Selections from the text of Tibetan Buddhism: Prayers, Songs and Poetry by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol’s compositions, in which the revered Master imparts His profound wisdom of spiritual practice through songs and prayers.

“Namo guru! The freedoms and advantages are hard to find, and death comes quickly; Actions have their effects, and samsāra its trials — on these, I shall reflect. Visualisation of the Field of Merit Those who protect us from the sufferings of saṃsāra and the lower realms — The deities who are the objects of refuge fill the whole of space. Taking Refuge In the guru and the Three Jewels, I take refuge. Arousing Bodhicitta I generate love, compassion, and the mind of bodhicitta! The sources of refuge melt into light and dissolve into me. And my own body becomes a mass of glowing radiant light.”

“Guru Yoga At the crown of my head, on a lion throne, a lotus and a moon-disc seat, Presides the guru in the form of mighty Vajradhara. Root teacher, the embodiment of all sources of refuge, I pray to you: inspire me with your blessings! The guru, through samādhi, grants the four empowerments, Melts into light and dissolves into me. The guru’s wisdom mind and my own mind merge as one. And I rest in an experience of dharmakāya, the emptiness, and clarity of the nature of mind.”

“Leisure and fortune are hard to find, and death strikes quickly, Actions and their effects do not deceive, and there’s no happiness in saṃsāra. I take refuge in the Three Jewels, the sources of protection, And generate love, compassion, and the mind of bodhicitta. Nectar cascades from Vajrasattva, seated upon my crown, To purify my illnesses, demons, harmful influences, and obscurations. I offer my body, my estate, and whatever virtues I have amassed to the deities: Kindly accept them and bestow your blessings and accomplishment. Root Guru, who is the embodiment of all sources of refuge, I supplicate you: bless me, I pray! Imagine and continually recall the Buddha, Appearing very clearly in the space in front of you. The nature of the mind is like space, primordially empty; Rest in this empty cognizance without the slightest grasping.”

“Through the merit of offering this light, May the darkness of ignorance be dispelled! May misdeeds, harms and obscurations all be purified! May adversity and obstacles be overcome! May my life force and merit blaze forth! May my qualities of experience and realization blaze forth! May the Buddhist teachings long remain ablaze! And may happiness and well-being blaze throughout the world!”