Spread the Dharma — Buddha Weekly

Why, in times of pain, sickness or stress do many Mahayana Buddhists turn to meditation and the mantras of Medicine Buddha? Why is Lapis Lazuli Bhaishajyaguru called the Supreme Healer and the King of Medicine? What empowers the healing power of the the great Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha, known in Tibetan as Sangye Menla?In times of pain, sickness, or stress, many Mahayana Buddhists rely on sacred Medicine Buddha meditation for healing. Long Sanskrit Dharani of MEDICINE BUDDHA (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzYy8KGIdxs Short Medicine Buddha Mantra (Tibetan Pronunciation) by Yoko Dharma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkWpvmjWpZc Buddha Weekly's Youtube Health Topics and Medicine Buddha Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8d71VyWOwkEwcVlbn9rPhIRzIzOShv6Z 10 Research Studies supporting health benefits of meditation and visualization: https://buddhaweekly.com/science-meditation-peer-reviewed-studies-prove-least-10-reasons-meditate-daily-boosting-immune-system-increasing-cognitive-function-reduction-inflammation-th/ MUSIC AVAILABLE on your favorite streaming service: APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/medicine-buddha-healing-dharani-mantra-in-sanskrit-single/1695980329 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/7GM59ltUh44w7BRLad1BHz OR any of your favorites: Instagram/Facebook, TikTok/TikTok Music/Resso/Luna, YouTube Music, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer, Tidal, iHeartRadio, Claro Música, Saavn, Boomplay, Anghami, KKBox, NetEase, Tencent, Qobuz, Joox, Kuack Media, Yandex Music (beta), Adaptr, Flo, MediaNet In Buddhism, where the power of mind is preeminent, it is no surprise that meditation is widely embraced as a healing method.The words medication and meditation differ only by one letter. They both come from the same Latin root word, medeor, which means to heal or to make whole.While modern medicine normally involves various modalities and medicines, in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine meditation plays a large role in healing. NOTE: It is always recommended that you seek professional health care advice, and treat Medicine Buddha practices as supportive. Support the show

Why are vajra, mala and bell called “practice supports” and what do they actually represent? Why is a Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner expected to always carry a vajra, mala and bell, at least symbolically? How can they be used in our daily, mundane lives to symbolically strengthen this bond? What are the guidelines for the use of a vajra, mala and bell?In this presentation, we try to answer these questions, and more, in our special coverage of the indispensable vajra, mala and bell.All three, together, represent, the most important veneration objects of Refuge in Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Together represent the Sacred Body, Speech and Mind of the Enlightened Buddha. Importantly, they also represent Method, Dharma, and Wisdom.The vajra and bell are virtually synonymous with advanced Vajra yana tantric practice — together with the ubiquitous mala. Advanced practitioners also always have a one-handed Dhamaru drum representing blissful activity and wisdom.A Tibetan practitioner is rarely separated from these powerful meditational and ritual symbols, just as the vajra, mala and bell should never be separated from each other. In Tibetan, the sanskrit term Vajra translates as Dorje. The Bell, in Sanskrit is called a Ghanta. Even non-Buddhists might recognize the symbolism of vajra and bell immediately, among the most widely recognized symbols used in Buddhism.Literally, each time we meditate with the vajra, mala and bell, we are engaging with a symbolic compendium of teachings of the Buddha: the Body, Speech and Mind of Buddha. We think of them in that order: Body, Speech and Mind of Buddha, or Compassion, Dharma and Wisdom, or Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.Support the show

For most Vajrayana Buddhists, the practice of Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus Born Padmasambhava, is the most profound of practices for meditations, and accomplishments. Chanting both the mantra of Padmasambhava, and the 7 lines of praise, is the purest form of practice. Chanting the praise in the original mother language of Sanskrit, rather than a translation such as Tibetan, English or other languages, is considered the most effective. In this video, chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the 7 lines of praise in Sanskrit, with the mantra of Padmasambhava, ideally 27 times daily. We start with a very short introduction and the Praise in English, but you will find the time code to jump ahead in the description. To learn more about Buddha Padmasambhava, see the information icon in the top right.Before we begin, if you enjoy this presentation, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications to help support the Buddha Weekly mission of Spread the Dharma. Turn on CC for other languages or chant along.Any translation of the Sanskrit is a compromise since each syllable in Sanskrit traditionally means many things. Also, the vibrations of the mother language are considered to have sacred power.In English the great Dharani praise translates as:    In Oḍiyāna in the North-West  In the heart of a lotus flower   Endowed with the most marvelous attainments   You are renowned as the Lotus Born   Surrounded by many hosts of Dakinis   Following in your footsteps  I pray to you. Come inspire me with your blessing.   This is followed by the mantra. After 27 repetitions, there is a final dedication in Sanskrit.Chant along with the amazing voice of Hrishikesh Sonar, the most sacred wish-fulfilling praise of Guru Rinpoche, the Lotus Born Padmasambhava.hūṁ | oḍiyāne vāyavye | padmakesarakāṇḍe | siddhir labdhātyadbhutā | khyāta padmasambhava | bahuḍākībhir āvṛta | tavaivānusarāmi | āyāhy adhiṣṭḥānārthaṁ | guru padma siddhi hūṁ || Mantra:om ah hūṁ vajra guru padma siddhi hūṁ At the end of 27 repetitions:iti gururatnasaptapadaprārthanā || This is the prayer to the Precious Guru, in seven sentences.Support the show

Tara, the Mother of all the Buddhas, emanates in countless forms to help sentient beings.In her most wrathful black form, the 7th of the 21 Taras, she overcomes every evil, every enemy, obstacle, negativity — and even curses or evil forces.All Taras protect.As Black Tara, in her most wrathful form, she tramples and burns them completely so they can never harm us.Her mantra is among the most powerful of protections: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva vidyā avarṇā ye bhye phaṭ svahā ओं तारे तुत्तारे तुरे सर्व विद्या अवर्णा ये भ्ये फट स्वहा ॥For protection or just as a devotional practice, chant her mantra in Sanskrit, the powerful mother language. Empowerment is not required to chant any mantra of Enlightened Mother Tara.Chant it any time you feel threatened, nervous, ill-at-ease, or in need of the nurturing protection of a wrathful mother.Black Tara is still Mother Tara — just hulked up with power so that she can always protect you.Chant her mantra ideally 21 times or 108 times, visualizing her as an energetic, black form of Tara.She is the color and nature of the deep space cosmos, black as a starry night sky.She can be sitting, standing, or even dancing with energy.Her whirling fire surrounds you in a protective shield.As you chant, feel confident in her protection and power.Notice the vibrations of your chanting.Concentrate on the powerful syllables.Although all Buddha's including Tara can emanate in any form, there are two main aspects of Black Tara. In the Atisha or Nyingma lineages she appears seated similar to Green Tara. Instead of Green, she is Black, which is the color of wrathful enlightened activity, her mouth slightly open and wrathful. Like Green Tara, she holds a lotus, but on the top of the lotus is a wisdom sword.In the Surya Gupta Lineage she is dancing and very wrathful, with four arms.One arm holds a wisdom sword, another a Dharma Wheel, and the Lotus flower she holds in another hand has a vajra on top. The fourth hand is held out in a wrathful mudra. She stands in the heroic posture, and her red hair is upright.For more information on this lineage of Black Tara, including the slightly different Surya Gupta mantra, see the video linked in the information icon above.Whether seated, or standing, black Tara can be visualized surrounded by wisdom flames.Chant along now, with the beautiful voice of Hrishikesh Sonar, the sacred and powerful mantra of Black Tara, Destroyer of Enemies and Evil, who Crushes all Adversaries to our Dharma practice.Mantra 108 Times:oṃ tāre tuttāre ture sarva vidyā avarṇā ye bhye phaṭ svahā ओं तारे तुत्तारे तुरे सर्व विद्या अवर्णा ये भ्ये फट स्वहा ॥Support the show

Conquering the maras and even death is at the very heart of Buddhism.As the death destroyer, Yamantaka symbolizes this aspiration, and his meditational deity practice is designed to achieve that goal.No deity is more misunderstood than the buffalo-headed deity Vajrabhairava, also known as Yamantaka.Wrathful barely begins to describe Yamantaka.Yet, he is none other than the great Bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjushri, in his most terrible and powerful form.How should we relate to such deliberately terrifying aspects of Enlightenment?Why is Yamantaka considered a Highest Yoga Practice?In what way can he "destroy death?" We try to answer these questions, and more, in this special feature podcast...Support the show

Kalachakra mantra and practice are recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times. Chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the mantra of Kalachakra presented with beautiful meditative images.To learn more about Kalachakra, watch Buddha Weekly's introductory video linked to the information icon in the top right of this presentation.To chant along, the mantra:Oṃ āḥ hūṃ ho haṃ kṣa mala varaya hūṃ phaṭThe Kalachakra mantra, called the tenfold powerful one — and symbolized in the famous Kalachakra tenfold power symbol — collects all the qualities of Kalachakra and all the Buddhas into one chant. In mantra practice, the seed syllable sounds carry many layers of profound meaning and power. Among the most profound is Kalachakra's sacred syllables.All of these syllables are combined into one magnificent symbol, the Kalachkra Tenfold Powerful One. They are overlaid together into one symbol, but still separated by the symbolic colors. The Om Ah Hum and Hoh, which stand for the body, speech and mind of the Buddhas are represented by three crowning symbols: the nada, disc and cresent.In this mantra, Om which is the white disc in the symbol at the top, stands for the body of all the Buddhas. Ah, which is red is symbolized by the crescent moon and stands for the Speech of all the Buddhas. Hum, which is the Blue nada or squiggle at the very top, stands for the Mind of all the Buddhas which also contains the essence of Hoh representing the wisdom of all the Buddhas.Ham which is the large blue syllable in the symbol, stand for the enlightened body, speech and mind of Kalachakra. KShah which is the syllable of Vishvamata, the consort of Kalachakra is green and stands for the wisdom of Kalachakra and the wisdom activity of the mandala. Ma, which is red is the mandala palace. La, which is yellow, stands for the element of earth. Wa, which is white stands for the element of water. Ra, which is red is for the element of fire. Ya, which is black is the element of air. The complete mantra contains all of the aspects and elements of Kalachakra, who himself embodies all of the Buddhas.Chant along now, with Hrishikesh Sonar, the powerful mantra of Kalachakra Sahaja.Oṃ āḥ hūṃ ho haṃ kṣa mala varaya hūṃ phaṭSupport the show

Why is Kalachakra practice recommended by great Buddhist teachers such as the Dalai Lama in these difficult times?Why is Kalachakra considered to be a highest yoga meditational form of Shakyamuni Buddha?How can Kalachakra meditation help to relieve our suffering?We answer these questions and more in this short, informative presentation on the the ultimate form of Shakyamuni Buddha.In this time, when wars and disease and economic turmoil arise again in Samsara, Kalachakra is among the most important practices in Vajrayana Buddhism, to help us overcome our many obstacles.This practice represents none other than the Highest Yoga Practice of the glorious conqueror Shakyamuni Buddha.Buddha taught in different ways for a multitude of suffering beings.In a display of this wonderful Enlightened skill, at the same time Buddha taught skillfully on our "plane of existence" — offering teachings in different ways to different followers, as best suited them — he taught in all planes of existence (time and space being relative and unlimited, after all.) The teachings of the Kalachakra Tantra are his highest teachings, although to achieve profound benefits requires training and a qualified teacher.Venerable Zasep Tulku Rinpoche explains:"Kalachakra deity is an emanation of Buddha Shakyamuni.He is the opponent of the age of degeneration, Kali Yuga.Kalachakra revolves around the concept of time (kala) and cycle or wheels.Kalachakra, in Tibetan Dhukor, means wheel of time, wheel of Samsara turning, wheel of sharp weapons turning, wheel of wars turning and wheel of suffering turning.At this time, it is important to turn the wheel of holy Dharma.It is time to practice Kalachakra Tantra."Support the show

What are the ten benefits of loving kindness and compassion meditation to health and wellness as supported by peer-reviewed research.How can ten minutes of meditation a day reduce stress, slow aging or decrease illness.What is a simple, guided ten minute loving-kindness meditation?Peer reviewed medical or scientific research identifies at least 10 major health and wellness benefits of loving kindness and compassion meditation.Any one of these would be reason enough to spend ten minutes a day dedicated to peaceful loving kindness and compassion meditation.The health and wellness benefits demonstrated in studies, included:Reduction of stress, including increases in Respiratory Sinus ArrythmiaSlowing of agingIncreasing of brain matterDecreasing of illnessDecreasing Post Traumatic Stress DisorderReducing incidence of migrainesDecreasing schizophrenia spectrum disordersIncreasing of empathy, compassion, reduction of bias and discrimination, and increasing of social connectionsIncreasing self worth and self love, reducing self-criticism — all of which can have positive impact on psychological and physical well-being.These peer-reviewed research studies are cited in the feature at the information icon of this video.The better news is that loving kindness and compassion meditation daily is a very easy practice, whether self-guided or following along with a guide.Follow along with us now, as we offer a very short, lovely, and simple loving-kindness and compassion meditation.Support the show

Why is Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva so popular across all traditions of Buddhism? What are the benefits of meditating on Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva? Why is his mantra treasured for stability, riches and wish-granting?We answer these questions, followed by a short visualization meditation of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. We finish with the mantra of the great Earth Store Bodhisattva chanted beautifully by Hrishikesh Sonar in Sanskrit.Before we begin, please like, subscribe and turn on notifications to help support the making of more videos and the Spread the Dharma mission of Buddha Weekly. His name translates to English as Earth Store Savior.Why Earth Store?Earth nurtures the growth of all things, and Store refers to hidden treasures.It is from Earth that life springs.Like the earth, this Enlightened hero is able to make all things grow.Like the great earth, he has endless, boundless treasure troves in the ground for people to uncover, including treasures of Dharma teachings.Those with faith will see the treasures revealed.According to the Hundred and Eight Names of Kṣhitigarbha and Ten Wheels Sūtra, his practice will ensure the universe will remain stable, riches will increase, you will gain whatever you wish for, and all glorious qualities will expand enormously.Why is his meditation, mantra and sutra recitation so effective?According to tradition and Sutra teachings, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva — also known as Jizo in Japan, or Dìzàng in Chinese Buddhism — will be the most active of the Bodhisattvas in the time between the Nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha and the rise of the next Buddha Maitreya.For these reasons, and his closeness to our world, he is called the Earth Store Bodhisattva.In times of natural disaster, such as earthquakes, climate change, hurricanes, and epidemics, teachers such as Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommend his meditation and mantra.The mantra and his Dharani contain the essence of recitation of the Eight Names of Kṣitigarbha and Ten Wheels Sutra.He is also widely treasured because he is an unfailing friend and hero, rescuing those suffering from negative karmas and hell realms.He is praised and honored in most traditions of Mahayana Buddhism, because of his great vows to save all sentient beings from suffering.His special day, celebrated by most Buddhists, is on the 30th day of the 7th lunar month, but he is a daily practice for many.For a more in-depth look at this great Earth Store Bodhisattva, see our full features in Buddha Weekly at the link icon in the top right.Come along with us now, as we visualize the glorious Earth Store Bodhisattva, in a visualized meditation..Half close your eyes, or visualize with the images in this video.Breathe in softly.  In.     Then out.  In.   And out. Breathe slowly.  In.    Out.    In.    Out.  Calm your mind. Become mindful and spacious. See yourself, seated in spacious emptiness, peaceful and serene. Golden light arises, gently, enveloping you, warming you, protecting you. From that golden light, you see Golden Kṣitigarbha arise, beautiful and wondrous. Surrounding him is an aureole of more golden light. ... (continues)Support the show

Ushnisha Vijaya, also known as Namgyelma in Tibetan, is one of the most beloved and widely practiced buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism. Why do Vajrayana Buddhists rely on the life-affirming, long-life Buddha Ushnisha Vijaya to support health and auspicious long life? What sutra, taught by the Buddha, contains the teachings on Ushnisha Vijaya and her Dharani? How can we meditate on Ushnisha Vijaya and bring her blessings into our life? We explore these questions in this short documentary on her beloved practice, followed by a short guided meditation with her beautiful long-life mantra, chanted wonderfully by Hrishikesh Sonar.In Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, the Yidam and your mind are inseparable. By visualizing the perfection of glorious long-life Ushnisha Vijaya, we connect our mind with her life-affirming, healing power. We empower our own prajna, or life force to rejuvenate our cells and heal our current physical bodies and minds. Ushnisha Vijaya, as our Yidam — or meditation deity —empowers our healing and long life by providing the perfect template — in Buddhist terms, mandala — to energize our own bodies to heal.Ushnisha Vijaya's practice was taught by Buddha Shakyamuni in the sutra, Usnisihavijaya Sutra, which contains her long Dharani, and the shorter mantra beautifully chanted here by Hrishikesh Sonar.Uṣṇīṣavijayā is considered to be very important throughout the four major lineages the Sakya, Gelug, Nyingma and Kagyu. All regard Her practice as very precious because it clears away the obstacles to life. Also, ultimately, it purifies our own obscurations, our negative karma.”  according to the 8th Garchen Rinpoche.Ushnishavijaya translates as Victorious Crown Goddess. She is one of a trinity of long-life Buddhas, including White Tara and Amitayus.Why are long-life Buddhas popular practices?Long-life Buddhas are very popular for good reason. With long life and good health, is the opportunity to practice Dharma. This is especially important in the case of our Buddhist teachers — their long lives benefit so many beings. Yet, equally, for ourselves, not because we cling to this Samsaric life, but because long life and health are conducive to a dedicated Dharma practice.Meditate along with us now, half-closing your eyes to meditate on Emptiness, and glimpsing none other than Ushnisha Vijaya. Visualize her in front of you, with healing white-golden light leaving the crown ushnisha of her head and entering your own crown, filling you with life-affirming light. Feel her healing blessings and warmth.See the glorious image of Ushnishavijaya, in front of you, the colour of an autumn moon, with three faces, white, yellow and blue and eight hands. Each face has three very large eyes. The first right hand holds a vishvavajra, a double vajra, her second hand holding a white lotus with Amitabha Buddha enthroned. Her third hand holds an arrow and the fourth in hand is in the mudra or gesture of supreme generosity. Her first left hand holds a vajra lasso. Her second left hand holds a bow. Her third left hand is in the gesture or mudra of bestowing protection, and her fourth left hand is in the gesture of meditative equipoise, and holding an auspicious nectar vase. She is beautifully adorned with silks and jewel ornaments, and seated in vajra posture.Holding the beautiful image of Ushnisha Vijaya, visualize the healing white-golden light from her crown entering your own body, reinforcing your lifeforce, your chi or prana. Her power, her healing light is removing all your negativities and your obstacles. Her healing light is strengthening you and healing you. Her blessings are filling you with lifeforce.Chant the beautiful mantra of Ushnisha Vijaya allowing the sacred syllables to empower you. Chant along now with Hrishikesh Sonar: Om Brum Svaha Om Amrita Ayur Da Dai SvahaSupport the show

Why is Mahakala associated with miracles and protection in Tibetan Buddhism? What do crows, three men in black, black dogs, black horses and black wolves have to do with Black Mahakala? How can wrathful Black Mahakala be considered none other than Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara, the Lord of Compassion? In this short documentary, we answer these questions, and more, and end with a magnificent chanting of six-armed Mahakala's mantra by Yoko Dharma!Crows, black dogs, wolves, horses and the "Men in Black" are recurring themes in many Tibetan Buddhist legends of Mahakala.Mahakala is so well loved as a Protector that he is often simply called "The Great Black" and "The Lord."Having a dream featuring a crow or black horse or black wolf is considered highly auspicious by many devout followers of Black Mahakala....Full story of his miracles, followed by his Mantra chanted by the amazing Yoko Dharma!Support the show

Buddha Weekly PresentSanskrit Praise chanted by Hrishikesh Sonarfor Buddha WeeklyThe 21 Praises to Tara are famous for blessing activity, protection, healing, long-life practice and wish-fulfillment. Tara, the Mother of the Buddhas, emanates in countless forms to help suffering beings in our troubled world. om namo bhagavatyai āryaśrī ekaviṃśati tārāyai namastāre ture vīre tuttāre bhayanāśiniture sarvārthade tāresvāhākāre namo’stute1st Taranamastāre ture vīrekṣaṇa dyuti nibhekṣaṇetrailokya nātha vaktrābjavikasat kesarodbhave2nd Taranamaḥ śata śaraccandrasampūrṇa paṭalānanetārā sahasra nikara prahasatkiraṇojjvale3rd Taranamaḥ kanaka nīlābja-pāṇipadma vibhūṣitedāna vīrya tapaḥ śānti titikṣādhyāna gocare 4th Taranamas tathāga toṣṇīṣavijayā nanta cāriṇiaśeṣa pāramitā prāptajina putra niṣevite 5th Taranamas tuttāra huṅkārapūritāśā digantaresaptaloka kramākrānt niḥśeṣākarṣaṇa kṣame6th Taranamaḥ śakrā nala brahmamarud viśveśvar ārcite,bhūta vetāla gandharva gaṇayakṣa puraskṛte7th Taranamastriḍiti phaṭkāraparayantra pramardinipratyālīḍha padanyāseśikhi jvālā kulojjvale8th Taranamasture mahāghoremāra vīra vināśinibhṛkuṭī kṛta vaktrābjasarva śatru niṣūdini9th Taranamastrīratna mudrāṅkahṛdayāṅguli vibhūṣitebhūṣitā śeṣa dikcakranikara-sva-karākule10th Taranamaḥ pramuditoddīptamukuṭākṣipta mālinihasat prahasat tuttāremāra loka vaśaṅkari11th Taranamaḥ samasta bhūpālapatal ākarṣaṇa kṣamecalada bhṛkuṭi hūṃkārasarvāpada vimocini12th Taranamaḥ śīkhaṇḍa-khaṇḍendumukuṭā bharaṇoj-jvaleamitābha-jaṭā-bhārabhāsvara-kiraṇa-dhruve13th Taranamaḥ kalpānta huta bhugajvālā mālāntara sthiteālīḍha muditābaddharipu cakra vināśini 14th Taranamaḥ karatalā ghātaćaraṇa hatabhūtalebhṛkuṭī kṛta hūṃkārasapta pātāla bhedini 15th Taranamaḥ śive śubhe śānteśānta nirvāṇa gocare,svāhā praṇava saṃyuktemahā pātaka nāśini 16th Taranamaḥ pramuditābaddharipu-gātra prabhedinidaśākṣara pada-nyāsevidyā-hūṃkāra-dīpite17th Taranamas ture pādaghātahūṃkārākāra bījitemeru mandharva vindhyaścabhuvana trayacālini18th Taranamaḥ sureśarākārahariṇāṅka kara sthitetārā dvirukta phaṭkāraaśeṣa viṣa nāśini19th Taranamaḥ sura gaṇā dhyakṣasura kinnara seviteābaddha muditābhogakari duḥ svapna nāśini20th Taranamaś candrārka sampūrṇanayana dyuti bhāsvarehara dvirukta tut-tāreviṣama jvara nāśini21st Taranama stritat tvavi nyāseśiva-śakti samanvitegraha vetāla yakṣa gaṇanāśini pravare tureSupport the show

Chant along now, with the Amazing Yoko Dharma, as she beautifully sings the glorious eight lines of praise to Vajra yogini in Sanskrit, with beautiful meditative images. These, unlike the mantra, are not generally considered restricted, although be guided by your own teacher.OM NAMO BHAGAVATE BAGAVATE BAGAVATE VAJRA VARAHI BAM HUM HUM PHAT OM NAMO ARYA  APARA-JITE  TRAI-LOKYA  MATI VIDYESHVARI HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO SARVA BHUTA BHAYA  VAHE MAHA VAJRA HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO VAJRA SANI AJITE APARA-JITE VASHAM KARI-NETRA HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO BRAHMANI SHOSHANI ROSHANI KRODHE KARALENE HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO TRASANI  MARANI  PRABHADANI  PARAJAYE HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO VIJAYE JAMBHANI STAMBHANI MOHANI HUM HUM PHATOM NAMO VAJRA  VARAHI MAHA YOGINI KAME-SHVARI KHAGE HUM HUM PHATSupport the show

Why do many Buddhist teachers describe Vajrayogini as the one practice for our busy, hectic, terrifying times which can lead us, in one lifetime, to Enlightenment?  Why is Vajrayogini the Sarva Buddha Dakini — the Dakini who is the essence of all the Buddhas? What are the ten benefits of her practice? How can we practice Vajrayogini now, if we don't yet have empowerment and permission of a teacher? We answer these questions, and more, in our brief documentary on the great Dakini Queen Vajrayogini.At the end of this podcast, don't miss the amazing Yoko Dharma chanting the glorious eight lines of praise to Vajrayogini in Sanskrit with beautiful meditative images.Support the show

Ushnisha Vijaya is one of the most beloved and widely practiced Buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism.She represents the epitome of physical health, vitality, and longevity. Her practices are highly recommended for increasing these qualities in ourselves.The practice can be as simple as chanting her mantra, while visualizing her in front of you with healing energy flowing into your body.Chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the beautiful short Sanskrit mantra.Mantra:OM BRUM SVAHA OM AMRITA AYUR DA DAI SVAHASupport the show

Buddhist teachers are universal in their enthusiasm for White Tara practice.Almost every teacher has real-life stories of people close to them who have been helped by White Tara, especially for health, long-life and auspiciousness. According to Venerable Lama  Phuntsock:White Arya Tara, from among the 21 Taras, frees practitioners from untimely death.It is truly possible to extend the span of one’s life by practicing White Tara and this will be very beneficial for one’s Dharma practice.The practice can be as simple as chanting her mantra, while visualizing healing energy flowing into your body. Chant along with Hrishikesh Sonar, the beautiful Sanskrit mantra of Glorious Arya White Tara.The mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru SvahaSupport the show

Green Tara is famous for her windy activity, sweeping to the rescue of sentient beings, with the force and speed of a hurricane.In Vajrayana Buddhism, Female Buddhas represent Wisdom. For this reason, she is described as the mother of all the Buddhas.Tara represents the unique and awesome intersection of Activity and Wisdom.Her role, as the "activity aspect of all the Buddhas," is as vast as the universe. This is why her many activity roles include rescues, protection, healing, long life, auspiciousness, and countless other activities associated with Karma.How can we bring the compassionate, loving activity of Tara into our lives. It can be as simple as calling her name, or chanting her mantra. Chant along  now 108 times, with the beautiful voice of Hrishikesh Sonar with inspiring meditative images.Support the show

Why does Vajrapani Bodhisattva's name mean "indestructible hand of the Buddha?" Why is he also called the "Lord or Secrets"? Why is Vajrapani one of the three most important Bodhisattvas? Come along with us now as we get to know this wrathful emanation of Vajrapani, the embodiment of the power of all the Buddhas.After our brief documentary, listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for accomplishing the Enlightened power, overcoming all of our obstacles.Before we begin, if you enjoy this presentation, please like and subscribe to Buddha Weekly's channel. Please visit our popular Dharma website at BuddhaWeekly.com with its large library of free Buddhist features, articles, videos, and podcasts — covering all traditions of Buddhism.    Vajrapani’s name means, literally, “Indestructible Hand” — the Hand of the Buddha.  “Vajra” literally translates as “indestructible diamond”, and “Pani”, in this context, means hand, so one translation of Vajrapani is Indestructible Hand. Another, less interesting translation is “Thunderbolt in hand.” He is also called the Lord of Secrets, because he guards the power of "secret mantra."The benefits of his practice, according to the Tantra of the Supreme Origination of Vajrapani are:If the disciple renders one obeisance to Vajrapani, he attains more merits than he would have secured through rendering numerous obeisances to myriads of Buddhas as many as the total grains of sands in ninety-two million Ganges Rivers… If he relies on Vajrapani as his Yidam Buddha and recites the Mantra, he will surely be protected by Vajrapani from all hindrances. No demons can hurt him, all illness will be cured, his merits will be increased and prosperity augmented. All his wishes will be fulfilled. Thus, the benefits of practicing this ritual are beyond description, nothing can afflict those who practice it. The practitioner of this ritual will also accomplish all the four activities — Pacifying, Enriching, Magnetizing and Wrathful. He will encounter no obstacles. Therefore, one should always rely on Vajrapani, take him as one’s shelter and refuge. Also, those who have chronic diseases will be cured through reciting the Mantra of Vajrapani.”The Power BodhisattvaHe is one of the three great Bodhisattvas, together with Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri, who respectively represent the three important aspects of Buddha: Power, Compassion, and Wisdom.He is not only important in Mahayana sutra, but appears in early Pali Sutta — Ambattha Sutta (“Pride Humbled”)— mighty Vajrapani, the Protector of Gotama Buddha Himself, humbled a prideful Brahmin:“And at that moment Vajrapani holding up a huge iron club, flaming, ablaze and glowing, up in the sky just above Ambattha was thinking, “If this young man does not answer a proper question put to him by the Blessed Lord by the third time of asking, I’ll split his head into seven pieces!” The Lord saw Vajrapani, and so did Ambattha. And at the sight, Ambattha was terrified and unnerved, his hairs stood on end, and he sought protection, shelter, and safety from the Lord. Crouching down close to the Lord.”Vajrapani, who belongs the Vajra Family of Akshobhya Buddha, is also often called Guhyapati , or the “Lord of Secrets”, in the context of Vajrayana, the “secret mantra” path. The secret element is more about “looking inward” and the tantric methods of understanding the true nature of reality — tantric insight into truth — than the idea of keeping esoteric secrets.Support the show

In Buddhism, Bodhisattva Vajrapani's ultimate power activity mantra is famous for its inspiring benefits — protecting, strengthening and empowering our practice. His mantra is the highest expression of ultimate activity, or karma. Listen or chant along with the Sanskrit version of his mantra — famous for cultivating power, chanted beautifully by Hrishikesh Sonar with beautiful meditative images. Om Vajrapani HumSupport the show

Buddha taught us how to purify obstacles, obscurations, negative karma, even disease, through Vajrasattva meditation, visualization and mantras.Chant along the 100-syllable Sanskrit mantra, here beautifully chanted by Hrishikesh Sonar, with the meditative images of Vajrasattva. Visualize all of your negativities, obstacles and diseases purified by glorious white light.Listening or chanting are both beneficial. For chant along:OṃVajrasattva samayam anupālayaVajrasattva tvenopatiṣṭhadṛḍho me bhavasutoṣyo me bhavasupoṣyo me bhavaanurakto me bhavasarva siddhiṃ me prayacchasarva karma sucha me chittaṃ śreyaḥ kuruhūṃha ha ha ha hoḥbhagavan sarva tathāgata vajra mā me muñchavajrī bhava mahā samaya sattva āḥSupport the show