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Difference between revisions of "Tsog Offering Practice"

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(Created page with " Rinpoche made the following comments on the tsog ceremony. My very dear Charlotte, Thank you very much for all your devotion, dedication, and service to me and to al...")
 
 
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Rinpoche made the following comments on the tsog ceremony.
+
[[Rinpoche]] made the following comments on the [[tsog]] {{Wiki|ceremony}}.
  
  
 
My very dear Charlotte,
 
My very dear Charlotte,
Thank you very much for all your devotion, dedication, and service to me and to all sentient beings in the organization. When I was doing Vajrasattva tsog with the group, I saw a few things in the text that I wanted to comment on.
+
Thank you very much for all your [[devotion]], [[dedication]], and service to me and to all [[sentient beings]] in the [[organization]]. When I was doing [[Vajrasattva]] [[tsog]] with the group, I saw a few things in the text that I wanted to comment on.
  
First, there needs to be a brief introduction to the tsog offering practice to help others to understand more, to elaborate a little the explanation, the meaning of tsog. It does not just mean torma and foods that you offer, that is not the meaning. This is a more extensive explanation of what tsog is, and the importance of and benefits of it.
+
First, there needs to be a brief introduction to the [[tsog offering]] practice to help others to understand more, to elaborate a little the explanation, the meaning of [[tsog]]. It does not just mean [[torma]] and [[foods]] that you offer, that is not the meaning. This is a more extensive explanation of what [[tsog]] is, and the importance of and benefits of it.
  
When only male yogis gather it is called a feast of heroes, when only female yoginis gather it is called a feast of heroines. When both males and females gather it is called a feast of yogis and yoginis (heroes and heroines). This is what is called tsog.
+
When only {{Wiki|male}} [[yogis]] [[gather]] it is called a feast of heroes, when only {{Wiki|female}} [[yoginis]] [[gather]] it is called a feast of heroines. When both {{Wiki|males}} and females [[gather]] it is called a feast of [[yogis]] and [[yoginis]] (heroes and heroines). This is what is called [[tsog]].
  
It is said by Pandit Ratna Raksherita:
+
It is said by [[Pandit]] [[Ratna]] Raksherita:
  
Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
+
Those doing the [[activities]] of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines,
+
Similarly, those doing the [[activities]] of [[yoginis]], it is called the feast of the heroines,
Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle
+
Those whose [[minds]] are enriched with control of the circle
Of the integrated method and wisdom,
+
Of the integrated [[method and wisdom]],
 
That is called the circle of unification
 
That is called the circle of unification
  
The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).
+
The very [[highest]] meaning of [[tsog]] is to join [[method and wisdom]]. The real meaning of experiencing [[tsog]] is the [[transcendental wisdom]], non dual great [[bliss]] – the [[wisdom of emptiness]], the [[non-duality]] of that, and uniting these two. That is the very [[essence]] of [[tsog]]. It is the [[offering]] of that [[experience]], oneself experiencing it, the {{Wiki|male}} and {{Wiki|female}} heroes and heroines, of which the [[essence]] is the [[guru]] [[deity]], and oneself also experiencing that, as the [[guru]] [[deity]]. The real meaning of [[tsog]] is integrating [[method and wisdom]], the [[transcendental wisdom]], [[non-dual]] [[bliss]] and [[voidness]] (this is the secret meaning).
  
The need for the actual tsog substances is to develop the very heart of the Mahayana and tantric path, that brings enlightenment in one brief lifetime of these degenerate times, because it ceases the defilements quickly, including the actual negative imprints left on the mental continuum by the delusions, and is the quickest way to collect extensive merit, which takes three countless great eons on the paramita path to collect to achieve enlightenment. Here, in a brief lifetime of these degenerate times, using the transcendental wisdom of non-dual bliss and voidness to increase this, one needs to enjoy these tsog substances.
+
The need for the actual [[tsog]] {{Wiki|substances}} is to develop the very [[heart]] of the [[Mahayana]] and [[tantric path]], that brings [[enlightenment]] in one brief [[lifetime]] of these [[degenerate times]], because it ceases the [[defilements]] quickly, [[including]] the actual negative imprints left on the [[mental continuum]] by the [[delusions]], and is the quickest way to collect extensive [[merit]], which takes three countless great [[eons]] on the [[paramita]] [[path]] to collect to achieve [[enlightenment]]. Here, in a brief [[lifetime]] of these [[degenerate times]], using the [[transcendental wisdom]] of [[non-dual]] [[bliss]] and [[voidness]] [[to increase]] this, one needs to enjoy these [[tsog]] {{Wiki|substances}}.
  
This is the principal method of the circle of tsog, to gain general attainments, and it is the principal method to restore samaya, tantric vows, pacify obstacles, and is the main cause for achieving Heruka and Vajrayogini’s pure land – Tharpo Kachoe (pure sky enjoyment). This is the principal cause to be born there. Therefore, one should practice offering tsog.
+
This is the [[principal]] method of the circle of [[tsog]], to gain general [[attainments]], and it is the [[principal]] method to restore [[samaya]], [[tantric vows]], pacify [[obstacles]], and is the main [[cause]] for achieving [[Heruka]] and [[Vajrayogini’s]] [[pure land]] – Tharpo Kachoe ([[pure]] sky [[enjoyment]]). This is the [[principal]] [[cause]] to be born there. Therefore, one should practice [[offering]] [[tsog]].
  
The best is to offer tsog every day. If not, then as it is explained in the Heruka Root Tantra:
+
The best is to offer [[tsog]] every day. If not, then as it is explained in the [[Heruka Root Tantra]]:
  
Quickly attempt to make offerings
+
Quickly attempt to make [[offerings]]
Every waxing and waning of each month do tsog.
+
Every waxing and waning of each month do [[tsog]].
  
[On the waxing moon means on the 10th day of the Tibetan calendar, and on the waning moon means on the 25th day of the Tibetan calendar.]
+
[On the [[waxing moon]] means on the 10th day of the [[Tibetan calendar]], and on the waning [[moon]] means on the 25th day of the [[Tibetan calendar]].]
  
The great tantric master Abayakaya says:
+
The great [[tantric master]] Abayakaya says:
  
 
Every day as much as possible (meaning if one cannot do it every day, then as many times as possible)
 
Every day as much as possible (meaning if one cannot do it every day, then as many times as possible)
 
It is especially admired in the night time
 
It is especially admired in the night time
 
At least once a month, or if that doesn't get done then at least once a year
 
At least once a month, or if that doesn't get done then at least once a year
If one transgresses this circle then you degenerate samaya.
+
If one transgresses this circle then you degenerate [[samaya]].
  
According to the Heruka Root Tantra, the best time to do tsog is the nighttime.
+
According to the [[Heruka Root Tantra]], the best time to do [[tsog]] is the nighttime.
  
From the Heruka Root Tantra:
+
From the [[Heruka Root Tantra]]:
  
Offering extensive food and drink
+
[[Offering]] extensive [[food]] and drink
 
Always do at night time – why?
 
Always do at night time – why?
 
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
 
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.
+
Always wander at nighttime and always [[gather]] at nighttime.
  
This means the dakas and dakinis always wander at night time and gather at nighttime.
+
This means the [[dakas]] and [[dakinis]] always wander at night time and [[gather]] at nighttime.
  
The Tibetan 11th month (Gyal Dawa) is a special time for mother tantra, a special time for Vajrayogini, and a special month to offer Vajrayogini tsog. The Tibetan 12th month is a special time for father tantra, a special time for Chakrasamvara, and a special month to offer Chakrasamvara tsog. Especially in these two months it is very important to offer tsog.
+
The [[Tibetan]] 11th month ([[Gyal]] [[Dawa]]) is a special time for [[mother tantra]], a special time for [[Vajrayogini]], and a special month to offer [[Vajrayogini]] [[tsog]]. The [[Tibetan]] 12th month is a special time for [[father tantra]], a special time for [[Chakrasamvara]], and a special month to offer [[Chakrasamvara]] [[tsog]]. Especially in these two months it is very important to offer [[tsog]].
  
Heruka appeared to Khedrup Je and spoke:
+
[[Heruka]] appeared to [[Khedrup Je]] and spoke:
  
 
The waxing and waning of each month
 
The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
+
If good [[tsog]] is [[offered]]
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
+
Then one has no {{Wiki|hardships}}, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe.
+
And one goes to the [[pure land]] of Tharpo Kachoe.
  
This is in the biography of Khedrup Je, who is Lama Tsongkhapa’s heart disciple. Of Lama Tsongkhapa’s two main heart disciples, Khedrup Je is the one whose eyes have a more wrathful aspect.
+
This is in the {{Wiki|biography}} of [[Khedrup Je]], who is [[Lama]] [[Tsongkhapa’s]] [[heart disciple]]. Of [[Lama]] [[Tsongkhapa’s]] two main [[heart disciples]], [[Khedrup Je]] is the one whose [[eyes]] have a more [[wrathful]] aspect.
  
Regarding the actual offering substances, even if you don't have any other substances, then at least you need bala (meat) and madana (alcohol). These two are of utmost importance; you need to have these two for tsog substances.
+
Regarding the actual [[offering substances]], even if you don't have any other {{Wiki|substances}}, then at least you need [[bala]] (meat) and [[madana]] ([[alcohol]]). These two are of utmost importance; you need to have these two for [[tsog]] {{Wiki|substances}}.
  
From the Tantra Do Jung:
+
From the [[Tantra]] Do {{Wiki|Jung}}:
  
Without torma intoxicating
+
Without [[torma]] [[intoxicating]]
You won’t have quick attainments
+
You won’t have quick [[attainments]]
  
Here, the intoxicating refers to alcohol; it does not refer to other drugs.
+
Here, the [[intoxicating]] refers to [[alcohol]]; it does not refer to other [[drugs]].
  
From the Heruka Root Tantra:
+
From the [[Heruka Root Tantra]]:
  
Vajra goddess – intoxicating and meat
+
[[Vajra]] [[goddess]] [[intoxicating]] and meat
If the capable being offers these with devotion and respect
+
If the capable being offers these with [[devotion]] and [[respect]]
Then Heruka will be actually pleased
+
Then [[Heruka]] will be actually [[pleased]]
Therefore making offerings with a very satisfied mind
+
Therefore making [[offerings]] with a very satisfied [[mind]]
Then sublimeness (enlightenment) will be granted.
+
Then sublimeness ([[enlightenment]]) will be granted.
  
This means that those who are doing this practice, because Heruka is actually pleased, sublimeness (enlightenment) will be handed to you, it will be very easy to achieve full enlightenment (it is like saying you will achieve liberation in the palm of your hand, very easily.) If you correctly practice, then liberation is not far, not difficult, it is in your hands. It means you can achieve liberation easily and very quickly.
+
This means that those who are doing this practice, because [[Heruka]] is actually [[pleased]], sublimeness ([[enlightenment]]) will be handed to you, it will be very easy to achieve [[full enlightenment]] (it is like saying you will achieve [[liberation in the palm of your hand]], very easily.) If you correctly practice, then [[liberation]] is not far, not difficult, it is in your hands. It means you can achieve [[liberation]] easily and very quickly.
  
When you perform tsog, the tsog substances should be as follows: on the right side is the bala (meat), and on the left side is the madana (wine).
+
When you perform [[tsog]], the [[tsog]] {{Wiki|substances}} should be as follows: on the right side is the [[bala]] (meat), and on the left side is the [[madana]] (wine).
  
It is mentioned in the tantric text Nyingpo Gyen (Heart Ornament) with this special term for wine – madana, and meat – bala. What happens when you use these two terms is psychological. If you mention just wine and meat, then it is ordinary, and then one has an ordinary appearance. Also, when you experience it (taste it), all you taste is meat and wine. Then, it does not become part of tsog practice. You have to taste it with pure thought and pure appearance. One has purified and blessed it into nectar. The real meaning of tsog is transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness.
+
It is mentioned in the [[tantric text]] [[Nyingpo]] Gyen ([[Heart]] Ornament) with this special term for wine – [[madana]], and meat – [[bala]]. What happens when you use these two terms is [[psychological]]. If you mention just wine and meat, then it is ordinary, and then one has an ordinary [[appearance]]. Also, when you [[experience]] it ({{Wiki|taste}} it), all you {{Wiki|taste}} is meat and wine. Then, it does not become part of [[tsog]] practice. You have to {{Wiki|taste}} it with [[pure]] [[thought]] and [[pure appearance]]. One has [[purified]] and blessed it into [[nectar]]. The real meaning of [[tsog]] is [[transcendental wisdom]], [[non-dual]] [[bliss]] and [[voidness]].
  
So, when one takes the tsog, one experiences that. Even if it is not actually experienced, then at least visualize it is happening, that one is experiencing that. So take them with this recognition, with the pure transcended mind.
+
So, when one takes the [[tsog]], one [[experiences]] that. Even if it is not actually [[experienced]], then at least [[visualize]] it is happening, that one is experiencing that. So take them with this {{Wiki|recognition}}, with the [[pure]] transcended [[mind]].
  
Also, you can't put tsog on the ground. Sometimes at Kopan Monastery I see that they just offer the tsog and throw it on the ground (i.e. they don’t put it on a plate or in a bag). It is always better to use a paper plate or paper bag. If you just put it straight on the ground, then the people who serve the tsog and the people who receive the tsog actually receive a tantric vice (bonpo); this is very heavy. So, it is better use a paper bag or paper plate, like they use in Namgyal monastery, to protect the tsog. It is mentioned when collecting the remaining tsog to start from the bottom of each row. When you offer tsog, you offer it first to the Vajra Master, and when you collect the remaining tsog you start from the bottom of each row and work up to the top, and, lastly, you collect it from the Vajra Master.
+
Also, you can't put [[tsog]] on the ground. Sometimes at [[Kopan Monastery]] I see that they just offer the [[tsog]] and throw it on the ground (i.e. they don’t put it on a plate or in a bag). It is always better to use a paper plate or paper bag. If you just put it straight on the ground, then the [[people]] who serve the [[tsog]] and the [[people]] who receive the [[tsog]] actually receive a [[tantric]] vice ([[bonpo]]); this is very heavy. So, it is better use a paper bag or paper plate, like they use in [[Namgyal monastery]], to {{Wiki|protect}} the [[tsog]]. It is mentioned when collecting the remaining [[tsog]] to start from the bottom of each row. When you offer [[tsog]], you offer it first to the [[Vajra Master]], and when you collect the remaining [[tsog]] you start from the bottom of each row and work up to the top, and, lastly, you collect it from the [[Vajra Master]].
  
As well as having the bala and madana to collect more merit, you can also offer other substances as extensively as you can. On certain specific occasions, if you have the substances, you can make an actual torma tsog, using tsampa (or oats, flour, or whatever can be shaped).
+
As well as having the [[bala]] and [[madana]] to collect more [[merit]], you can also offer other {{Wiki|substances}} as extensively as you can. On certain specific occasions, if you have the {{Wiki|substances}}, you can make an actual [[torma]] [[tsog]], using [[tsampa]] (or oats, flour, or whatever can be shaped).
  
Make the torma in the shape of a human heart or human breast. The torma must have decorations. The decorations should be a Dharma wheel, with flower petals around it, and it must have a sun, moon, and nada (three curves) on the top. This is according to Lama Tsongkhapa and Pabongka Rinpoche’s tradition.
+
Make the [[torma]] in the shape of a [[human]] [[heart]] or [[human]] {{Wiki|breast}}. The [[torma]] must have decorations. The decorations should be a [[Dharma wheel]], with [[flower]] petals around it, and it must have a {{Wiki|sun}}, [[moon]], and [[nada]] (three curves) on the top. This is according to [[Lama Tsongkhapa]] and [[Pabongka Rinpoche’s]] [[tradition]].
  
When offering Vajrasattva tsog, what I remember according to Lama Yeshe, is that when you recite the Vajrasattva mantra you play the bell only. Then, regarding the rest, it should be the same as Lama Chöpa: “…Nye cher bul,” then you ring the bell. If you are doing the chanting in a short way, then you must ring the bell. When you are doing the chanting in a long way, then you can you can play the bell and damaru at “OM AH HUM”. When you are doing it quickly, then just do “ner chy bul” and “em ah ho,” then play the bell, damaru, and cymbals. When doing “Lama Dorje Sempa,” you must ring the bell. At the last words, then ring the bell, damaru and cymbals. But when you are just reciting Vajrasattva mantra, then you just ring the bell. As I mentioned during the initiation, when you ring the bell during the mantra, this is not an offering. When you ring the bell the sound means: no phenomena among us has inherent existence, everything is empty. Here, it is reminding you that negative karmas are empty, do not exist from their own side, so you can purify negative karma by meditating on emptiness; the bell is reminding you of this. Meditate that you – the creator, the action – creating, and the object – negative karma, are also empty. This is the meditation to be done when ringing the bell during the Vajrasattva mantra.
+
When [[offering]] [[Vajrasattva]] [[tsog]], what I remember according to [[Lama Yeshe]], is that when you recite the [[Vajrasattva mantra]] you play the [[bell]] only. Then, regarding the rest, it should be the same as [[Lama Chöpa]]: “…Nye cher bul,” then you ring the [[bell]]. If you are doing the [[chanting]] in a short way, then you must ring the [[bell]]. When you are doing the [[chanting]] in a long way, then you can you can play the [[bell]] and [[damaru]] at “[[OM]] [[AH]] [[HUM]]”. When you are doing it quickly, then just do “ner chy bul” and “em [[ah]] ho,” then play the [[bell]], [[damaru]], and [[cymbals]]. When doing “[[Lama Dorje]] [[Sempa]],” you must ring the [[bell]]. At the last words, then ring the [[bell]], [[damaru]] and [[cymbals]]. But when you are just reciting [[Vajrasattva mantra]], then you just ring the [[bell]]. As I mentioned during the [[initiation]], when you ring the [[bell]] during the [[mantra]], this is not an [[offering]]. When you ring the [[bell]] the [[sound]] means: no [[phenomena]] among us has [[inherent existence]], everything is [[empty]]. Here, it is reminding you that negative [[karmas]] are [[empty]], do not [[exist]] from their [[own]] side, so you can {{Wiki|purify}} [[negative karma]] by [[meditating on emptiness]]; the [[bell]] is reminding you of this. [[Meditate]] that you – the creator, the [[action]] – creating, and the [[object]] [[negative karma]], are also [[empty]]. This is the [[meditation]] to be done when ringing the [[bell]] during the [[Vajrasattva mantra]].
  
Cheese is not qualified for tsog, it actually needs meat, as I have explained in those quotations, the pure references from the tantric texts.
+
Cheese is not qualified for [[tsog]], it actually needs meat, as I have explained in those quotations, the [[pure]] references from the [[tantric]] texts.
  
Those who are not familiar with tantric practice can be totally shocked if you are Buddhist and you are seen eating meat; they think it is like killing a human being. Once in Bodhgaya, there were one or two Theravadan monks present, and the leader of the temple passed the meat and also offered it to them. His Holiness the Dalai Lama was present. He made a little smile, because the person had offered meat to somebody who doesn't understand the practice. But the Theravadans ate whatever they were offered. Normally, they don't eat in the evening, and for them to be offered tsog substances in the afternoon was strange. Using cheese is for such an occasion when there are people from other traditions present who might be shocked or lose faith.
+
Those who are not familiar with [[tantric practice]] can be totally shocked if you are [[Buddhist]] and you are seen eating meat; they think it is like {{Wiki|killing}} a [[human being]]. Once in [[Bodhgaya]], there were one or two [[Theravadan]] [[monks]] {{Wiki|present}}, and the leader of the [[temple]] passed the meat and also [[offered]] it to them. [[His Holiness the Dalai Lama]] was {{Wiki|present}}. He made a little [[smile]], because the [[person]] had [[offered]] meat to somebody who doesn't understand the practice. But the [[Theravadans]] ate whatever they were [[offered]]. Normally, they don't eat in the evening, and for them to be [[offered]] [[tsog]] {{Wiki|substances}} in the afternoon was strange. Using cheese is for such an occasion when there are [[people]] from other [[traditions]] {{Wiki|present}} who might be shocked or lose [[faith]].
  
But it seems even some monks at Kopan Monastery, as well as other people, are using fruit juice for alcohol. The people passing the substances should be aware not to pass the meat and alcohol to people who do not practice Highest Tantra or to Theravadans who do not eat in the evening/afternoon.
+
But it seems even some [[monks]] at [[Kopan Monastery]], as well as other [[people]], are using fruit juice for [[alcohol]]. The [[people]] passing the {{Wiki|substances}} should be {{Wiki|aware}} not to pass the meat and [[alcohol]] to [[people]] who do not practice [[Highest Tantra]] or to [[Theravadans]] who do not eat in the evening/afternoon.
  
  

Latest revision as of 02:18, 11 February 2020





Rinpoche made the following comments on the tsog ceremony.


My very dear Charlotte, Thank you very much for all your devotion, dedication, and service to me and to all sentient beings in the organization. When I was doing Vajrasattva tsog with the group, I saw a few things in the text that I wanted to comment on.

First, there needs to be a brief introduction to the tsog offering practice to help others to understand more, to elaborate a little the explanation, the meaning of tsog. It does not just mean torma and foods that you offer, that is not the meaning. This is a more extensive explanation of what tsog is, and the importance of and benefits of it.

When only male yogis gather it is called a feast of heroes, when only female yoginis gather it is called a feast of heroines. When both males and females gather it is called a feast of yogis and yoginis (heroes and heroines). This is what is called tsog.

It is said by Pandit Ratna Raksherita:

Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes, Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines, Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle Of the integrated method and wisdom, That is called the circle of unification

The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).

The need for the actual tsog substances is to develop the very heart of the Mahayana and tantric path, that brings enlightenment in one brief lifetime of these degenerate times, because it ceases the defilements quickly, including the actual negative imprints left on the mental continuum by the delusions, and is the quickest way to collect extensive merit, which takes three countless great eons on the paramita path to collect to achieve enlightenment. Here, in a brief lifetime of these degenerate times, using the transcendental wisdom of non-dual bliss and voidness to increase this, one needs to enjoy these tsog substances.

This is the principal method of the circle of tsog, to gain general attainments, and it is the principal method to restore samaya, tantric vows, pacify obstacles, and is the main cause for achieving Heruka and Vajrayogini’s pure land – Tharpo Kachoe (pure sky enjoyment). This is the principal cause to be born there. Therefore, one should practice offering tsog.

The best is to offer tsog every day. If not, then as it is explained in the Heruka Root Tantra:

Quickly attempt to make offerings Every waxing and waning of each month do tsog.

[On the waxing moon means on the 10th day of the Tibetan calendar, and on the waning moon means on the 25th day of the Tibetan calendar.]

The great tantric master Abayakaya says:

Every day as much as possible (meaning if one cannot do it every day, then as many times as possible) It is especially admired in the night time At least once a month, or if that doesn't get done then at least once a year If one transgresses this circle then you degenerate samaya.

According to the Heruka Root Tantra, the best time to do tsog is the nighttime.

From the Heruka Root Tantra:

Offering extensive food and drink Always do at night time – why? Because it is admired to do at nighttime Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.

This means the dakas and dakinis always wander at night time and gather at nighttime.

The Tibetan 11th month (Gyal Dawa) is a special time for mother tantra, a special time for Vajrayogini, and a special month to offer Vajrayogini tsog. The Tibetan 12th month is a special time for father tantra, a special time for Chakrasamvara, and a special month to offer Chakrasamvara tsog. Especially in these two months it is very important to offer tsog.

Heruka appeared to Khedrup Je and spoke:

The waxing and waning of each month If good tsog is offered Then one has no hardships, no difficulties And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe.

This is in the biography of Khedrup Je, who is Lama Tsongkhapa’s heart disciple. Of Lama Tsongkhapa’s two main heart disciples, Khedrup Je is the one whose eyes have a more wrathful aspect.

Regarding the actual offering substances, even if you don't have any other substances, then at least you need bala (meat) and madana (alcohol). These two are of utmost importance; you need to have these two for tsog substances.

From the Tantra Do Jung:

Without torma intoxicating You won’t have quick attainments

Here, the intoxicating refers to alcohol; it does not refer to other drugs.

From the Heruka Root Tantra:

Vajra goddessintoxicating and meat If the capable being offers these with devotion and respect Then Heruka will be actually pleased Therefore making offerings with a very satisfied mind Then sublimeness (enlightenment) will be granted.

This means that those who are doing this practice, because Heruka is actually pleased, sublimeness (enlightenment) will be handed to you, it will be very easy to achieve full enlightenment (it is like saying you will achieve liberation in the palm of your hand, very easily.) If you correctly practice, then liberation is not far, not difficult, it is in your hands. It means you can achieve liberation easily and very quickly.

When you perform tsog, the tsog substances should be as follows: on the right side is the bala (meat), and on the left side is the madana (wine).

It is mentioned in the tantric text Nyingpo Gyen (Heart Ornament) with this special term for wine – madana, and meat – bala. What happens when you use these two terms is psychological. If you mention just wine and meat, then it is ordinary, and then one has an ordinary appearance. Also, when you experience it (taste it), all you taste is meat and wine. Then, it does not become part of tsog practice. You have to taste it with pure thought and pure appearance. One has purified and blessed it into nectar. The real meaning of tsog is transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness.

So, when one takes the tsog, one experiences that. Even if it is not actually experienced, then at least visualize it is happening, that one is experiencing that. So take them with this recognition, with the pure transcended mind.

Also, you can't put tsog on the ground. Sometimes at Kopan Monastery I see that they just offer the tsog and throw it on the ground (i.e. they don’t put it on a plate or in a bag). It is always better to use a paper plate or paper bag. If you just put it straight on the ground, then the people who serve the tsog and the people who receive the tsog actually receive a tantric vice (bonpo); this is very heavy. So, it is better use a paper bag or paper plate, like they use in Namgyal monastery, to protect the tsog. It is mentioned when collecting the remaining tsog to start from the bottom of each row. When you offer tsog, you offer it first to the Vajra Master, and when you collect the remaining tsog you start from the bottom of each row and work up to the top, and, lastly, you collect it from the Vajra Master.

As well as having the bala and madana to collect more merit, you can also offer other substances as extensively as you can. On certain specific occasions, if you have the substances, you can make an actual torma tsog, using tsampa (or oats, flour, or whatever can be shaped).

Make the torma in the shape of a human heart or human breast. The torma must have decorations. The decorations should be a Dharma wheel, with flower petals around it, and it must have a sun, moon, and nada (three curves) on the top. This is according to Lama Tsongkhapa and Pabongka Rinpoche’s tradition.

When offering Vajrasattva tsog, what I remember according to Lama Yeshe, is that when you recite the Vajrasattva mantra you play the bell only. Then, regarding the rest, it should be the same as Lama Chöpa: “…Nye cher bul,” then you ring the bell. If you are doing the chanting in a short way, then you must ring the bell. When you are doing the chanting in a long way, then you can you can play the bell and damaru at “OM AH HUM”. When you are doing it quickly, then just do “ner chy bul” and “em ah ho,” then play the bell, damaru, and cymbals. When doing “Lama Dorje Sempa,” you must ring the bell. At the last words, then ring the bell, damaru and cymbals. But when you are just reciting Vajrasattva mantra, then you just ring the bell. As I mentioned during the initiation, when you ring the bell during the mantra, this is not an offering. When you ring the bell the sound means: no phenomena among us has inherent existence, everything is empty. Here, it is reminding you that negative karmas are empty, do not exist from their own side, so you can purify negative karma by meditating on emptiness; the bell is reminding you of this. Meditate that you – the creator, the action – creating, and the objectnegative karma, are also empty. This is the meditation to be done when ringing the bell during the Vajrasattva mantra.

Cheese is not qualified for tsog, it actually needs meat, as I have explained in those quotations, the pure references from the tantric texts.

Those who are not familiar with tantric practice can be totally shocked if you are Buddhist and you are seen eating meat; they think it is like killing a human being. Once in Bodhgaya, there were one or two Theravadan monks present, and the leader of the temple passed the meat and also offered it to them. His Holiness the Dalai Lama was present. He made a little smile, because the person had offered meat to somebody who doesn't understand the practice. But the Theravadans ate whatever they were offered. Normally, they don't eat in the evening, and for them to be offered tsog substances in the afternoon was strange. Using cheese is for such an occasion when there are people from other traditions present who might be shocked or lose faith.

But it seems even some monks at Kopan Monastery, as well as other people, are using fruit juice for alcohol. The people passing the substances should be aware not to pass the meat and alcohol to people who do not practice Highest Tantra or to Theravadans who do not eat in the evening/afternoon.





Source

https://www.lamayeshe.com/advice/tsog-offering-practice