Difference between revisions of "Green Tara – 8 Offerings"
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| − | The 8 [[Traditional]] Offerings | + | The 8 [[Traditional]] [[Offerings]] |
| − | The eight [[offerings]] are made in seven bowls and a [[lamp]]. Beginning on the right, the [[offerings]] are [[water]] for drinking, [[water]] for washing, [[flowers]], [[incense]], [[light]], perfumed [[water]], [[food]], and music. | + | The eight [[offerings]] are made in seven [[bowls]] and a [[lamp]]. Beginning on the right, the [[offerings]] are [[water]] for drinking, [[water]] for washing, [[flowers]], [[incense]], [[light]], perfumed [[water]], [[food]], and {{Wiki|music}}. |
| − | BOWL [[ | + | BOWL 1: [[Argham]] ([[Chod]] yon): [[water]] for drinking |
| − | BOWL 2: Padhyam (Shab sil): [[water]] for washing. | + | BOWL 2: [[Padhyam]] ([[Shab sil]]): [[water]] for washing. |
| − | BOWL 3: Pushpe (Me tog): Flowers. | + | BOWL 3: [[Pushpe]] ([[Me tog]]): [[Flowers]]. |
| − | BOWL 4: Dhuppe (Dug po): [[Incense]] (this is not burned). | + | BOWL 4: [[Dhuppe]] ([[Dug po]]): [[Incense]] (this is not burned). |
| − | BOWL 5: Gendhe (Dri Chab): [[Water]], perfumed. | + | BOWL 5: [[Gendhe]] ([[Dri Chab]]): [[Water]], perfumed. |
| − | BOWL 6: Nivide (Shalse): Food. | + | BOWL 6: [[Nivide]] ([[Shalse]]): [[Food]]. |
| − | BOWL 7: [[Symbol]] of {{Wiki|Music}}. (ie: Shell, [[bell]], cymbals) | + | BOWL 7: [[Symbol]] of {{Wiki|Music}}. (ie: Shell, [[bell]], [[cymbals]]) |
| − | LIGHT 8: Diya – place in front of statue behind the row of seven bowls. | + | LIGHT 8: Diya – place in front of statue behind the row of seven [[bowls]]. |
| − | Tea lights can also be used. [[Traditionally]], it is said you should never blow out the flame, it is the same as putting out the [[breath]] of your own [[life]]. However, based on my tribal island heritage, I believe that ‘[[breath]] to [[breath]]’ we fuel intent by adding our [[life]] source to that of the devine. | + | Tea lights can also be used. [[Traditionally]], it is said you should never blow out the flame, it is the same as putting out the [[breath]] of your own [[life]]. However, based on my tribal island heritage, I believe that ‘[[breath]] to [[breath]]’ we fuel intent by adding our [[life]] source to that of the [[devine]]. |
[[File:GrTara3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:GrTara3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Placement of the Bowls and Diya: | + | Placement of the [[Bowls]] and Diya: |
| − | The seven bowls must be carefully lined and are usually kept about a grain of {{Wiki|rice}} apart from each other. It is said that too much [[space]] between the bowls predicts a distance from your [[precious]] [[teacher]]. The [[Light]] (Diya) is placed behind the bowls, in front of the statue. Preparing the offerings: | + | The seven [[bowls]] must be carefully lined and are usually kept about a grain of {{Wiki|rice}} apart from each other. It is said that too much [[space]] between the [[bowls]] predicts a distance from your [[precious]] [[teacher]]. The [[Light]] (Diya) is placed behind the [[bowls]], in front of the statue. Preparing the [[offerings]]: |
| − | WATER | + | [[WATER]] [[Bowls]] 1, 2, 5: Wash, Drink, Perfume [[Bowls]] containing [[water]] must be filled up each night and emptied each morning as an [[offering]] to a household [[plant]]. The [[offering]] [[bowls]] should be cleaned, dried and placed upside down on the [[altar]]. An [[empty]] [[bowl]] is never left upright on an [[altar]] as it may [[cause]] resources to leave you. It is advised that a container be reserved for the purpose of filling the [[bowls]] each night. [[Traditionally]], {{Wiki|Sandalwood}} powder or oil is added to 2nd [[offering]] [[bowl]], and perfume/rosewater to the 5th [[Bowl]]. Fill each [[bowl]], generously as close to the top as possible, leaving approximately a grain of {{Wiki|rice}} spacing to the top of the [[bowls]]. Overflowing is considered a lack of [[discipline]] but filling just above the rim is just the opposite. [[Flower]], [[Incense]], [[Food]]: [[Traditionally]] the [[bowls]] not containing [[water]] are filled with {{Wiki|rice}} upon which you place the [[offered]] item. It is change when stale, and on each [[full moon]], the ‘old’ {{Wiki|rice}} [[offering]] it to the birds, {{Wiki|fish}} or other [[animals]]. It is now known that {{Wiki|rice}} can harm birds, I recommend using [[bird]] seed, or nuts as the base for the [[bowls]]. As with the {{Wiki|rice}}, change if it starts to get ‘old’ and on [[full moon]] and with my [[tradition]], [[new moon]], as an [[offering]] to the [[animals]]. Bless the [[offerings]]. Take some [[water]] in the perfumed [[water]] [[bowl]] (fifth [[bowl]]), soak the end of a piece of kush grass, and sprinkle the [[offerings]], reciting the [[mantra]]: RAM YAM KAM OM AH [[HUNG]] x 3. |
| − | RAM -purify: represents the [[fire]] that burns the [[impurities]]. | + | RAM -{{Wiki|purify}}: represents the [[fire]] that burns the [[impurities]]. |
| − | YAM – purify: represents the wind that sweeps them clean | + | YAM – {{Wiki|purify}}: represents the [[wind]] that sweeps them clean |
| − | KAM – purify: represents the [[water]] that washes the offerings | + | KAM – {{Wiki|purify}}: represents the [[water]] that washes the [[offerings]] |
| − | OM – bless: represents the Body | + | OM – bless: represents the [[Body]] |
| − | AH – bless: represents the Speech | + | AH – bless: represents the [[Speech]] |
| − | HUNG – bless: represents the Mind | + | HUNG – bless: represents the [[Mind]] |
| − | After the [[blessing]], as a sign of homage, do three Namaste bows.Alternate simplified [[offering]]: | + | After the [[blessing]], as a sign of homage, do three [[Namaste]] bows.Alternate simplified [[offering]]: |
| − | There is a more simple method of [[offering]] that may also be used. This [[offering]] consists of filling seven bowls of [[water]] each night, emptying them each morningA deeper look at the [[spiritual]] significance of the offerings: | + | There is a more simple method of [[offering]] that may also be used. This [[offering]] consists of filling seven [[bowls]] of [[water]] each night, emptying them each morningA deeper look at the [[spiritual]] significance of the [[offerings]]: |
| − | 1. Drinking Water | + | 1. Drinking [[Water]] |
| − | The first [[offering]] is that of [[pure]] drinking [[water]]. [[Offering]] [[water]] to cleanse the {{Wiki|mouth}} or face: It signifies auspiciousness or all the positive [[causes]] and [[conditions]] which bring positive effects. So, make an [[offering]] of [[water]] which is clean, fresh, cool, smooth, [[light]], delicious, comfortable to the throat and stomach – these qualities are the qualities of auspiciousness.It is [[offered]] with the [[thought]] that whatever benefit one accumulates may, for the present, bring about the [[annihilation]] of [[suffering]] through [[thirst]] among [[beings]]. Especially [[beings]] in [[realms]] such as the [[pretas]], or [[hungry ghosts]], may receive relief from the [[suffering]] of [[thirst]]. The [[offering]] is also made so that ultimately all [[beings]] may be permeated by [[loving kindness]] and compassion. | + | The first [[offering]] is that of [[pure]] drinking [[water]]. [[Offering]] [[water]] to cleanse the {{Wiki|mouth}} or face: It {{Wiki|signifies}} auspiciousness or all the positive [[causes]] and [[conditions]] which bring positive effects. So, make an [[offering]] of [[water]] which is clean, fresh, cool, smooth, [[light]], delicious, comfortable to the {{Wiki|throat}} and {{Wiki|stomach}} – these qualities are the qualities of auspiciousness.It is [[offered]] with the [[thought]] that whatever [[benefit]] one accumulates may, for the {{Wiki|present}}, bring about the [[annihilation]] of [[suffering]] through [[thirst]] among [[beings]]. Especially [[beings]] in [[realms]] such as the [[pretas]], or [[hungry ghosts]], may receive relief from the [[suffering]] of [[thirst]]. The [[offering]] is also made so that ultimately all [[beings]] may be permeated by [[loving kindness]] and [[compassion]]. |
[[File:GreenTara78.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:GreenTara78.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | 2. Bathing Water: | + | 2. Bathing [[Water]]: |
| − | This is clear [[water]] mixed with [[incense]] or {{Wiki|sandalwood}} which is made as an [[offering]] to all [[enlightened]] [[beings]]’ feet. The [[symbolic]] meaning is [[purification]]. By [[cleansing]] the feet of the [[enlightened]] [[beings]], we cleanse all our own negative [[karma]] and [[obscurations]]. By [[making offerings]] to clean the [[enlightened]] [[beings]] feet, we are really cleaning the “feet” of our own mind.Bathing waters are [[offered]] to the [[body]] of the [[Buddhas]], not because they need [[cleansing]], but because by making such an [[offering]] to the [[objects]] of [[refuge]], sufficient [[merit]] may be gained to bring about [[physical]] [[purification]] and [[cleansing]] of our own [[bodies]], which are [[subject]] to negativity and are very vulnerable. The [[offering]] is also made, ultimately, to dissolve [[obscurations]] that interfere with [[meditation]], that block [[Dharma]] understanding, and to purify all obstacles to [[Dharma]] practice. | + | This is clear [[water]] mixed with [[incense]] or {{Wiki|sandalwood}} which is made as an [[offering]] to all [[enlightened]] [[beings]]’ feet. The [[symbolic]] meaning is [[purification]]. By [[cleansing]] the feet of the [[enlightened]] [[beings]], we cleanse all our own negative [[karma]] and [[obscurations]]. By [[making offerings]] to clean the [[enlightened]] [[beings]] feet, we are really cleaning the “feet” of our own mind.Bathing waters are [[offered]] to the [[body]] of the [[Buddhas]], not because they need [[cleansing]], but because by making such an [[offering]] to the [[objects]] of [[refuge]], sufficient [[merit]] may be gained to bring about [[physical]] [[purification]] and [[cleansing]] of our own [[bodies]], which are [[subject]] to negativity and are very vulnerable. The [[offering]] is also made, ultimately, to dissolve [[obscurations]] that interfere with [[meditation]], that block [[Dharma]] [[understanding]], and to {{Wiki|purify}} all {{Wiki|obstacles}} to [[Dharma]] practice. |
| − | 3. Flowers: | + | 3. [[Flowers]]: |
| − | Offering [[flowers]] signifies the practice of [[generosity]] and opens the [[heart]]. It awakens one to beautify their surroundings, though the gift of [[flowers]] is quite unnecessary in the [[perfection]] of their [[Buddha]] [[realms]]. Again it is for the benefit of those who make the [[offering]] and it is made with the {{Wiki|intention}} that all [[beings]] might find [[noble]] [[forms]] to inhabit, and ultimately, that all [[beings]] might embody in their [[forms]] all of the [[ | + | [[Offering]] [[flowers]] {{Wiki|signifies}} the practice of [[generosity]] and opens the [[heart]]. It awakens one to beautify their surroundings, though the [[gift]] of [[flowers]] is quite unnecessary in the [[perfection]] of their [[Buddha]] [[realms]]. Again it is for the [[benefit]] of those who make the [[offering]] and it is made with the {{Wiki|intention}} that all [[beings]] might find [[noble]] [[forms]] to inhabit, and ultimately, that all [[beings]] might embody in their [[forms]] all of the marks and [[attributes]] of [[enlightenment]], like the [[awakened]] ones. |
| − | 4. Incense: | + | 4. [[Incense]]: |
| − | Offering [[incense]] symbolises [[moral]] [[ethics]] or [[discipline]]. [[Incense]] is [[offered]] so that the [[annihilation]] of all [[unpleasant]] and unhealthful smells may take place, and, ultimately, that the [[merit]] accumulated might bring about the [[realization]] of [[perfection]] of the profound scent of [[discipline]]. It has been said that whoever has perfected the [[discipline]] is surrounded by a [[sweet]] fragrance. | + | [[Offering]] [[incense]] symbolises [[moral]] [[ethics]] or [[discipline]]. [[Incense]] is [[offered]] so that the [[annihilation]] of all [[unpleasant]] and [[unhealthful]] {{Wiki|smells}} may take place, and, ultimately, that the [[merit]] accumulated might bring about the [[realization]] of [[perfection]] of the profound scent of [[discipline]]. It has been said that whoever has perfected the [[discipline]] is surrounded by a [[sweet]] {{Wiki|fragrance}}. |
[[File:Wt2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Wt2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
5. Perfume: | 5. Perfume: | ||
| − | Offering of perfume or the fragrance from {{Wiki|saffron}} or {{Wiki|sandalwood}}. It signifies perseverance or [[joyous]] [[effort]]. Through that one quality, one develops all the qualities of enlightenment.We make the [[offering]] so that temporarily all negative patterns may be [[purified]], such as [[aggression]], [[ignorance]] and [[attachment]], and that ultimately not only the habitual patterns of [[beings]] but also the outer environment may become [[purified]] and perfected. | + | [[Offering]] of perfume or the {{Wiki|fragrance}} from {{Wiki|saffron}} or {{Wiki|sandalwood}}. It {{Wiki|signifies}} perseverance or [[joyous]] [[effort]]. Through that one quality, one develops all the qualities of enlightenment.We make the [[offering]] so that temporarily all negative patterns may be [[purified]], such as [[aggression]], [[ignorance]] and [[attachment]], and that ultimately not only the habitual patterns of [[beings]] but also the outer environment may become [[purified]] and perfected. |
| − | 6. Food: | + | 6. [[Food]]: |
| − | The seventh [[offering]] is the [[offering]] of [[food]]. [[Offering]] of [[food]] which has a lot of different tastes signifies [[samadhi]], which is a [[nectar]] or [[ambrosia]] to feed the mind.The [[awakened ones]] have no need to indulge in material [[food]] [[offerings]], but the purpose of such [[offerings]] made to the [[enlightened]] [[objects]] of [[refuge]] is to temporarily relieve [[suffering]] that [[beings]] [[experience]] through hunger and starvation, and to bring about an abundance of [[food]]. Ultimately, the [[offering]] is made so that [[beings]] may [[experience]] the perfect state of [[meditation]], of [[samadhi]], and that all [[beings]] may [[live]] on the spontaneous [[food]] of meditation. | + | The seventh [[offering]] is the [[offering]] of [[food]]. [[Offering]] of [[food]] which has a lot of different {{Wiki|tastes}} {{Wiki|signifies}} [[samadhi]], which is a [[nectar]] or [[ambrosia]] to feed the mind.The [[awakened ones]] have no need to indulge in material [[food]] [[offerings]], but the purpose of such [[offerings]] made to the [[enlightened]] [[objects]] of [[refuge]] is to temporarily relieve [[suffering]] that [[beings]] [[experience]] through hunger and starvation, and to bring about an abundance of [[food]]. Ultimately, the [[offering]] is made so that [[beings]] may [[experience]] the perfect state of [[meditation]], of [[samadhi]], and that all [[beings]] may [[live]] on the spontaneous [[food]] of [[meditation]]. |
| − | 7. Sound: | + | 7. [[Sound]]: |
| − | Their nature is [[wisdom]], which makes an [[offering]] to the {{Wiki|ears}} of the [[Buddhas]] and [[Bodhisattvas]] and all the [[enlightened]] [[beings]]. [[Sound]] represents [[wisdom]] because [[wisdom]] is a special [[power]] of the [[mind]] which penetrates [[phenomena]]. [[Compassion]] is achieved through great [[wisdom]]; [[interdependence]] of all [[phenomena]] is realised through great [[wisdom]]. of course all [[phenomena]] have the nature of [[interdependence]], [[causes]] and [[conditions]], but [[sound]] is especially easy to understand. | + | Their [[nature]] is [[wisdom]], which makes an [[offering]] to the {{Wiki|ears}} of the [[Buddhas]] and [[Bodhisattvas]] and all the [[enlightened]] [[beings]]. [[Sound]] represents [[wisdom]] because [[wisdom]] is a special [[power]] of the [[mind]] which penetrates [[phenomena]]. [[Compassion]] is achieved through great [[wisdom]]; [[interdependence]] of all [[phenomena]] is realised through great [[wisdom]]. of course all [[phenomena]] have the [[nature]] of [[interdependence]], [[causes]] and [[conditions]], but [[sound]] is especially easy to understand. |
8. Light: | 8. Light: | ||
Latest revision as of 22:47, 6 February 2014
The 8 Traditional Offerings
The eight offerings are made in seven bowls and a lamp. Beginning on the right, the offerings are water for drinking, water for washing, flowers, incense, light, perfumed water, food, and music.
BOWL 1: Argham (Chod yon): water for drinking
BOWL 2: Padhyam (Shab sil): water for washing.
BOWL 3: Pushpe (Me tog): Flowers.
BOWL 4: Dhuppe (Dug po): Incense (this is not burned).
BOWL 5: Gendhe (Dri Chab): Water, perfumed.
BOWL 6: Nivide (Shalse): Food.
BOWL 7: Symbol of Music. (ie: Shell, bell, cymbals)
LIGHT 8: Diya – place in front of statue behind the row of seven bowls.
Tea lights can also be used. Traditionally, it is said you should never blow out the flame, it is the same as putting out the breath of your own life. However, based on my tribal island heritage, I believe that ‘breath to breath’ we fuel intent by adding our life source to that of the devine.
Placement of the Bowls and Diya:
The seven bowls must be carefully lined and are usually kept about a grain of rice apart from each other. It is said that too much space between the bowls predicts a distance from your precious teacher. The Light (Diya) is placed behind the bowls, in front of the statue. Preparing the offerings:
WATER Bowls 1, 2, 5: Wash, Drink, Perfume Bowls containing water must be filled up each night and emptied each morning as an offering to a household plant. The offering bowls should be cleaned, dried and placed upside down on the altar. An empty bowl is never left upright on an altar as it may cause resources to leave you. It is advised that a container be reserved for the purpose of filling the bowls each night. Traditionally, Sandalwood powder or oil is added to 2nd offering bowl, and perfume/rosewater to the 5th Bowl. Fill each bowl, generously as close to the top as possible, leaving approximately a grain of rice spacing to the top of the bowls. Overflowing is considered a lack of discipline but filling just above the rim is just the opposite. Flower, Incense, Food: Traditionally the bowls not containing water are filled with rice upon which you place the offered item. It is change when stale, and on each full moon, the ‘old’ rice offering it to the birds, fish or other animals. It is now known that rice can harm birds, I recommend using bird seed, or nuts as the base for the bowls. As with the rice, change if it starts to get ‘old’ and on full moon and with my tradition, new moon, as an offering to the animals. Bless the offerings. Take some water in the perfumed water bowl (fifth bowl), soak the end of a piece of kush grass, and sprinkle the offerings, reciting the mantra: RAM YAM KAM OM AH HUNG x 3.
RAM -purify: represents the fire that burns the impurities.
YAM – purify: represents the wind that sweeps them clean
KAM – purify: represents the water that washes the offerings
OM – bless: represents the Body
AH – bless: represents the Speech
HUNG – bless: represents the Mind
After the blessing, as a sign of homage, do three Namaste bows.Alternate simplified offering:
There is a more simple method of offering that may also be used. This offering consists of filling seven bowls of water each night, emptying them each morningA deeper look at the spiritual significance of the offerings:
1. Drinking Water
The first offering is that of pure drinking water. Offering water to cleanse the mouth or face: It signifies auspiciousness or all the positive causes and conditions which bring positive effects. So, make an offering of water which is clean, fresh, cool, smooth, light, delicious, comfortable to the throat and stomach – these qualities are the qualities of auspiciousness.It is offered with the thought that whatever benefit one accumulates may, for the present, bring about the annihilation of suffering through thirst among beings. Especially beings in realms such as the pretas, or hungry ghosts, may receive relief from the suffering of thirst. The offering is also made so that ultimately all beings may be permeated by loving kindness and compassion.
2. Bathing Water:
This is clear water mixed with incense or sandalwood which is made as an offering to all enlightened beings’ feet. The symbolic meaning is purification. By cleansing the feet of the enlightened beings, we cleanse all our own negative karma and obscurations. By making offerings to clean the enlightened beings feet, we are really cleaning the “feet” of our own mind.Bathing waters are offered to the body of the Buddhas, not because they need cleansing, but because by making such an offering to the objects of refuge, sufficient merit may be gained to bring about physical purification and cleansing of our own bodies, which are subject to negativity and are very vulnerable. The offering is also made, ultimately, to dissolve obscurations that interfere with meditation, that block Dharma understanding, and to purify all obstacles to Dharma practice.
3. Flowers:
Offering flowers signifies the practice of generosity and opens the heart. It awakens one to beautify their surroundings, though the gift of flowers is quite unnecessary in the perfection of their Buddha realms. Again it is for the benefit of those who make the offering and it is made with the intention that all beings might find noble forms to inhabit, and ultimately, that all beings might embody in their forms all of the marks and attributes of enlightenment, like the awakened ones.
4. Incense:
Offering incense symbolises moral ethics or discipline. Incense is offered so that the annihilation of all unpleasant and unhealthful smells may take place, and, ultimately, that the merit accumulated might bring about the realization of perfection of the profound scent of discipline. It has been said that whoever has perfected the discipline is surrounded by a sweet fragrance.
5. Perfume:
Offering of perfume or the fragrance from saffron or sandalwood. It signifies perseverance or joyous effort. Through that one quality, one develops all the qualities of enlightenment.We make the offering so that temporarily all negative patterns may be purified, such as aggression, ignorance and attachment, and that ultimately not only the habitual patterns of beings but also the outer environment may become purified and perfected.
6. Food:
The seventh offering is the offering of food. Offering of food which has a lot of different tastes signifies samadhi, which is a nectar or ambrosia to feed the mind.The awakened ones have no need to indulge in material food offerings, but the purpose of such offerings made to the enlightened objects of refuge is to temporarily relieve suffering that beings experience through hunger and starvation, and to bring about an abundance of food. Ultimately, the offering is made so that beings may experience the perfect state of meditation, of samadhi, and that all beings may live on the spontaneous food of meditation.
7. Sound:
Their nature is wisdom, which makes an offering to the ears of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and all the enlightened beings. Sound represents wisdom because wisdom is a special power of the mind which penetrates phenomena. Compassion is achieved through great wisdom; interdependence of all phenomena is realised through great wisdom. of course all phenomena have the nature of interdependence, causes and conditions, but sound is especially easy to understand.
8. Light:
The fifth offering is the offering of the lamp. The awakened ones, seeing through their wisdom eyes, have no need for such a small light, yet the offering of it is made with the thought that ignorance may be purified in all beings. It is made so that ultimately the merit of such offerings of light might cause the transcendental knowledge and experience to become manifest in all beings just as it has in the Buddhas and enlightened ones.
