your [[blessings]] and the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]. |
| − | In this way, by the virtue of having made requests by relating an explanation of this holy place, | + | In this way, by the [[virtue]] of having made requests by relating an explanation of this [[holy place]], |
| − | May those who preserve the teachings, headed by the Savior of the Snow Land, [His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai LamaJ have a stable | + | May those who preserve the teachings, headed by the Savior of the Snow Land, [[[His Holiness]] the Fourteenth [[Dalai]] LamaJ have a {{Wiki|stable}} [[life]]・ |
| − | May the Buddha's teachings of explanations and practice spread・ | + | May the [[Buddha's teachings]] of explanations and practice spread・ |
| − | I pray that all transmigratory beings, while abiding in happiness, may never be separated from bodhicitta and live long・ | + | I pray that all transmigratory [[beings]], while abiding in [[happiness]], may never be separated from [[bodhicitta]] and live long・ |
| Line 218: | Line 214: | ||
Original Colophon: | Original Colophon: | ||
| − | The one who holds the name of scholar (khenpo) from Mindrolling Monastery, Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen, wrote this Io ng life practice during the break time of a long life attainment ritual, on the anniversary of the passing of the perfect lama, on the third day of the water month of the Fire Mon key Year. | + | The one who holds the [[name]] of [[scholar]] ([[khenpo]]) from [[Mindrolling Monastery]], [[Gyurme]] Thegchog [[Gyaltsen]], wrote this Io ng [[life]] practice during the break time of a long [[life]] [[attainment]] [[ritual]], on the anniversary of the passing of the {{Wiki|perfect}} [[lama]], on the third day of the [[water]] month of the [[Fire]] Mon key Year. |
| Line 226: | Line 222: | ||
Editor's Colophon: | Editor's Colophon: | ||
| − | Due to the auspicious connection of receiving this prayer, A Requesting Prayer to Maratika: The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis (ma ra ti ka'i gsol 'debs 'chi med siddhi rgya mtsho'i 'byung gnas), from the composer while visiting Maratika in 2016z Lama Zopa Rinpoche undertook the work of translating it in order to make it freely available as a concise guide for pilgrims visiting the holy places of Maratika. The original translations were scribed by Ven. Yeshe Khadro at Amitabha Buddhist Centre. Singapore, February 2016, and Ven. Sarah Thresher | + | Due to the [[auspicious]] [[connection]] of receiving this [[prayer]], A Requesting [[Prayer]] to [[Maratika]]: The Source of an Ocean of [[Siddhis]] (ma ra ti ka'i [[gsol 'debs]] '[[chi med]] [[siddhi]] [[rgya mtsho'i]] 'byung [[gnas]]), from the composer while visiting [[Maratika]] in 2016z [[Lama Zopa Rinpoche]] undertook the work of translating it in order to make it freely available as a concise guide for [[pilgrims]] visiting the [[holy places]] of [[Maratika]]. The original translations were scribed by Ven. Yeshe [[Khadro]] at [[Amitabha Buddhist Centre]]. {{Wiki|Singapore}}, February 2016, and Ven. Sarah Thresher |
| − | at Losang Dragpa Centre, Malaysia, March 2016. This translation is a combined edit of the two dictations by Ven. Sarah Thresher, May 2016 and April 2017. | + | at [[Losang Dragpa]] Centre, {{Wiki|Malaysia}}, March 2016. This translation is a combined edit of the two dictations by Ven. Sarah Thresher, May 2016 and April 2017. |
| − | By this merit may our most kind and precious guru, Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, live long! | + | By this [[merit]] may our most kind and [[precious guru]], [[Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche]], live long! |
Publisher's Colophon: | Publisher's Colophon: | ||
| − | Translation checked against the Tibetan by Joona Repo, FPMT Translation Services, April 2017. | + | Translation checked against the [[Tibetan]] by Joona Repo, [[FPMT]] Translation Services, April 2017. |
| − | The cave at Maratika. | + | The [[cave]] at [[Maratika]]. |
| Line 243: | Line 239: | ||
| − | 1. The Long-life vase (Tib. [[tshe bum]]) is the most precious of all the naturally-arisen (Tib. [[rang byung]]) holy objects at Maratika, where any prayer that is made will be fulfilled. | + | 1. The [[Long-life vase]] (Tib. [[tshe bum]]) is the most [[precious]] of all the naturally-arisen (Tib. [[rang byung]]) {{Wiki|holy}} [[objects]] at [[Maratika]], where any [[prayer]] that is made will be fulfilled. |
| − | 2. The Sanskrit term [[siddhi]] is often translated into English as "attainment" or "realization." | + | 2. The [[Sanskrit]] term [[siddhi]] is often translated into English as "[[attainment]]" or "[[realization]]." |
| − | 3. This is Mahasura who was subdued (i.e. enlightened) by Avalokiteshvara, just as Vishnu was subdued by [[Heruka]] ]]Chakrasamvara]]. | + | 3. This is Mahasura who was subdued (i.e. [[enlightened]]) by [[Avalokiteshvara]], just as [[Vishnu]] was subdued by [[Heruka]] ]][[Chakrasamvara]]]]. |
| − | 4. When emptiness is actualized directly, the seed of delusion is completely eliminated, and since there is no more delusion, there is no more death. | + | 4. When [[emptiness]] is actualized directly, the [[seed of delusion]] is completely eliminated, and since there is no more [[delusion]], there is no more [[death]]. |
| − | This is what is called the "the siddhi of immortality" or, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche refers to it, "the immortal realization" or "the undying realization" (Tib. '[[chi med dngos grub]]). | + | This is what is called the "the [[siddhi]] of [[immortality]]" or, as [[Lama Zopa Rinpoche]] refers to it, "the [[immortal]] [[realization]]" or "the undying [[realization]]" (Tib. '[[chi med dngos grub]]). |
| − | 5. Tib. 'jig rten mgon, or Skt. Lokanatha, more commonly known as "Avalokiteshvara" or "Chenrezig." | + | 5. Tib. [['jig rten]] mgon, or Skt. [[Lokanatha]], more commonly known as "[[Avalokiteshvara]]" or "[[Chenrezig]]." |
| − | 6. Tib. ke'u tshang. | + | 6. Tib. [[ke'u]] [[tshang]]. |
| − | 7. This term (Tib. rang byung) means "self-arisen" or "naturally-arisen." There are many self-arisen images in [[Maratika]] that were not carved or created by human beings but were formed naturally or miraculously. | + | 7. This term (Tib. [[rang byung]]) means "self-arisen" or "naturally-arisen." There are many self-arisen images in [[Maratika]] that were not carved or created by [[human beings]] but were formed naturally or miraculously. |
8. Tib. [[ga'u nor]]. | 8. Tib. [[ga'u nor]]. | ||
| − | 9. Tib. [[dbugs dbyung]], lit. "freeing the breath." | + | 9. Tib. [[dbugs dbyung]], lit. "freeing the [[breath]]." |
| − | 10. Water, known as "attainment-water" (Tib. [[grub chu]]), drips from certain parts of this cave and can be tasted. | + | 10. [[Water]], known as "attainment-water" (Tib. [[grub chu]]), drips from certain parts of this [[cave]] and can be tasted. |
| − | 11. This is the temporary benefit. | + | 11. This is the temporary [[benefit]]. |
| − | 12. These five extreme negative karmas (Tib. mtshams med Inga) are: killing one's father, killing one's mother, killing an arhat, causing disunity among the sanghaz and causing blood to flow from a buddha. These negative karmas are called "uninterrupted" or "without break" because if they are accumulated and not purified, they cause an immediate rebirth in the eighth and hottest hell, I inexhaustible Hell, "without interruption" or "without break" of another life in between. | + | 12. These five extreme negative [[karmas]] (Tib. mtshams med Inga) are: {{Wiki|killing}} one's father, {{Wiki|killing}} one's mother, {{Wiki|killing}} an [[arhat]], causing disunity among the sanghaz and causing {{Wiki|blood}} to flow from a [[buddha]]. These negative [[karmas]] are called "uninterrupted" or "without break" because if they are [[accumulated]] and not [[purified]], they [[cause]] an immediate [[rebirth]] in the eighth and hottest [[hell]], I inexhaustible [[Hell]], "without interruption" or "without break" of another [[life]] in between. |
| − | 13. Tib. bka' brgyad. | + | 13. Tib. [[bka' brgyad]]. |
| − | 14. Tib. zangs thal gshegs pa. | + | 14. Tib. [[zangs]] [[thal]] gshegs pa. |
| − | 15. The Three Types of Savior (Tib. rigs gsum mgon po) are: | + | 15. The Three Types of Savior (Tib. [[rigs gsum mgon po]]) are: [[Avalokiteshvara]]— all the buddhas7 [[compassion]], Manjushri—all the buddhas7 [[wisdom]], and Vajrapani—all the [[buddhas]] 7 power. |
| − | 14 A Requesting Prayer to Maratika | + | 14 A Requesting [[Prayer]] to [[Maratika]] |
| − | 16. I.e. Vajrapani. | + | 16. I.e. [[Vajrapani]]. |
| − | 17. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains that mutegpa (Tib. mu stegs pa) literally means "not having levels/7 This distinguishes the non-Buddhist "outsider" (Tib. phyi pa) tenets from the Buddhist "insider" (Tib. nang pa) tenets, which do have levels. These "levels" in elude the four schools of Buddhist philosophy and the three vehicles, where the lower ones act as stepping stones to the higher ones. | + | 17. [[Lama Zopa Rinpoche]] explains that mutegpa (Tib. mu stegs pa) literally means "not having levels/7 This distinguishes the [[non-Buddhist]] "outsider" (Tib. phyi pa) [[tenets]] from the [[Buddhist]] "insider" (Tib. [[nang pa]]) [[tenets]], which do have levels. These "levels" in elude the [[four schools of Buddhist philosophy]] and the [[three vehicles]], where the lower ones act as stepping stones to the higher ones. |
| − | 18. The current name for this place is Halesi. | + | 18. The current [[name]] for this place is Halesi. |
| − | 19. The Tibetan term hale (Tib. ha las) means "to be a st on ished." | + | 19. The [[Tibetan]] term hale (Tib. ha las) means "to be a st on ished." |
| − | 20. Tib. ke'u tshang. | + | 20. Tib. [[ke'u]] [[tshang]]. |
| − | 21. These three types of beings are categorized in terms of merit. | + | 21. These three types of [[beings]] are categorized in terms of [[merit]]. |
| − | 22. Here "sons" refers to both males and females. | + | 22. Here "sons" refers to both {{Wiki|males}} and females. |
Latest revision as of 06:54, 17 November 2020
Translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Maratika also known by its local name of Halesi, is the site of the caves in Khotang District in eastern Nepal where the great master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) achieved immortality with the dakini Mandarava・ Rich in history and legend, it is a popular pilgrimage destination for both Buddhists and Hindus
seeking its powerful blessings through offerings, prayers, practice, and retreat. Not just ordinary people, but even great masters, yogis, and accomplished siddhas from all four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism travel to Maratika to perform long life practices, clear away obstacles, and make prayers for success at the wish-fulfilling long-life vase
1. In recent years, more and more foreign pilgrims from around the world have also been making their way to Maratika. The prayer translated here, A Requesting Prayer to Maratika: The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis (ma ra ti ka'i gsol 'debs 'chi med siddhi [[rgya mtsho'i'byung[gnas]]), composed by Khenpo Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen, is a concise guide to the holy places and holy objects of Maratika in the form of a request・ It also tells of the history and origin of the caves, the unique characteristics of the environment, the etymology of the place's name, and the particular
practices to be done・ The prayer is a condensed version of the Guidebook to Maratika compiled by the current Maratika Lama from ancient and modern traditional written and oral sources・
Khenpo Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen offered a copy of this prayer to Lama Zopa Rinpoche during a long life retreat in
the main cave in 2016・ Due to that auspiciousness, Rinpoche translated the prayer into English and requested that it be made available in Tibetan, English, and Nepali to benefit the many Buddhist pilgrims visiting Maratika's holy places・ As Rinpoche explained:
Any fortunate person who wishes to not only liberate themselves from the ocean of samsaric suffering, but also the six types of sentient beings—who have been our mothers equaling the limitless sky—and lead them to buddhahood, which is the total cessation of mistakes and completion of realizations, must first generate devotion as the root of the path to achieve buddhahood・
[In the Maratika] cave where Guru Rinpoche found immortal realization all your prayers can succeed・ There is the naturally-arisen long-life vase of the Infinite Life Buddha Amitayus and many other precious holy objects of Maratika. If you wish to have an explanation and know how to pray to them [you will find instruction in this prayer]・
Thank you to the Maratika Lama Ngawang Jikdrel Chokyi Wangchuk for compiling the original Guidebook to Maratika, Khenpo Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen for composing this prayer, and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche for translating it. Due to this merit may His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all the great masters from all four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism have long lives and all their wishes be fulfilled without hindrance!
The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis
OM SVASTI
This pleasing well-decorated devas' park, a joyful sublime place, Was blessed by the dharmakaya Vairochana, the sambhogakaya Amitayus,
And the nirmanakaya of the three types, the Lotus-Born
The mind-sealed deities Hayagriva and Vajravarahi; and
The Dharma protectors Mahadeva/ Lion-Faced Dakini, Gesar, and so forth,
Together with infinite bodhisattvas and victorious ones・ To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.4
In particular; the sole refuge object of transmigratory beings of this degenerate time,
The Second Buddha Ogyen, father-mother in union, Accomplished the realization of immortal life in three months At this holy place for the sake of the teachings and transmigratory beings・
They saw the Buddha of Infinite Life, Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara, Tara, and so forth,
Who offered them many profound methods of attainment. To Maratika the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.
At the center, on the side of the holy mountain of Avalokiteshvara/ is the splendid first door of the holy place・
Inside the cave is the wish-gran ting jewel and the long-life vase that fulfills all prayers・
To the right of that is the magnificent imprint of the holy body of Amitayus, Infinite Life,
And to its left, the self-arisen Mahaguru was born/ Unceasingly gran ting auspicious wishes of whatever is desired ・ To Maratika the wonderful supreme
holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions,
And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.
There is a self-arisen canopy, umbrella, and banner, and below that a fortune-wealth stone8
That grants any desired siddhi of wealth and sons to pitiful transmigratory beings・
There are the holy objects of the Great Deva, the Four Guardians, Hayagriva father-mother, self-arisen Tara, and so forth,
Making it an especially exalted merit field for the devoted to collect merit.
To Maratika the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.
The four paths of secrecy gradually purify the obscurations of the hells,
Liberate from the difficult path of the intermediate state and the pollution of the womb,
The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis 7
And enable confession of degenerated vows and samayas and so forth・
By differentiating between virtue and nonvirtue, these are a wonderful sublime method persuading to virtue,
And, due to the extremely powerful prayers of the one father, the Lotus-Born,
These bring relief to fortunate capable beings.9
To Maratika the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.
The second door of the holy place, the cave where Mara was completely controlled and subdued,
Is a hollow in the rock that can hold five hundred arhats・
Whoever hears the sound of the self-arisen turquoise conch shell will be liberated from samsara・
Anyone who experiences the attainment-water on their tongues 10 will have a long life/1
Purify obscurations and the five negative karmas without break/2
And ultimately become a direct disciple of Guru Padmasambhava ・
To Maratika the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.
The Lotus-Born father-mother in union, who encompass all Three Roots,
Attained the Eight Deities Who Are Under Orders.13
There is the sign of the miraculous act of their having gone straight up [through the roof of the cave]/4
And the imprint of the holy body and two footprints of the Guru・
There is a self-arisen phurba and dakini script.
The [marks of] Mara's head and hand having been immediately separated are very glorious・
To Maratia the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality・
To the east of this holy place is the Peaceful Assembly Hall・
To the south is the imprint of the holy body of Ogyen and the Assembly Hall of One Hundred Thousand Dakinis・
To the west is Vajrayogini・
The north is beautified by the signs of attainment of the Three Types of Savior.15
In the four directions, from the centers of lotuses, medicinal trees are born as a cause,
And the resultant flowers blossom in all four seasons・
To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality・
At the top of the holy place is the self-arisen hat of the Guru, The secret water, and the self-arisen thighbone・ Around it is Manjushri mountain and the mountain of
the Lord of Secrets.16
There is the Secret Cave of the Guru, the holy place where the wisdom mother was hidden,
The holy place of Lhacham Mandarava's attainment, and so forth・
These are beautifully decorated by the principal and entourage and possess blessings・
To Maratika the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality・
In the past, when the Possessor of the Victorious Ones, Padmakara,
And Lhacham Mandarava were practicing vajra life, The [[[protectors]]] to whom the order was given to guard
those who practice the Dharma in this holy place were: Outwardly, Lion-Face Dakini; inwardly, Four-Arm Mahakala; Secretly, Mahadeva father-mother, and so forth— The oceans of the oath-bound who always guide without distraction.
To Maratik可 the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality・
Mara means "killing" and tika means "essence." "Killing" literally means "not existing by nature/7 The actual meaning can be interpreted as "having achieved liberation from death/
Even those whose religions have no levels 17 endeavor to liberate animals there・
It was called "Haleshe" because the Tibetan Dharma ministers were so astonished by this holy place/8
And still to this day it is called that.19
To Maratika the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions, And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality・
At this cave,20 which is nondual with the Potala,
It is said that the highest, most intelligent ones should do
the practice of long life,
The middling ones should offer a wheel of tsog, And the least should make prostrations, offerings,
and requests.21
As was the compassionate advice of the one father,
the Lotus-Born:
In later times, for those sons of the lineage devoted to the Lotus-Born/2
Maratika will be preeminent among the fields for collecting merit.
To Maratika, the wonderful supreme holy place, I request: Please pacify the obstacles of hindering conditions,
And grant your blessings and the siddhi of immortality.
In this way, by the virtue of having made requests by relating an explanation of this holy place,
May those who preserve the teachings, headed by the Savior of the Snow Land, [[[His Holiness]] the Fourteenth Dalai LamaJ have a stable life・
May the Buddha's teachings of explanations and practice spread・
I pray that all transmigratory beings, while abiding in happiness, may never be separated from bodhicitta and live long・
Colophons
Original Colophon:
The one who holds the name of scholar (khenpo) from Mindrolling Monastery, Gyurme Thegchog Gyaltsen, wrote this Io ng life practice during the break time of a long life attainment ritual, on the anniversary of the passing of the perfect lama, on the third day of the water month of the Fire Mon key Year.
MANGALAM.
Editor's Colophon:
Due to the auspicious connection of receiving this prayer, A Requesting Prayer to Maratika: The Source of an Ocean of Siddhis (ma ra ti ka'i gsol 'debs 'chi med siddhi rgya mtsho'i 'byung gnas), from the composer while visiting Maratika in 2016z Lama Zopa Rinpoche undertook the work of translating it in order to make it freely available as a concise guide for pilgrims visiting the holy places of Maratika. The original translations were scribed by Ven. Yeshe Khadro at Amitabha Buddhist Centre. Singapore, February 2016, and Ven. Sarah Thresher
at Losang Dragpa Centre, Malaysia, March 2016. This translation is a combined edit of the two dictations by Ven. Sarah Thresher, May 2016 and April 2017.
By this merit may our most kind and precious guru, Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, live long!
Publisher's Colophon:
Translation checked against the Tibetan by Joona Repo, FPMT Translation Services, April 2017.
Notes
1. The Long-life vase (Tib. tshe bum) is the most precious of all the naturally-arisen (Tib. rang byung) holy objects at Maratika, where any prayer that is made will be fulfilled.
2. The Sanskrit term siddhi is often translated into English as "attainment" or "realization."
3. This is Mahasura who was subdued (i.e. enlightened) by Avalokiteshvara, just as Vishnu was subdued by Heruka ]]Chakrasamvara]].
4. When emptiness is actualized directly, the seed of delusion is completely eliminated, and since there is no more delusion, there is no more death. This is what is called the "the siddhi of immortality" or, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche refers to it, "the immortal realization" or "the undying realization" (Tib. 'chi med dngos grub).
5. Tib. 'jig rten mgon, or Skt. Lokanatha, more commonly known as "Avalokiteshvara" or "Chenrezig."
7. This term (Tib. rang byung) means "self-arisen" or "naturally-arisen." There are many self-arisen images in Maratika that were not carved or created by human beings but were formed naturally or miraculously.
8. Tib. ga'u nor.
9. Tib. dbugs dbyung, lit. "freeing the breath."
10. Water, known as "attainment-water" (Tib. grub chu), drips from certain parts of this cave and can be tasted.
11. This is the temporary benefit.
12. These five extreme negative karmas (Tib. mtshams med Inga) are: killing one's father, killing one's mother, killing an arhat, causing disunity among the sanghaz and causing blood to flow from a buddha. These negative karmas are called "uninterrupted" or "without break" because if they are accumulated and not purified, they cause an immediate rebirth in the eighth and hottest hell, I inexhaustible Hell, "without interruption" or "without break" of another life in between.
13. Tib. bka' brgyad.
14. Tib. zangs thal gshegs pa.
15. The Three Types of Savior (Tib. rigs gsum mgon po) are: Avalokiteshvara— all the buddhas7 compassion, Manjushri—all the buddhas7 wisdom, and Vajrapani—all the buddhas 7 power.
14 A Requesting Prayer to Maratika
16. I.e. Vajrapani.
17. Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains that mutegpa (Tib. mu stegs pa) literally means "not having levels/7 This distinguishes the non-Buddhist "outsider" (Tib. phyi pa) tenets from the Buddhist "insider" (Tib. nang pa) tenets, which do have levels. These "levels" in elude the four schools of Buddhist philosophy and the three vehicles, where the lower ones act as stepping stones to the higher ones.
18. The current name for this place is Halesi.
19. The Tibetan term hale (Tib. ha las) means "to be a st on ished."
21. These three types of beings are categorized in terms of merit.
22. Here "sons" refers to both males and females.
