I’ve been wondering about this for a while. How does one take refuge? Is it only to be taken in the three jewels, or something else in addition to them? Also, can I do it myself or do I need to contact a monk/lama/someone else for a ritual/ceremony for it? Will there be problems if I recite mantras/try meditating without refuge?
Please help me.
Hey all, I’m thinking of joining Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s Vajrayana Online program. In addition to that, I’m also looking for insight into devotional practices towards different figures (such as Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshvara, Tara, Amitabha, etc.) and how they’re actually practiced. I do have a prayer book but I don’t know if there’s an “etiquette” for reciting them. Can someone please enlighten me on how to practice devotion towards different figures?
Hey all, I recently made a post asking for advice regarding Vajrayāna Buddhism. I received a lot of advice and help (I am really grateful) and have already started acting upon it.
I however also wanted to ask what the non-tantric layer of Tibetan Buddhism is like (the Mahāyāna part of it, if that’s the correct way to say it). What are the practices involved (both devotional and otherwise) and how can I practice them and what are some texts I can begin reading? (I’m going to assume all of the non-tantric stuff is open to all without any sort of empowerment or initiation, correct me if I’m wrong). Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Hey all. I’m new to Tibetan Buddhism. I visited Bhutan recently and got a Vajrasattva statue (consecrated). I get really confused about what practices are open and which ones are restricted. Could someone please advise me on what I can do/practice daily and what practices I should consult a lama for? (Both for Vajrasattva and other deities, and practices such as meditation or yoga in general)
Also, since I live in a region with nearly no Buddhists and thus no lamas/sangha, are there any sanghas/lamas I can interact with online, who could give me transmissions for practices (if that is valid?)
Please help me on my path. I am quite confused at present and ANY help would be greatly appreciated.
So I visited Bhutan some time back. I’ve been drawn to Buddhism for quite a while. While I was in Bhutan, a monk my tour guide knows personally took my birthdate and based on my horoscope suggested I worship Vajrasattva. I purchased a small statue and had it consecrated in a temple. The monk also said it was okay for me to chant the hundred-syllable mantra. He gave me his ngöndro, a book titled ‘37 practices of Bodhisattvas’ and another book containing prayers (to Mañjuśrī, for rebirth in Sukhāvatī, etc.) I am very eager to begin practicing, but I’m still cautious about restricted practices. All I do currently is offer incense to the Vajrasattva statue. Can someone please advise me on what I should do to practice in my daily life, be it dedicated towards Vajrasattva or any other deities/figures (or other practices in general?) I live in an area which has no lamas/gurus or any Buddhist community in general, so I have no one who I can turn to for help.
P.S if there is any sādhanā that does not require transmission, please let me know.