Difference between revisions of "How to Recite Mantras"
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− | Concerning [[the way in which mantras should be recited]], the Great Master from Uddiyana explains: | + | Concerning [[the way in which mantras should be recited]], the [[Great Master]] from [[Uddiyana]] explains: |
− | Count at your heart for peaceful activity, | + | Count at your [[heart]] for [[peaceful]] [[activity]], |
− | At your navel for enriching activity, | + | At your {{Wiki|navel}} for enriching [[activity]], |
− | At the secret place for magnetizing activity, | + | At the secret place for magnetizing [[activity]], |
Count with a wish to summon. | Count with a wish to summon. | ||
− | For wrathful activity count near your knee | + | For [[wrathful]] [[activity]] count near your knee |
− | At the point where the legs are crossed. | + | At the point where the {{Wiki|legs}} are crossed. |
− | For multiple activities count wherever is comfortable. | + | For multiple [[activities]] count wherever is comfortable. |
− | + | How to Recite MantrasExplaining further, he states:How to Recite [[Mantras]] | |
− | When reciting peaceful mantras | + | When reciting [[peaceful]] [[mantras]] |
Count with the rosary on your index finger, | Count with the rosary on your index finger, | ||
− | And for enriching mantras, on your middle finger. | + | And for enriching [[mantras]], on your middle finger. |
For magnetizing, keep it on your ring finger, | For magnetizing, keep it on your ring finger, | ||
− | And for wrathful mantras, on the little finger. | + | And for [[wrathful]] [[mantras]], on the little finger. |
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However, it is said that on some occasions you may count using both hands and | However, it is said that on some occasions you may count using both hands and | ||
− | that for wrathful mantras you can count using the thumb of the right hand. There | + | that for [[wrathful]] [[mantras]] you can count using the thumb of the right hand. There |
− | is also a way of counting that expels, as is the case with averting mantras. | + | is also a way of counting that expels, as is the case with averting [[mantras]]. |
From a general point of view, an easy and effective way to practice is to place | From a general point of view, an easy and effective way to practice is to place | ||
− | the rosary on top of the index finger, and then count with the thumb in the form | + | the rosary on top of the index finger, and then count with the thumb in the [[form]] |
− | of a hook. This holds for all four types of enlightened activity. | + | of a hook. This holds for all four types of [[enlightened activity]]. |
− | There are also samaya vows that must be observed. The great master Padmasambhava explains: | + | |
+ | ====There are also [[samaya vows]] that must be observed. The [[great master]] [[Padmasambhava]] explains:How to [[Recite Mantras]]==== | ||
A genuine rosary should accompany you at all times, | A genuine rosary should accompany you at all times, | ||
− | Like the body and its shadow. | + | Like the [[body]] and its shadow. |
− | This is the fundamental samaya of the rosary. | + | This is the fundamental [[samaya]] of the rosary. |
− | Although a great many subsidiary samayas are taught, | + | Although a great many subsidiary [[samayas]] are [[taught]], |
In brief this is what you should know: | In brief this is what you should know: | ||
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Do not show your rosary to others. | Do not show your rosary to others. | ||
− | If you do not let it leave the warmth of your body, | + | If you do not let it leave the warmth of your [[body]], |
Whatever you practice will quickly be accomplished. | Whatever you practice will quickly be accomplished. | ||
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Likewise, do not let anyone else hold it, | Likewise, do not let anyone else hold it, | ||
− | Especially, it is said, anyone with damaged samaya vows, obscurations, | + | Especially, it is said, anyone with damaged [[samaya vows]], [[obscurations]], |
− | Or with whom you do not share the same samaya. | + | Or with whom you do not share the same [[samaya]]. |
− | It is important not to let it slip into the hands of such people. | + | It is important not to let it slip into the hands of such [[people]]. |
Other than using it to count when reciting, | Other than using it to count when reciting, | ||
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− | Do not employ it for the sake of divination and astrology. | + | Do not employ it for the [[sake]] of {{Wiki|divination}} and [[astrology]]. |
− | A rosary that has not been consecrated should never be held. | + | A rosary that has not been [[consecrated]] should never be held. |
− | A consecrated rosary should be kept secret | + | A [[consecrated]] rosary should be kept secret |
− | And not used for other activities. | + | And not used for other [[activities]]. |
Do not place it on the ground or cast it aside. | Do not place it on the ground or cast it aside. | ||
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− | Furthermore, the masters of mantra have taught that if you slip into | + | Furthermore, the [[masters]] of [[mantra]] have [[taught]] that if you slip into |
− | conversation while counting the mantra, you must subtract some numbers, going | + | [[conversation]] while counting the [[mantra]], you must subtract some numbers, going |
− | back four beads on the rosary. If you cough, go back five, three if you yawn, ten | + | back four [[beads]] on the rosary. If you cough, go back five, three if you yawn, ten |
if you sneeze, and one if you spit. | if you sneeze, and one if you spit. | ||
− | As described, first visualize the appearance of the deity, then the mantra chain, | + | As described, first [[visualize]] the [[appearance]] of the [[deity]], then the [[mantra]] chain, |
− | and finally the projection and absorption of light and so on. However, it is very | + | and finally the projection and [[absorption]] of {{Wiki|light}} and so on. However, it is very |
− | important that these individual stages only be performed once you have reached | + | important that these {{Wiki|individual}} stages only be performed once you have reached |
− | stability in the visualizations of the preceding stage. | + | stability in the [[visualizations]] of the preceding stage. |
− | Concluding the Session | + | ====Concluding the Session==== |
When the time comes to conclude the session, you must compensate for any | When the time comes to conclude the session, you must compensate for any | ||
− | additions and omissions in the recitation. To do so, chant the Sanskrit alphabet, | + | additions and omissions in the {{Wiki|recitation}}. To do so, [[chant]] the [[Sanskrit alphabet]], |
− | recite the hundred-syllable mantra and the | + | recite the [[hundred-syllable mantra]] and the “[[Essence of Dependent Origination]]” |
− | three times each. Following this, make offerings and offer praise. The meaning | + | three times each. Following this, make [[offerings]] and offer praise. The meaning |
− | of this meditation was explained above. | + | of this [[meditation]] was explained above. |
+ | |||
+ | Should there be any [[auspicious]] sign when you arrive at the stage of | ||
+ | [[accomplishment]], you must immediately take the [[spiritual]] accomplishments or | ||
+ | |||
− | + | you will run the [[risk]] of it dissipating. Therefore, when you reach this stage of the | |
− | + | practice, you should receive the [[spiritual]] accomplishments on a daily basis. It is | |
− | you will run the risk of it dissipating. Therefore, when you reach this stage of the | ||
− | practice, you should receive the spiritual accomplishments on a daily basis. It is | ||
especially important to do so at dawn on the final day of your practice. The | especially important to do so at dawn on the final day of your practice. The | ||
meaning of this practice will be explained below. | meaning of this practice will be explained below. | ||
− | Next, present offerings and praise as an expression of gratitude, then ask for | + | Next, {{Wiki|present}} [[offerings]] and praise as an expression of [[gratitude]], then ask for |
− | forgiveness by supplicating in the following way: | + | [[forgiveness]] by supplicating in the following way: |
+ | |||
+ | [[Ignorant]] and careless, we beginners have failed to develop [[meditative]] | ||
+ | clarity in our [[visualization]] and have not recited the required number of | ||
+ | [[mantras]]. In performing the [[ritual]], we have added some things and omitted | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | others. We have also failed to [[gather]] [[offering substances]] and [[ritual implements]], and fallen prey to [[laziness]]. We now confess this and [[feel]] great | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | {{Wiki|embarrassment}} and [[remorse]] for all our confused errors related to the | ||
+ | performance of the profound [[rituals]] of [[Secret Mantra]]. Please be forbearing | ||
+ | and {{Wiki|purify}} these errors. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Next, as you recite the [[hundred-syllable mantra]], [[imagine]] that all transgressions | ||
+ | are [[purified]] and cleansed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Enlightened Mind]]==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Thirdly comes the [[luminosity]] practice of [[enlightened mind]]. When there is a front | ||
+ | [[visualization]] involved, such as during the [[accomplishment stage]], the [[wisdom beings]] in front should be requested to remain in the support if there is one. If | ||
+ | there is no support {{Wiki|present}}, you should request them to depart into the natural | ||
+ | [[basic space of phenomena]]. The [[samaya]] [[beings]] are then [[gathered]] into the [[self]]- | ||
+ | [[visualization]]. | ||
− | + | When there is only a self-visualization involved, the [[wisdom being]] within | |
− | + | never departs. Thus, [[chant]] the verses of the dissolution while you [[visualize]] the | |
− | + | following. First, [[imagine]] that the entire [[universe]] and its inhabitants melt into | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | and | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | {{Wiki|light}} and dissolve into the [[celestial]] palace. Next, the palace itself, starting from | |
+ | the perimeter, is gradually absorbed into the retinue [[deities]]. The retinue dissolves | ||
+ | into the central {{Wiki|male}} and [[female deities]]. The [[female consort]] then dissolves into | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | the {{Wiki|male}} [[deity]], the {{Wiki|male}} [[deity]] dissolves into the [[wisdom being]] in his [[heart center]], | |
− | + | and the [[wisdom being]] dissolves into the encircling [[mantra]]. Finally, the [[mantra]] | |
− | + | dissolves into the [[absorption]] being—the [[seed syllable]] of the [[life force]] of | |
− | + | [[enlightened mind]]. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | the male deity, the male deity dissolves into the wisdom being in his heart center, | ||
− | and the wisdom being dissolves into the encircling mantra. Finally, the mantra | ||
− | dissolves into the absorption being—the seed syllable of the life force of | ||
− | enlightened mind. | ||
− | Focus your attention on this syllable, which then dissolves, from the bottom | + | Focus your [[attention]] on this {{Wiki|syllable}}, which then dissolves, from the bottom |
up, until even the upper tip is gone. At this point, rest for as long as you are able | up, until even the upper tip is gone. At this point, rest for as long as you are able | ||
− | in the nonconceptual state of emptiness free from dualistic observations. This | + | in the [[nonconceptual]] [[state of emptiness]] free from [[dualistic]] observations. This |
− | clears away the extreme of permanence. | + | clears away the extreme of [[permanence]]. |
− | Alternatively, you may also perform the dissolution that is likened to a rainbow vanishing in the sky. The first of these | + | Alternatively, you may also perform the dissolution that is likened to a [[rainbow]] vanishing in the sky. The first of these |
− | approaches is called the “subsequent dissolution,” while the latter is known as | + | approaches is called the “subsequent dissolution,” while the [[latter]] is known as |
the “complete dissolution.” These are, in fact, very similar but for beginners it is | the “complete dissolution.” These are, in fact, very similar but for beginners it is | ||
very important to practice the subsequent dissolution. On this topic, the Great | very important to practice the subsequent dissolution. On this topic, the Great | ||
− | Omniscient One explains: | + | [[Omniscient One]] explains: |
− | The development stage ends the belief that appearances are real. | + | The [[development stage]] ends the [[belief]] that [[appearances]] are real. |
− | The completion stage eliminates the belief that holds them to be illusory. | + | The [[completion stage]] eliminates the [[belief]] that holds them to be [[illusory]]. |
− | When free from believing that appearance and emptiness are real, | + | When free from believing that [[appearance]] and [[emptiness]] are real, |
− | You have reached the pure nature of indivisible development and | + | You have reached the [[pure]] [[nature]] of indivisible [[development]] and |
completion. | completion. | ||
− | As stated here, the method for overcoming ordinary concepts, whereby we | + | As stated here, the method for [[overcoming]] ordinary [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]], whereby we |
− | believe in the reality of the world and its inhabitants, is to dissolve the illusory | + | believe in the [[reality]] of the [[world]] and its inhabitants, is to dissolve the [[illusory]] |
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− | [[:Category: | + | {{R}} |
+ | [[Category:Mantras]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Padmasambhava]] |
Latest revision as of 23:25, 30 January 2020
How to Recite Mantras
Concerning the way in which mantras should be recited, the Great Master from Uddiyana explains:
Count at your heart for peaceful activity,
At your navel for enriching activity,
At the secret place for magnetizing activity,
Count with a wish to summon.
For wrathful activity count near your knee
At the point where the legs are crossed.
For multiple activities count wherever is comfortable.
How to Recite MantrasExplaining further, he states:How to Recite Mantras
When reciting peaceful mantras
Count with the rosary on your index finger,
And for enriching mantras, on your middle finger.
For magnetizing, keep it on your ring finger,
And for wrathful mantras, on the little finger.
Always use your left hand;
Never count with your right hand.
However, it is said that on some occasions you may count using both hands and
that for wrathful mantras you can count using the thumb of the right hand. There
is also a way of counting that expels, as is the case with averting mantras.
From a general point of view, an easy and effective way to practice is to place
the rosary on top of the index finger, and then count with the thumb in the form
of a hook. This holds for all four types of enlightened activity.
There are also samaya vows that must be observed. The great master Padmasambhava explains:How to Recite Mantras
A genuine rosary should accompany you at all times,
Like the body and its shadow.
This is the fundamental samaya of the rosary.
Although a great many subsidiary samayas are taught,
In brief this is what you should know:
Do not show your rosary to others.
If you do not let it leave the warmth of your body,
Whatever you practice will quickly be accomplished.
Likewise, do not let anyone else hold it,
Especially, it is said, anyone with damaged samaya vows, obscurations,
Or with whom you do not share the same samaya.
It is important not to let it slip into the hands of such people.
Other than using it to count when reciting,
Do not hold it leisurely at inappropriate times.
Do not employ it for the sake of divination and astrology.
A rosary that has not been consecrated should never be held.
A consecrated rosary should be kept secret
And not used for other activities.
Do not place it on the ground or cast it aside.
Do not use a so-called “adulterated rosary,”
One mixed with inappropriate things.
Furthermore, the masters of mantra have taught that if you slip into
conversation while counting the mantra, you must subtract some numbers, going
back four beads on the rosary. If you cough, go back five, three if you yawn, ten
if you sneeze, and one if you spit.
As described, first visualize the appearance of the deity, then the mantra chain, and finally the projection and absorption of light and so on. However, it is very important that these individual stages only be performed once you have reached stability in the visualizations of the preceding stage.
Concluding the Session
When the time comes to conclude the session, you must compensate for any additions and omissions in the recitation. To do so, chant the Sanskrit alphabet, recite the hundred-syllable mantra and the “Essence of Dependent Origination” three times each. Following this, make offerings and offer praise. The meaning of this meditation was explained above.
Should there be any auspicious sign when you arrive at the stage of accomplishment, you must immediately take the spiritual accomplishments or
you will run the risk of it dissipating. Therefore, when you reach this stage of the
practice, you should receive the spiritual accomplishments on a daily basis. It is
especially important to do so at dawn on the final day of your practice. The
meaning of this practice will be explained below.
Next, present offerings and praise as an expression of gratitude, then ask for forgiveness by supplicating in the following way:
Ignorant and careless, we beginners have failed to develop meditative clarity in our visualization and have not recited the required number of mantras. In performing the ritual, we have added some things and omitted
others. We have also failed to gather offering substances and ritual implements, and fallen prey to laziness. We now confess this and feel great
embarrassment and remorse for all our confused errors related to the
performance of the profound rituals of Secret Mantra. Please be forbearing
and purify these errors.
Next, as you recite the hundred-syllable mantra, imagine that all transgressions are purified and cleansed.
Enlightened Mind
Thirdly comes the luminosity practice of enlightened mind. When there is a front visualization involved, such as during the accomplishment stage, the wisdom beings in front should be requested to remain in the support if there is one. If there is no support present, you should request them to depart into the natural basic space of phenomena. The samaya beings are then gathered into the self- visualization.
When there is only a self-visualization involved, the wisdom being within never departs. Thus, chant the verses of the dissolution while you visualize the following. First, imagine that the entire universe and its inhabitants melt into
light and dissolve into the celestial palace. Next, the palace itself, starting from
the perimeter, is gradually absorbed into the retinue deities. The retinue dissolves
into the central male and female deities. The female consort then dissolves into
the male deity, the male deity dissolves into the wisdom being in his heart center,
and the wisdom being dissolves into the encircling mantra. Finally, the mantra
dissolves into the absorption being—the seed syllable of the life force of
enlightened mind.
Focus your attention on this syllable, which then dissolves, from the bottom up, until even the upper tip is gone. At this point, rest for as long as you are able in the nonconceptual state of emptiness free from dualistic observations. This clears away the extreme of permanence.
Alternatively, you may also perform the dissolution that is likened to a rainbow vanishing in the sky. The first of these approaches is called the “subsequent dissolution,” while the latter is known as the “complete dissolution.” These are, in fact, very similar but for beginners it is very important to practice the subsequent dissolution. On this topic, the Great Omniscient One explains:
The development stage ends the belief that appearances are real. The completion stage eliminates the belief that holds them to be illusory. When free from believing that appearance and emptiness are real, You have reached the pure nature of indivisible development and completion.
As stated here, the method for overcoming ordinary concepts, whereby we believe in the reality of the world and its inhabitants, is to dissolve the illusory