1000-Armed Chenrezig (Tibetan) or Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit stands on a
Lotus: symbolising bodhicitta as it grows from suffering (mud), works
its' way up through the waters of life to the surface of Enlightenment. On
the lotus is a Moon disc: method-aspect (sun = wisdom) or
bodhicitta. Chenresig's white color represents purity and lack of
selfishness 1000 arms: how compassion looks to all sentient beings
and reaches out to help the hand palms with eyes represent method;
eyes represent wisdom Chenresig's 11 heads are actually 10, which
are the 10 perfections and Amitabha Buddha as "family-sign" The Jewel
in the first two hands is a 'wish-fulfilling gem': bodhicitta, the fulfillment
of self and others. Lotus in the hand: as above lotus: bodhicitta
The mala represents the mantra/tantric aspect Bow &
arrow: wisdom hitting the target of enlightenment Wheel: dharma
wheel of continuous teachings Vase: initiation, tantric aspect
Mudra of supreme generosity (bottom right hand): bestowing
realizations, the compassionate action Deerskin: having perfected
compassion & patience 3 Circles of hands: 1st the Dharmakaya, 2nd
the Samboghakaya, the 3rd represents the Nirmanakaya
ACTUAL MEDITATION ON CHENREZIG
Taking Refuge
I go for refuge to the Buddha, I go for refuge to
the Dharma, I go for refuge to the Sangha. (3x)
Setting the Mind to Enlightenment
By virtue of giving and so forth, may I become a Buddha for the
benefit of all sentient beings. (3x)
4 Immeasurables
May all sentient beings have equanimity, free from attachment, aggression
and prejudice. May they be happy, and have the causes for
happiness. May they be free from suffering and causes for
suffering. May they never be separated from the happiness that is
free from suffering. (3x)
7-Limbed Prayer
Respectfully I prostrate with body, speech and mind; I present
clouds of every type of offerings, actual and imagined; I declare all
the negative actions I have done since beginningless time, and
rejoice in the merit of all Aryas and ordinary beings. Please
teacher, remain until cyclic existence ends and turn the wheel of
Dharma for all sentient beings. I dedicate the virtues of myself and
others to the great Enlightenment.
Visualisation and Mantra Recitation
- Try to open up your heart to all sentient beings - Think of suffering
of friends, like you, they want to be free from suffering - Think of people
you don't know, people you don't like, think of other beings, even animals want
to be free from suffering - Try to open up your heart to all beings -
How wonderful would it be if they were free of suffering - Before me appears
Chenrezig; he is white, has 1000 arms and 11 faces - Make request from your
heart that you may develop more love and compassion for all beings -
Chenrezig lovingly sends out streams of white light, filling up every cell of
your body - All negativities and problems dissolve, and you are filled with
love and compassion. - Your body feels light and blissful, your mind is
peaceful and clear - Chenrezig shines light unto all sentient beings,
purifying them and filling them with love and compassion - Keep this
visualization and recite OM MANI PADME HUM, first aloud, then silently for some
time - Chenrezig dissolves into white light - The white light enters the
crown of your head and sinks into your heart center - Your mind becomes one
with Chenresig peace and joy
Dedication
By this virtue may I soon reach a
Guru-Buddha-state, and lead each and every being to that
state of Buddhahood.
May the precious Bodhicitta not yet born, arise and grow may that born have no decline but increase forever more.
