The Torch of Certainty by Jamgon Kongtrul

Author:Jamgon Kongtrul
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shambhala

Fig. 1. Vajrasattva.

3

SECOND OF THE FOUR SPECIAL FOUNDATIONS

The Hundred-Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva Which Purifies Harmful Deeds and Removes Obscurations

[After Taking Refuge and Engendering the Enlightened Attitude, the newly committed aspirant is symbolically purified by practicing the meditation and reciting the mantra of the Buddha Vajrasattva (Dorje Sempa). This purification insures the efficacy of his future religious endeavors.

The impurities to be removed include the accumulated influences of all the unwholesome thoughts, words and deeds he has perpetrated throughout his samsaric career, as well as their cause: ignorance or bewilderment.

While this purification removes past unwholesomeness, it does not insure the individual against future defilement. Any new unwholesome act necessitates Confession and renewed purification prior to further religious practice. Therefore, recitation of Vajrasattva’s mantra normally precedes other Vajrayana rituals.

According to Kalu Rinpoche, the efficacy of this practice is greatly enhanced if one has first received its empowerment. In the empowerment ritual, the guru plays the part of Vajrasattva. Using ritual implements, scented water and incense, he purifies the aspirant for the first time.

The Vajrasattva practice involves the following steps:

1. Sitting cross-legged before an icon of Vajrasattva, chanting his liturgical description and visualizing him seated on your head.

2. Praying to him for purification.

3. Chanting the description and visualizing the process of purification.

4. Reciting the hundred-syllable mantra while counting the number of recitations on a rosary.

5. Reciting prayers of confession.

6. Imagining Vajrasattva’s conferral of blessing.

7. Dissolving the visualization and letting the mind rest.

8. Dedicating merit.]

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