Difference between revisions of "Sadhana of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure"
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| − | == Origination of and Explanation on this Sadhana == | + | == Origination of and Explanation on this [[Sadhana]] == |
=== I. Origination === | === I. Origination === | ||
[[File:Kshitigarbha.38.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Kshitigarbha.38.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | In 1997 I compiled the Sadhana of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure in Chinese. In 1998, 3,000 copies of its first edition were printed for free distribution. It has since become out of print. In 2002 I made minor corrections and added two poems as appendices to form the second edition. This English translation is based on the second edition that is posted at Yogi Chen's Homepage but has not been printed yet. | + | In 1997 I compiled the [[Sadhana]] of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] in {{Wiki|Chinese}}. In 1998, 3,000 copies of its first edition were printed for free distribution. It has since become out of print. In 2002 I made minor corrections and added two poems as appendices to [[form]] the second edition. This English translation is based on the second edition that is posted at [[Yogi]] Chen's Homepage but has not been printed yet. |
| − | In 2002 I translated the Sutra of Earth Treasure from Chinese into English. In the same year I also translated into English two Chinese works of mine that are related to the study of this Sutra. They are the first two appendices to this Sadhana. On the very last day of 2002 I resumed the translation of this Sadhana that was postponed by the works mentioned above. | + | In 2002 I translated the [[Sutra]] of [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] from {{Wiki|Chinese}} into English. In the same year I also translated into English two {{Wiki|Chinese}} works of mine that are related to the study of this [[Sutra]]. They are the first two appendices to this [[Sadhana]]. On the very last day of 2002 I resumed the translation of this [[Sadhana]] that was postponed by the works mentioned above. |
| − | Among Chinese Buddhists there is a tradition of practitioners who devote themselves mainly to the worship of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure and to the practice of chanting his holy epithets and Sutra. May the presence of this Sadhana similarly foster such a tradition among Buddhists all over the world! | + | Among {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Buddhists]] there is a [[tradition]] of practitioners who devote themselves mainly to the {{Wiki|worship}} of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] and to the practice of [[chanting]] his {{Wiki|holy}} epithets and [[Sutra]]. May the presence of this [[Sadhana]] similarly foster such a [[tradition]] among [[Buddhists]] all over the [[world]]! |
| − | Usually the main practices for Bodhisattva Earth Treasure's followers are regular recitation of his Sutra, constant repetition of his epithet, doing veneration and making offerings to his images. In order to further benefit such practitioners I first studied the Sutra thoroughly to grasp the key principles and then wrote the essay on "Essential Teachings of the Sutra of Earth Treasure." As a by-product I wrote along the process of my in-depth study a short summary called "Outline of Practices from the Sutra of Earth Treasure." They form the first two appendices to this Sadhana so as to help practitioners of this Sadhana to understand the essence of the Sutra better. Based on my understanding as gained from writing these two works I compiled this Sadhana for daily practice. | + | Usually the main practices for [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] Treasure's followers are regular recitation of his [[Sutra]], [[constant]] repetition of his [[epithet]], doing veneration and making [[offerings]] to his images. In order to further [[benefit]] such practitioners I first studied the [[Sutra]] thoroughly to [[grasp]] the key {{Wiki|principles}} and then wrote the essay on "[[Essential]] Teachings of the [[Sutra]] of [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]." As a by-product I wrote along the process of my in-depth study a short summary called "Outline of Practices from the [[Sutra]] of [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]." They [[form]] the first two appendices to this [[Sadhana]] so as to help practitioners of this [[Sadhana]] to understand the [[essence]] of the [[Sutra]] better. Based on my [[understanding]] as gained from [[writing]] these two works I compiled this [[Sadhana]] for daily practice. |
| − | The most significant help this Sadhana would provide to ordinary practitioners of the Earth Treasure path is from the following factors: | + | The most significant help this [[Sadhana]] would provide to ordinary practitioners of the [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] [[path]] is from the following factors: |
| − | # At the beginning and near the end there are practices of returning to Blank Essence included. | + | # At the beginning and near the end there are practices of returning to Blank [[Essence]] included. |
| − | # It is infused with the Dharmadhatu perspective that is limitless in time and space. | + | # It is infused with the [[Dharmadhatu]] {{Wiki|perspective}} that is limitless in [[time]] and [[space]]. |
| − | Thus, the Dharmadhatu perspective that runs through the Sutra would become prominent in daily practices, and the practitioners would thereby gain strength in attaining realization of no-grasping soon. | + | Thus, the [[Dharmadhatu]] {{Wiki|perspective}} that runs through the [[Sutra]] would become prominent in daily practices, and the practitioners would thereby gain strength in [[attaining]] [[realization]] of no-grasping soon. |
=== II. Explanation === | === II. Explanation === | ||
| − | This Sadhana is compiled for concentrated practice in the Dharma Gate of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure. This kind of concentrated practices has the advantage of using limited time and energy to achieve in-depth results through developing the habit of maintaining regular daily sessions. Therefore, it is suitable for Buddhists who follow an ordinary secular life to adopt this Sadhana. Practitioners of such practices should understand that the concentration does not imply an exclusive mentality to other practices. Rather, it signifies that through mastery of one path one may comprehend the essence that is common to all paths. | + | This [[Sadhana]] is compiled for [[concentrated]] practice in the [[Dharma]] Gate of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]. This kind of [[concentrated]] practices has the advantage of using limited [[time]] and [[energy]] to achieve in-depth results through developing the [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]] of maintaining regular daily sessions. Therefore, it is suitable for [[Buddhists]] who follow an ordinary secular [[life]] to adopt this [[Sadhana]]. Practitioners of such practices should understand that the [[concentration]] does not imply an exclusive [[mentality]] to other practices. Rather, it {{Wiki|signifies}} that through [[mastery]] of one [[path]] one may comprehend the [[essence]] that is common to all [[paths]]. |
| − | In this Sadhana Refuge and Bodhicitta have been tailored to become directly linked to Bodhisattva Earth Treasure. "Earth Treasure Lineage teachers" refers to the lineage of practitioners, that specialize in this Bodhisattvas's worship and practices, that the practitioner is learning from. | + | In this [[Sadhana]] [[Refuge]] and [[Bodhicitta]] have been tailored to become directly linked to [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]. "[[Earth]] [[Treasure]] [[Lineage]] [[teachers]]" refers to the [[lineage]] of practitioners, that specialize in this Bodhisattvas's {{Wiki|worship}} and practices, that the [[practitioner]] is {{Wiki|learning}} from. |
| − | In this Sadhana there are twice returning to Blank Essence. The first time is right after Refuge and Bodhicitta, so as to evaporate the practitioner's attachment to beings and things in the world. Furthermore, it enables the practitioner to conduct the remaining sections of the Sadhana in the limitless time and space of the whole Dharmadhatu, and thereby help develop the openness that encompasses all in the Dharmadhatu as one. In this ritual I choose to use the notion of "original purity" to express Blank Essence. The traditional mantra for returning to Blank Essence is also replaced by a statement that expresses the significance of Blank Essence. These innovations are employed to help practitioners understand Blank Essence deeper through looking at and approaching it from another angle. The second returning to Blank Essence is after the dedication of merits, so as to clean up the practitioner's attachment to Dharma-related matters such as states of meditation, inspirational experiences, merits, supernatural powers, etc. Furthermore, it would help the practitioner, after completion of the session, to carry out the great vows and deeds of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure in daily activities from a completely purified state of mind. | + | In this [[Sadhana]] there are twice returning to Blank [[Essence]]. The first [[time]] is right after [[Refuge]] and [[Bodhicitta]], so as to evaporate the practitioner's [[attachment]] to [[beings]] and things in the [[world]]. Furthermore, it enables the [[practitioner]] to conduct the remaining [[sections]] of the [[Sadhana]] in the limitless [[time]] and [[space]] of the whole [[Dharmadhatu]], and thereby help develop the [[openness]] that encompasses all in the [[Dharmadhatu]] as one. In this [[ritual]] I choose to use the notion of "original [[purity]]" to express Blank [[Essence]]. The [[traditional]] [[mantra]] for returning to Blank [[Essence]] is also replaced by a statement that expresses the significance of Blank [[Essence]]. These innovations are employed to help practitioners understand Blank [[Essence]] deeper through looking at and approaching it from another angle. The second returning to Blank [[Essence]] is after the [[dedication]] of [[merits]], so as to clean up the practitioner's [[attachment]] to Dharma-related matters such as states of [[meditation]], inspirational [[experiences]], [[merits]], [[supernatural powers]], etc. Furthermore, it would help the [[practitioner]], after completion of the session, to carry out the great [[vows]] and [[deeds]] of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] in daily [[activities]] from a completely [[purified state]] of [[mind]]. |
| − | The stanzas of offering and praise are composed in accordance with the main points taught in the Sutra. In this way the practitioner would recall the key elements of the teachings through recitation of these stanzas. In the stanza of offering, not only items of sustenance and material offerings are mentioned, but also all kinds of Dharma activities. This is because nothing can please Buddhas more than minds and deeds that are in accordance with the teachings. While reciting the stanzas one may use vajra, bell, drum, and other musical Dharma instruments. | + | The [[stanzas]] of [[offering]] and praise are composed in accordance with the main points taught in the [[Sutra]]. In this way the [[practitioner]] would recall the key [[elements]] of the teachings through recitation of these [[stanzas]]. In the [[stanza]] of [[offering]], not only items of sustenance and material [[offerings]] are mentioned, but also all kinds of [[Dharma]] [[activities]]. This is because [[nothing]] can please [[Buddhas]] more than [[minds]] and [[deeds]] that are in accordance with the teachings. While reciting the [[stanzas]] one may use [[vajra]], [[bell]], [[drum]], and other musical [[Dharma]] instruments. |
| − | Prostration can be the usual kneel-and-bow type or the full-length type of tantric Buddhism. Recitation of the whole Sutra can also be divided into three parts so that the practitioner will read one of the three volumes in the Sutra in one session and finish one round in three sessions. | + | [[Prostration]] can be the usual kneel-and-bow type or the full-length type of [[tantric]] [[Buddhism]]. Recitation of the whole [[Sutra]] can also be divided into three parts so that the [[practitioner]] will read one of the three volumes in the [[Sutra]] in one session and finish one round in three sessions. |
| − | Repetition of the holy epithet should be maintained in daily life whenever possible. | + | Repetition of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[epithet]] should be maintained in daily [[life]] whenever possible. |
| − | == Sadhana of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure == | + | == [[Sadhana]] of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] == |
| − | === I. Refuge === | + | === I. [[Refuge]] === |
Repeat three times: | Repeat three times: | ||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | I take refuge in Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure. | + | I [[take refuge]] in Great [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]. |
| − | I take refuge in the Sutra of Earth Treasure. | + | I [[take refuge]] in the [[Sutra]] of [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]. |
| − | I take refuge in Earth Treasure Lineage teachers. | + | I [[take refuge]] in [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] [[Lineage]] [[teachers]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
| − | === II. Bodhicitta === | + | === II. [[Bodhicitta]] === |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | May all sentient beings possess completely happiness and causes of happiness! | + | May all [[sentient beings]] possess completely [[happiness]] and [[causes]] of [[happiness]]! |
| − | May all sentient beings be forever free from suffering and causes of suffering! | + | May all [[sentient beings]] be forever free from [[suffering]] and [[causes of suffering]]! |
| − | May all sentient beings never separate from vows and deeds of Earth Treasure! | + | May all [[sentient beings]] never separate from [[vows]] and [[deeds]] of [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]! |
| − | May all sentient beings soon attain the realization of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure! | + | May all [[sentient beings]] soon attain the [[realization]] of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]! |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
| − | === III. Visualization === | + | === III. [[Visualization]] === |
[[File:Kshitigarbha.41.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Kshitigarbha.41.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | ===== A. Original Purity Repeat three times: ===== | + | ===== A. Original [[Purity]] Repeat three times: ===== |
| − | All things are without self-nature, therefore originally pure. | + | All things are without [[self-nature]], therefore originally [[pure]]. |
| − | Visualize that all beings and things are originally without distinctions made by consciousness. They merge into limitless oneness and appear as cloudless blue space. | + | [[Visualize]] that all [[beings]] and things are originally without distinctions made by [[consciousness]]. They merge into limitless [[oneness]] and appear as cloudless blue [[space]]. |
| − | ===== B. Dharmadhatu ===== | + | ===== B. [[Dharmadhatu]] ===== |
| − | From blue space of Blank Essence suddenly emerges Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure who is surrounded by countlessly many duplicate bodies. Above them are all Buddhas of the ten directions and three times with Buddha Sakyamuni at their center. Below them are all Dharma protectors such as the Heavenly Kings of the four cardinal directions, Emperor Yan Luo and his associate Ghost Kings, and the Earth God Sturdy. The holy assemble as described above presides in the space above in front of the practitioner. | + | From blue [[space]] of Blank [[Essence]] suddenly emerges Great [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] who is surrounded by countlessly many duplicate [[bodies]]. Above them are all [[Buddhas of the ten directions]] and three times with [[Buddha Sakyamuni]] at their center. Below them are all [[Dharma protectors]] such as the [[Heavenly Kings]] of the four [[cardinal directions]], [[Emperor]] Yan Luo and his associate [[Ghost]] [[Kings]], and the [[Earth God]] Sturdy. The {{Wiki|holy}} assemble as described above presides in the [[space]] above in front of the [[practitioner]]. |
| − | In addition, the practitioner visualizes that, to his right is father and his left mother, in front relatives, friends and karmic creditors, and behind all beings in the six realms (following in the order of hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, asuras, and heavenly beings), and that all are facing the holy beings. All practices conducted below should be visualized as being performed by all beings simultaneously, and that all holy beings are pleased by the activities so that they all emit lights and sprinkle nectars to bestow blessings. | + | In addition, the [[practitioner]] [[visualizes]] that, to his right is father and his left mother, in front relatives, friends and [[karmic]] creditors, and behind all [[beings]] in the [[six realms]] (following in the order of [[hell beings]], [[hungry ghosts]], [[animals]], [[humans]], [[asuras]], and [[heavenly beings]]), and that all are facing the {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]]. All practices conducted below should be [[visualized]] as being performed by all [[beings]] simultaneously, and that all {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]] are [[pleased]] by the [[activities]] so that they all emit lights and sprinkle nectars to bestow [[blessings]]. |
| − | === IV. Offerings === | + | === IV. [[Offerings]] === |
| − | Before starting to practice this ritual one should have lighted candles, burned incense, offered clean water, fresh flowers, fresh fruits, etc. At this juncture one recites the stanza given below, and simultaneously visualizes that all the superb items of offering and means of sustenance in the whole Dharmadhatu are boundlessly offered to each and every one of the holy beings. Furthermore, the holy beings are all very pleased with enjoying the offerings, and they return favors by emitting lights and sprinkling nectars on all sentient beings to bestow blessings. | + | Before starting to practice this [[ritual]] one should have lighted {{Wiki|candles}}, burned [[incense]], [[offered]] clean [[water]], fresh [[flowers]], fresh {{Wiki|fruits}}, etc. At this juncture one recites the [[stanza]] given below, and simultaneously [[visualizes]] that all the superb items of [[offering]] and means of sustenance in the whole [[Dharmadhatu]] are boundlessly [[offered]] to each and every one of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]]. Furthermore, the {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]] are all very [[pleased]] with enjoying the [[offerings]], and they return favors by emitting lights and sprinkling nectars on all [[sentient beings]] to bestow [[blessings]]. |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | Flowers and incenses are offered to express ardent reverence. | + | [[Flowers]] and incenses are [[offered]] to express ardent reverence. |
| − | Banners and pennants are offered to enhance superb grandeur. | + | Banners and pennants are [[offered]] to enhance superb grandeur. |
| − | Embroidered satin clothing are offered to foil merciful countenance. | + | Embroidered satin clothing are [[offered]] to foil [[merciful]] countenance. |
| − | Clean water to wash away worldly dusts, | + | Clean [[water]] to wash away [[worldly]] dusts, |
| − | Jeweled necklace to emit beaming lights, | + | Jeweled [[necklace]] to emit beaming lights, |
| − | Treasures and jewelry for leisure delight. | + | [[Treasures]] and jewelry for leisure [[delight]]. |
| − | Offerings of foods and drinks carefully prepared clean, | + | [[Offerings]] of [[foods]] and drinks carefully prepared clean, |
| − | Houses and buildings offered for Dharma congregation, | + | Houses and buildings [[offered]] for [[Dharma]] congregation, |
| − | Singing, praising, dancing and playing music in order to please. | + | Singing, praising, [[dancing]] and playing {{Wiki|music}} in order to please. |
| − | Money and wealth extensively donated to Dharma and charity, | + | [[Money]] and [[wealth]] extensively donated to [[Dharma]] and [[charity]], |
| − | Gardens and lands allocated to build Dharma centers and halls, | + | [[Gardens]] and lands allocated to build [[Dharma]] centers and halls, |
| − | Lighting lamps and spraying perfumes to propagate far and wide. | + | Lighting lamps and spraying [[perfumes]] to propagate far and wide. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
| − | === V. Prostration === | + | === V. [[Prostration]] === |
| − | The practitioner may choose to adopt one of the two practices listed below as the regular one, or to practice them alternately from session to session. | + | The [[practitioner]] may choose to adopt one of the two practices listed below as the regular one, or to practice them alternately from session to session. |
| − | ===== A. Prostration to the Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure ===== | + | ===== A. [[Prostration]] to the Great [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] ===== |
| − | Repeat the epithet "Namo Bodhisattva Earth Treasure" once while making one prostration; do prostration thus thirty times. | + | Repeat the [[epithet]] "[[Namo]] [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]" once while making one [[prostration]]; do [[prostration]] thus thirty times. |
| − | ===== B. Prostration to the holy assembly of Earth Treasure Dharma Gate ===== | + | ===== B. [[Prostration]] to the {{Wiki|holy}} assembly of [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] [[Dharma]] Gate ===== |
[[File:Kshitigarbha23.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Kshitigarbha23.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | For each given epithet, make one prostration while repeating the epithet once. In case of the epithet of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure, repeat thus three times. | + | For each given [[epithet]], make one [[prostration]] while repeating the [[epithet]] once. In case of the [[epithet]] of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]], repeat thus three times. |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | Salute Buddha Sakyamuni | + | Salute [[Buddha Sakyamuni]] |
| − | Salute Tathagata Lion's Vigor and Swiftness Myriad Deeds Accomplished | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] Lion's [[Vigor]] and Swiftness Myriad [[Deeds]] Accomplished |
| − | Salute Tathagata Flower of Awakening King of Ease in Meditation | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Flower]] of [[Awakening]] [[King]] of Ease in [[Meditation]] |
| − | Salute Tathagata Omniscient Wisdom Accomplished | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Omniscient]] [[Wisdom]] Accomplished |
| − | Salute Tathagata Pure Lotus-flower Eyes | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Pure]] [[Lotus-flower]] [[Eyes]] |
| − | Salute Tathagata Boundless Body | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Boundless]] [[Body]] |
| − | Salute Tathagata Precious Nature | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Precious]] [[Nature]] |
| − | Salute Tathagata Bo Tou Mo Sheng | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] Bo Tou Mo Sheng |
| − | Salute Tathagata Lion's Roar | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Lion's Roar]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Ju Liu Sun | + | Salute [[Buddha]] Ju Liu {{Wiki|Sun}} |
| − | Salute Buddha Pi Po Shi | + | Salute [[Buddha]] Pi Po Shi |
| − | Salute Tathagata Precious Superior | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Precious]] {{Wiki|Superior}} |
| − | Salute Tathagata Precious Form | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] [[Precious]] [[Form]] |
| − | Salute Tathagata Robe Banner | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] Robe [[Banner]] |
| − | Salute Tathagata Great Mastery Mountain King | + | Salute [[Tathagata]] Great [[Mastery]] Mountain [[King]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Pure Moon | + | Salute [[Buddha]] [[Pure]] [[Moon]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Mountain King | + | Salute [[Buddha]] Mountain [[King]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Wisdom Supreme | + | Salute [[Buddha Wisdom]] Supreme |
| − | Salute Buddha Pure Name King | + | Salute [[Buddha]] [[Pure]] [[Name]] [[King]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Wisdom Accomplishment | + | Salute [[Buddha Wisdom]] [[Accomplishment]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Unsurpassable | + | Salute [[Buddha]] Unsurpassable |
| − | Salute Buddha Wondrous Sound | + | Salute [[Buddha]] Wondrous [[Sound]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Full Moon | + | Salute [[Buddha]] [[Full Moon]] |
| − | Salute Buddha Moon Face | + | Salute [[Buddha]] [[Moon]] Face |
| − | Salute Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure (three times) | + | Salute Great [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] (three times) |
| − | Salute Four Heavenly Kings | + | Salute [[Four Heavenly Kings]] |
| − | Salute Emperor Yan Luo and his associate Ghost Kings | + | Salute [[Emperor]] Yan Luo and his associate [[Ghost]] [[Kings]] |
| − | Salute Earth God Sturdy | + | Salute [[Earth God]] Sturdy |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
=== VI. Praise === | === VI. Praise === | ||
[[File:Kshitigarbha25.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Kshitigarbha25.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | Namo Bodhisattva Earth Treasure | + | [[Namo]] [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] |
| − | Great vows as numerous as Ganges' sands | + | Great [[vows]] as numerous as [[Ganges]]' sands |
| − | All to rescue beings from endless suffering; | + | All to rescue [[beings]] from [[endless]] [[suffering]]; |
Only after such missions are all completed | Only after such missions are all completed | ||
| − | Will Earth Treasure wish for Buddhahood. | + | Will [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] wish for [[Buddhahood]]. |
| − | With merits and benefits all so inconceivable, | + | With [[merits]] and benefits all so [[inconceivable]], |
| − | Whosoever reveres or makes offerings to him | + | Whosoever reveres or makes [[offerings]] to him |
| − | Would soon be freed from retribution for sins, | + | Would soon be freed from retribution for [[sins]], |
| − | And enjoy fortunate results beyond expectation. | + | And enjoy [[fortunate]] results [[beyond]] expectation. |
With billions of myriads of helpful means, | With billions of myriads of helpful means, | ||
He would never forsake any sinful being. | He would never forsake any sinful being. | ||
| − | All over the Dharmadhatu where needed | + | All over the [[Dharmadhatu]] where needed |
| − | His duplicate body would appear to help. | + | His duplicate [[body]] would appear to help. |
[[File:Kshitigarbha27.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Kshitigarbha27.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | With great powers and awesome spiritual presence, | + | With great [[powers]] and awesome [[spiritual]] presence, |
| − | Entrusted by Buddha to look after all sinful beings, | + | Entrusted by [[Buddha]] to look after all sinful [[beings]], |
| − | With devotion beyond self-interest, and persistence, | + | With [[devotion]] [[beyond]] self-interest, and persistence, |
| − | Earth Treasure undertakes the mission without fail. | + | [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] undertakes the [[mission]] without fail. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
=== VII. Recitation === | === VII. Recitation === | ||
{{Seealso|The Sutra on the Original Vows of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure}} | {{Seealso|The Sutra on the Original Vows of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure}} | ||
| − | The practitioner may choose to recite in one session either the whole Sutra or one of the three volumes, and rotate in the sequence of upper, middle and lower volumes. | + | The [[practitioner]] may choose to recite in one session either the whole [[Sutra]] or one of the three volumes, and rotate in the sequence of upper, middle and lower volumes. |
| − | === VIII. Chanting === | + | === VIII. [[Chanting]] === |
| − | Repeat the holy epithet for a certain number of times to be decided by the practitioner. | + | Repeat the {{Wiki|holy}} [[epithet]] for a certain number of times to be decided by the [[practitioner]]. |
| − | : Namo Bodhisattva Earth Treasure | + | : [[Namo]] [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] |
| − | === IX. Dedication === | + | === IX. [[Dedication]] === |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | Devoutly and reverently practice for the enlightenment of all beings. | + | Devoutly and reverently practice for the [[enlightenment]] of all [[beings]]. |
| − | May this endeavor move Bodhisattva Earth Treasure to grant blessings! | + | May this endeavor move [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] to grant [[blessings]]! |
| − | May sentient beings become free from sufferings, attain peace and stability, | + | May [[sentient beings]] become free from [[sufferings]], attain [[peace]] and stability, |
| − | And diligently advance on the path to achieve complete enlightenment soon! | + | And diligently advance on the [[path]] to achieve [[complete enlightenment]] soon! |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
===X. Application === | ===X. Application === | ||
| − | Visualize that all holy beings in the space in front transform into lights of blue, white, yellow, red or green colors and merge into Bodhisattva Earth Treasure. All sentient beings transform into white lights and merge into the practitioner. Then Bodhisattva Earth Treasure transforms into yellow light and merges into the practitioner. Then the practitioner transforms into blue light and returns to the Blank Essence. Abide in the cloudless blue space that resulted from all returning to Blank Essence. | + | [[Visualize]] that all {{Wiki|holy}} [[beings]] in the [[space]] in front [[transform]] into lights of blue, white, yellow, red or green colors and merge into [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]]. All [[sentient beings]] [[transform]] into white lights and merge into the [[practitioner]]. Then [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] transforms into yellow [[light]] and merges into the [[practitioner]]. Then the [[practitioner]] transforms into blue [[light]] and returns to the Blank [[Essence]]. Abide in the cloudless blue [[space]] that resulted from all returning to Blank [[Essence]]. |
| − | From this blue space of Blank Essence suddenly appears, like a fish jumping out of the surface of water, the phenomena world as known by our senses. This phenomena world appears outwardly to be no different from before the practice session; however, its content has been purified through the Blank Essence visualization. The practitioner no longer holds it as existing absolutely on its own, and would not become attached to appearances. Through the blessing of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure the practitioner would conduct activities, in accordance with the great vows and deeds of the Bodhisattva, in daily life as occasions arise. | + | From this blue [[space]] of Blank [[Essence]] suddenly appears, like a {{Wiki|fish}} jumping out of the surface of [[water]], the [[phenomena]] [[world]] as known by our [[senses]]. This [[phenomena]] [[world]] appears outwardly to be no different from before the practice session; however, its content has been [[purified]] through the Blank [[Essence]] [[visualization]]. The [[practitioner]] no longer holds it as [[existing]] absolutely on its own, and would not become [[attached]] to [[appearances]]. Through the [[blessing]] of [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth]] [[Treasure]] the [[practitioner]] would conduct [[activities]], in accordance with the great [[vows]] and [[deeds]] of the [[Bodhisattva]], in daily [[life]] as occasions arise. |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
| − | Reverently compiled by Dr. Yutang Lin<br/> | + | Reverently compiled by Dr. [[Yutang Lin]]<br/> |
[http://www.yogichen.org/gurulin/efiles/e0/e0047.html yogichen.org] | [http://www.yogichen.org/gurulin/efiles/e0/e0047.html yogichen.org] | ||
[[Category:Ksitigarbha]] | [[Category:Ksitigarbha]] | ||
[[Category:Sadhanas]] | [[Category:Sadhanas]] | ||
Revision as of 06:28, 13 November 2013
Origination of and Explanation on this Sadhana
I. Origination
In 1997 I compiled the Sadhana of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure in Chinese. In 1998, 3,000 copies of its first edition were printed for free distribution. It has since become out of print. In 2002 I made minor corrections and added two poems as appendices to form the second edition. This English translation is based on the second edition that is posted at Yogi Chen's Homepage but has not been printed yet.
In 2002 I translated the Sutra of Earth Treasure from Chinese into English. In the same year I also translated into English two Chinese works of mine that are related to the study of this Sutra. They are the first two appendices to this Sadhana. On the very last day of 2002 I resumed the translation of this Sadhana that was postponed by the works mentioned above.
Among Chinese Buddhists there is a tradition of practitioners who devote themselves mainly to the worship of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure and to the practice of chanting his holy epithets and Sutra. May the presence of this Sadhana similarly foster such a tradition among Buddhists all over the world!
Usually the main practices for Bodhisattva Earth Treasure's followers are regular recitation of his Sutra, constant repetition of his epithet, doing veneration and making offerings to his images. In order to further benefit such practitioners I first studied the Sutra thoroughly to grasp the key principles and then wrote the essay on "Essential Teachings of the Sutra of Earth Treasure." As a by-product I wrote along the process of my in-depth study a short summary called "Outline of Practices from the Sutra of Earth Treasure." They form the first two appendices to this Sadhana so as to help practitioners of this Sadhana to understand the essence of the Sutra better. Based on my understanding as gained from writing these two works I compiled this Sadhana for daily practice.
The most significant help this Sadhana would provide to ordinary practitioners of the Earth Treasure path is from the following factors:
- At the beginning and near the end there are practices of returning to Blank Essence included.
- It is infused with the Dharmadhatu perspective that is limitless in time and space.
Thus, the Dharmadhatu perspective that runs through the Sutra would become prominent in daily practices, and the practitioners would thereby gain strength in attaining realization of no-grasping soon.
II. Explanation
This Sadhana is compiled for concentrated practice in the Dharma Gate of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure. This kind of concentrated practices has the advantage of using limited time and energy to achieve in-depth results through developing the habit of maintaining regular daily sessions. Therefore, it is suitable for Buddhists who follow an ordinary secular life to adopt this Sadhana. Practitioners of such practices should understand that the concentration does not imply an exclusive mentality to other practices. Rather, it signifies that through mastery of one path one may comprehend the essence that is common to all paths.
In this Sadhana Refuge and Bodhicitta have been tailored to become directly linked to Bodhisattva Earth Treasure. "Earth Treasure Lineage teachers" refers to the lineage of practitioners, that specialize in this Bodhisattvas's worship and practices, that the practitioner is learning from.
In this Sadhana there are twice returning to Blank Essence. The first time is right after Refuge and Bodhicitta, so as to evaporate the practitioner's attachment to beings and things in the world. Furthermore, it enables the practitioner to conduct the remaining sections of the Sadhana in the limitless time and space of the whole Dharmadhatu, and thereby help develop the openness that encompasses all in the Dharmadhatu as one. In this ritual I choose to use the notion of "original purity" to express Blank Essence. The traditional mantra for returning to Blank Essence is also replaced by a statement that expresses the significance of Blank Essence. These innovations are employed to help practitioners understand Blank Essence deeper through looking at and approaching it from another angle. The second returning to Blank Essence is after the dedication of merits, so as to clean up the practitioner's attachment to Dharma-related matters such as states of meditation, inspirational experiences, merits, supernatural powers, etc. Furthermore, it would help the practitioner, after completion of the session, to carry out the great vows and deeds of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure in daily activities from a completely purified state of mind.
The stanzas of offering and praise are composed in accordance with the main points taught in the Sutra. In this way the practitioner would recall the key elements of the teachings through recitation of these stanzas. In the stanza of offering, not only items of sustenance and material offerings are mentioned, but also all kinds of Dharma activities. This is because nothing can please Buddhas more than minds and deeds that are in accordance with the teachings. While reciting the stanzas one may use vajra, bell, drum, and other musical Dharma instruments.
Prostration can be the usual kneel-and-bow type or the full-length type of tantric Buddhism. Recitation of the whole Sutra can also be divided into three parts so that the practitioner will read one of the three volumes in the Sutra in one session and finish one round in three sessions.
Repetition of the holy epithet should be maintained in daily life whenever possible.
Sadhana of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure
I. Refuge
Repeat three times:
I take refuge in Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure.
I take refuge in the Sutra of Earth Treasure.
I take refuge in Earth Treasure Lineage teachers.
II. Bodhicitta
May all sentient beings possess completely happiness and causes of happiness!
May all sentient beings be forever free from suffering and causes of suffering!
May all sentient beings never separate from vows and deeds of Earth Treasure!
May all sentient beings soon attain the realization of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure!
III. Visualization
A. Original Purity Repeat three times:
All things are without self-nature, therefore originally pure.
Visualize that all beings and things are originally without distinctions made by consciousness. They merge into limitless oneness and appear as cloudless blue space.
B. Dharmadhatu
From blue space of Blank Essence suddenly emerges Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure who is surrounded by countlessly many duplicate bodies. Above them are all Buddhas of the ten directions and three times with Buddha Sakyamuni at their center. Below them are all Dharma protectors such as the Heavenly Kings of the four cardinal directions, Emperor Yan Luo and his associate Ghost Kings, and the Earth God Sturdy. The holy assemble as described above presides in the space above in front of the practitioner.
In addition, the practitioner visualizes that, to his right is father and his left mother, in front relatives, friends and karmic creditors, and behind all beings in the six realms (following in the order of hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, asuras, and heavenly beings), and that all are facing the holy beings. All practices conducted below should be visualized as being performed by all beings simultaneously, and that all holy beings are pleased by the activities so that they all emit lights and sprinkle nectars to bestow blessings.
IV. Offerings
Before starting to practice this ritual one should have lighted candles, burned incense, offered clean water, fresh flowers, fresh fruits, etc. At this juncture one recites the stanza given below, and simultaneously visualizes that all the superb items of offering and means of sustenance in the whole Dharmadhatu are boundlessly offered to each and every one of the holy beings. Furthermore, the holy beings are all very pleased with enjoying the offerings, and they return favors by emitting lights and sprinkling nectars on all sentient beings to bestow blessings.
Flowers and incenses are offered to express ardent reverence.
Banners and pennants are offered to enhance superb grandeur.
Embroidered satin clothing are offered to foil merciful countenance.
Clean water to wash away worldly dusts,
Jeweled necklace to emit beaming lights,
Treasures and jewelry for leisure delight.
Offerings of foods and drinks carefully prepared clean,
Houses and buildings offered for Dharma congregation,
Singing, praising, dancing and playing music in order to please.
Money and wealth extensively donated to Dharma and charity,
Gardens and lands allocated to build Dharma centers and halls,
Lighting lamps and spraying perfumes to propagate far and wide.
V. Prostration
The practitioner may choose to adopt one of the two practices listed below as the regular one, or to practice them alternately from session to session.
A. Prostration to the Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure
Repeat the epithet "Namo Bodhisattva Earth Treasure" once while making one prostration; do prostration thus thirty times.
B. Prostration to the holy assembly of Earth Treasure Dharma Gate
For each given epithet, make one prostration while repeating the epithet once. In case of the epithet of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure, repeat thus three times.
Salute Buddha Sakyamuni
Salute Tathagata Lion's Vigor and Swiftness Myriad Deeds Accomplished
Salute Tathagata Flower of Awakening King of Ease in Meditation
Salute Tathagata Omniscient Wisdom Accomplished
Salute Tathagata Pure Lotus-flower Eyes
Salute Tathagata Boundless Body
Salute Tathagata Precious Nature
Salute Tathagata Bo Tou Mo Sheng
Salute Tathagata Lion's Roar
Salute Buddha Ju Liu Sun
Salute Buddha Pi Po Shi
Salute Tathagata Precious Superior
Salute Tathagata Precious Form
Salute Tathagata Robe Banner
Salute Tathagata Great Mastery Mountain King
Salute Buddha Pure Moon
Salute Buddha Mountain King
Salute Buddha Wisdom Supreme
Salute Buddha Pure Name King
Salute Buddha Wisdom Accomplishment
Salute Buddha Unsurpassable
Salute Buddha Wondrous Sound
Salute Buddha Full Moon
Salute Buddha Moon Face
Salute Great Bodhisattva Earth Treasure (three times)
Salute Four Heavenly Kings
Salute Emperor Yan Luo and his associate Ghost Kings
Salute Earth God Sturdy
VI. Praise
Namo Bodhisattva Earth Treasure
Great vows as numerous as Ganges' sands
All to rescue beings from endless suffering;
Only after such missions are all completed
Will Earth Treasure wish for Buddhahood.
With merits and benefits all so inconceivable,
Whosoever reveres or makes offerings to him
Would soon be freed from retribution for sins,
And enjoy fortunate results beyond expectation.
With billions of myriads of helpful means,
He would never forsake any sinful being.
All over the Dharmadhatu where needed
His duplicate body would appear to help.
With great powers and awesome spiritual presence,
Entrusted by Buddha to look after all sinful beings,
With devotion beyond self-interest, and persistence,
Earth Treasure undertakes the mission without fail.
VII. Recitation
- See also :
- See also :
The practitioner may choose to recite in one session either the whole Sutra or one of the three volumes, and rotate in the sequence of upper, middle and lower volumes.
VIII. Chanting
Repeat the holy epithet for a certain number of times to be decided by the practitioner.
IX. Dedication
Devoutly and reverently practice for the enlightenment of all beings.
May this endeavor move Bodhisattva Earth Treasure to grant blessings!
May sentient beings become free from sufferings, attain peace and stability,
And diligently advance on the path to achieve complete enlightenment soon!
X. Application
Visualize that all holy beings in the space in front transform into lights of blue, white, yellow, red or green colors and merge into Bodhisattva Earth Treasure. All sentient beings transform into white lights and merge into the practitioner. Then Bodhisattva Earth Treasure transforms into yellow light and merges into the practitioner. Then the practitioner transforms into blue light and returns to the Blank Essence. Abide in the cloudless blue space that resulted from all returning to Blank Essence.
From this blue space of Blank Essence suddenly appears, like a fish jumping out of the surface of water, the phenomena world as known by our senses. This phenomena world appears outwardly to be no different from before the practice session; however, its content has been purified through the Blank Essence visualization. The practitioner no longer holds it as existing absolutely on its own, and would not become attached to appearances. Through the blessing of Bodhisattva Earth Treasure the practitioner would conduct activities, in accordance with the great vows and deeds of the Bodhisattva, in daily life as occasions arise.
Source
Reverently compiled by Dr. Yutang Lin
yogichen.org
