Most Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Chod – The Introduction & A Few Practices
Note: In order to practice chod, the sincere disciple must have received transmission and permission
from an authentic lineage-holder. The transmission is a spiritual blessing that is passed down in
an unbroken lineage, and as such protects the student on this quite advanced path of practice.
1. Introduction
I am very happy to have the opportunity to speak about chod and hope that my introduction will be helpful for all of you who wish to engage in the practice. It is important to know which tradition of teachings chod belongs to before one begins. gChod belongs to the Secret Mantrayana1 and was brought to Tibet from India within the scope of the Eight Chariots of Accomplishment2 by Machig Labdron. Ma-gchig Lab-sGron, “One Mother, Lamp of the Lab” was born in the region of Lab in Central Tibet and lived from 1055-1152 A.D. It is important to know that Machig Labdron did not invent chod, a practice that brings together the essence of the entire teachings on prajnaparamita that Lord Buddha presented when he turned the Wheel of Dharma a second time in Rajgriha, India.
Prajnaparamita is shes-rab-kyi-pha-rol-tu-phyin-pa in Tibetan and means, “reaching the other shore through the perfection of wisdom-awareness,” in the sense of having left “this shore” of dualistic concepts. Prajnaparamita embraces the complete Mahayana teachings of perfect omniscience - the heart of Lord Buddha's realization. The Buddha gave short, middle-length and long instructions on prajnaparamita on the occasion of the Second Dharmachakra and meticulously explained insight into emptiness. Prajnaparamitasutras are the scriptures that were later composed in India (between approximately 100 B.C. and A.D. 600). The short text consists of 700 lines, the middle text has 8000 verses and the long text has 100,000 verses. Chod combines the prajnaparamita teachings with the practice of lojong (blo-sbyong, “mind training”).3
Chod means “cutting through,” i.e., severing erroneous concepts about the world of appearances and all illusions regarding the existence of a personal self. The practice of chod is an advanced skilful method that enables practitioners to become free of clinging to false notions and beliefs regarding inherent existence of appearances and experiences and therefore of an individual self. Attachment and clinging to a self are forces that give rise to the defilements, which are the source of anguish and pain. Chod is the practice that enables disciples to understand emptiness of all appearances that are fit to arise and therefore can be apprehended. It is an exceptional practice.
One needs to eradicate unfavourable delusions and hindrances and accomplish favourable conditions in order to realize and manifest perfect awakening. Unfavourable conditions are all negative habits that conceal the pure vision of reality. There are three types of unfavourable conditions: (1) delusions caused by past evil deeds, (2) delusions that are present and manifest as disturbing and therefore harmful emotions and (3) the delusion of not knowing the true nature of all things. These delusions need to be purified. Furthermore, a disciple needs to accumulate favourable conditions, accomplished by practicing the six paramitas.
Generally, the six paramitas that a bodhisattva practices in order to achieve the highest goal of awakening are: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyful endeavour, meditation and wisdom-awareness. The first paramita (“perfection”) is transcendent giving that dissipates scarcity and wants that beings living in poverty endure. There are three ways to be generous: general, exceptional and very difficult generosity. (1) General generosity is giving clothes, food, medicine and other everyday necessities to those who are destitute. (2) Exceptional generosity is additionally giving away precious things that one cherishes very highly to those in need. (3) Extremely difficult generosity is even giving away one’s own body.
We know from stories about the former lives of Buddha Shakyamuni, at times when he was born a bodhisattva, that he gave away his body or head, which is a very difficult thing to do. Can an ordinary individual do this? Shantideva taught in the Bodhicharyavatara that it is not at all recommendable for someone who has not realized extraordinary wisdom and compassion to give away his or her hands or other bodily parts. We may conclude that it is therefore impossible for ordinary beings like us to be just as generous as the Buddha was in former lives. But the aspiration to achieve this most difficult kind of generosity is not less beneficial than actually carrying out the act. Therefore - so that doubts and discouragement do not arise and in reliance upon the instructions on phowa4 - one imagines that one transfers one’s consciousness outside the body and then offers hands and limbs to ghosts, ghouls, evil phantoms and gods.
What is exceptional about giving away one’s own body? Why is it really helpful? The size of the offering and the intention are decisive. If both are great, then the benefit will be great. What does this have to do with one’s physical body? Nobody will deny that one cherishes and clings to one’s body the most, therefore giving it away is an exceptional present. Why did Shantideva say that such an act is impossible for ordinary beings? He wrote that it is not such a good thing to do because ordinary beings are overly attached and habituated to their body. He explained that one may be fascinated by the idea, but when it comes to actually living up to one’s intention of giving away one’s body or limbs, one loses heart and becomes more than distraught. As a result, regret overwhelms practitioners. When this happens, one discovers that the intention was not such a good idea after all. And so, generously surrendering the body while practicing chod is only imagined, which is already very beneficial. Merely imagining such an act of generosity is therefore a precautionary measure so that there is no danger of regretting and feeling badly when the situation actually presents itself and one backs off.
The instructions dealing with the sixth paramita say that prajna (“wisdom-awareness”) needs to be realized in order to achieve supreme awakening. Wisdom-awareness is the realization that all appearances in the world and one’s life are devoid of inherent existence, i.e., everything is empty of a self-existing nature. The Prajnaparamitasutra states, “There is no form, no sound, no smell, no taste, no touch, no mental formation” and so forth. It is necessary to relinquish all preconceptions and discursiveness that one clings to and nurtures in order to fully realize the empty nature of all things referred to in the above verse. Chod is a reliable and powerful method of practice to overcome all false assumptions about the world of appearances and experiences. Imagining that one is offering one’s body as food to spirits and demons helps a practitioner give up clinging to a self, which, in truth, does not exist as supposed.
It is so much easier imagining that one is offering one’s body to those one loves and admires. Offering one’s body to those one fears and dislikes, to those deemed enemies and foes, to those who hinder and obstruct any plans one may wish to accomplish is much more difficult. Therefore, the instructions on chod suggest that, in order to overcome and reliably dispel attachment to a self, one specifically imagines giving one’s body to those one dislikes the most as well as to those who have been helpful and kind in the past.
Nyama Paldabum, one of Jetsun Milarepa’s very close disciples, approached him and asked, “You have received good instructions. But when one has received instructions, one needs to go into the mountains to practice. What kind of Dharma practice have you done?” In reply, Milarepa sang of outer, inner and secret chod, in which one cuts through one’s attachment to the self more efficiently each time. He sang: “External chod is to wander in fearful places where there are deities and demons. Internal chod is to offer one’s own body as food to the deities and demons. Ultimate chod is to realize the true nature of the mind and cut through the fine strand of hair of subtle ignorance. I am the yogi who has these three kinds of chod practice.” The instructions that Milarepa offered Nyama Paldabum are recounted in the 100,000 Songs of Milarepa.
Jetsun Milarepa taught that chod is entwined with the syllable PHET, the Sanskrit metaphor for “cutting through.” Machig Labdron did not translate the mantra into Tibetan, because it embodies the essence of all teachings. Jetsun Milarepa went into great detail and explained that there are three ways to cut through clinging to a self. The practice of (1) outer PHET enables a practitioner to gather and bind the mind, allowing him or her to hold the mind steadily and stop it from going astray. (2) Inner PETH allows a practitioner to dispel delusions and drowsiness. (3) And secret PHET enables a sincere practitioner to fathom the depths of everything that can be apprehended so that most subtle levels of clinging to a self are cut.
Many thoughts of hatred, lust, pride, jealousy, etc. arise in the mind, sometimes so overwhelmingly strong that it is impossible to hold or focus one’s mind during meditation, becoming lost in distractions instead. Anger, for instance, arises very often and is usually directed towards someone who threatens one’s physical existence. When situations like this occur, imagining that one is giving one’s own body as a meal to those who are angry and threaten one’s life severs attachment to a self. Then the mind is collected. Therefore, outer PHET is the practice of maintaining a steady mind so that thoughts do not carry one away.
Inner PHET serves to dispel dull states of mind. Heavy and wild thoughts distract more obviously than subtle thoughts, but drowsiness and dullness also lead astray. Mental dullness, even unconsciousness (which are based upon attachment to a truly existing self that purports to possess a truly existing body) can reliably be overcome through the practice of chod. So the
inner mantra is the practice of eradicating mental dullness.
Secret or true PHET is the practice that opens the door to realization of mind’s true nature through wisdom-awareness. It is not utterly hard or impossible to learn that all outer and inner appearances lack inherent existence, i.e., are empty of a self-entity. It is easy to logically deduce that forms, sounds, etc. lack independent existence, are mere appearances that arise in dependence upon other things and are therefore fit to be designated by a mind that apprehends them. It is much more difficult to actually realize emptiness of appearances, though. Practicing the true mantra enables a practitioner to realize that an independently existing self is not established through its own right or of its own accord and therefore does not really exist, the connotation of the term “emptiness.” Furthermore, true mantra enables a fervent disciple to experience that - due to emptiness (i.e., lack of impediments for spatial existents to arise when conditions prevail) - it is not the case that nothing is present when appearances do arise and things happen. So, realizing the true mantra means experiencing the presence of clarity and radiant precision, i.e., realizing that the mind and all things are not only empty of inherent existence but are clear and radiant when they arise, abide and cease. Realization engenders and increases one’s confidence in and certainty of the fact that things are not only empty of self-existence but also are clear and distinct when they arise - truly experienced when the secret mantra of cutting through has been accomplished. In daily practice, chod means surrendering one’s body. Once in a while practitioners organize a big party and celebrate a feast, called chod-ganachakra in Sanskrit.
What is the fundamental, day-to-day practice of giving away one’s body? Machig Labdron - who learned, perfected, and delineated the practice of chod that was imparted to her by great Indian Mahasiddas - taught the preliminary practices, the main practices, and the concluding practices. There are five preliminary practices: (1) opening one’s heart for all living beings by giving rise to bodhicitta, (2) taking refuge in the Three Jewels, (3) accumulating and increasing merit and wisdom, (4) dispelling negative mental habits and (5) giving offerings as an expression of gratitude and joy.
2. The First Three Preliminary Practices
a) Generating Bodhicitta
It is so much easier giving things to those persons one loves and likes than giving things to those persons one cannot stand, or giving things to those who have already harmed or who wish to harm one. But in the practice of chod, one firstly thinks of worst enemies who are really out to hurt and harm. They are the most important individuals who need to be appeased through generosity. Secondly, maybe there are no tangible enemies who wish to hurt one; maybe there is nobody around who insults, belittles or disparages one. Sometimes someone just gets in the way, or sometimes difficulties at work rule the day, or sometimes financial worries, sorrow or anguish bring on disturbing situations in life. Then one can imagine that similar situations are spirits. Now, we do not really know if this is true, but it can be imagined - one can imagine that misfortunes have an intangible form and make good use of the opportunity to practice chod. So, one can imagine the second type of recipients of generosity in the form of evil spirits. Thirdly, obstacles can also be objects of generosity, and there are many, e.g., being stopped from carrying out a plan, or having been robbed, or experiencing a streak of bad luck. One can imagine that such circumstances are intangible beings and wish to do something good for them. Sometimes there is tremendous fear of disaster or slight fear that something may go wrong. One can imagine such instances as formless living beings and not be afraid, rather use the opportunity to practice chod by wishing and trying to do something really good for them.
In general, there are many reasons to be fearful and to suffer, for instance, terrifying images or apparitions can manifest in one’s mind. Nevertheless, it is important to resolve not to respond with anger and fear to vicious apparitions but to welcome every terrifying experience or appearance by saying, “Okay, you are not evil but are actually good, therefore I greet and bid you welcome. I want to do something good for you.” There are demons causing diseases and sicknesses, there is much ill health that one can and often does go through. When this happens, one can think, “Just a short while ago I was well, and suddenly I got sick.” One can also be afraid of getting sick the next day or feel uncomfortable and uneasy in a certain place. Nobody can deny that vicious spirits (that cannot be seen with the eyes but who may be eager to harm) haunt those places. But maybe one has succumbed to fear of having to face what is often dreaded to be a demon.
It is necessary to not only understand but to face the truth that life entails suffering and pain. It is a fact that having been born means being subject to impermanence, ageing, sickness and death. By acknowledging and accepting any painful and disturbing experiences that life inevitably entails, one can accept whatever happens and more easily recognize that nothing is really bad. If people are not nice, one can call to mind the aspiration prayers once made to help all living beings without exception. One is free to reflect that all living beings, whoever they are, were once one’s kind parents one promised to help. During the practice of chod, one especially remembers most horrific enemies and foes or thinks about the most malevolent spirits and greatest obstacles that can be imagined. This is one of the seven points of lojong practice, namely using obstacles and hindrances as the path, by not getting angry about what is usually considered terrible but by being grateful and making good use of the exceptional chance to generate and increase loving kindness and compassion instead.
Lojong teaches that every living being - especially those out to harm one as well as frightful spirits who seem to just show up - was once one’s dear mother. A practitioner of lojong contemplates, “I want to transform them into the state of the Great Mother.” What does this mean? Great Mother is a synonym for prajnaparamita, perfection of highest wisdom-awareness that extraordinary individuals, who have reached supreme bodhisattva levels, have realized and one wishes to realize too. How is this supreme goal accomplished? Through the virtue of listening to and contemplating the Dharma, in order to gain certainty, and through the virtue of meditating the instructions, in order to actually realize yeshe (“primordial wisdom”) that all Buddhas have.
Prajnaparamita (Sher-phyin-ma, “Perfection of Wisdom”) is called “Great Mother” because she gives birth to four types of aryas (“noble beings”). Buddha-aryas would never have become a buddha (“a fully realized saint and sage”) without first having been born by Prajnaparamita. She also gives birth to bodhisattvas, to pratyekabuddhas and to shravakas, i.e., to all maha-arhats who have reached the goal they diligently worked on to reach. The four accomplishments that the four types of aryas accomplish could never be achieved without prajna. Therefore Prajnaparamita is compared to a mother, a great mother.
Having decided to lead all living beings to the same state as Prajnaparamita, one needs to be honest and admit that one is presently not in a position to succeed. Why? Because one is still overwhelmed by delusions and emotions that follow. Everyone has the potential and ability to become free from delusions concerning the way things are and the way things appear. Everyone has the capability to become free of deceptive illusions and, having accomplished the goal, lead others to the same state.
We have heard these instructions many times and know that usually the first contemplation and meditation in any sadhana (a vajrayana liturgy for one of many deities that includes chanting, visualization and mantra recitation) is taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and sangha, and that the second practice is giving rise to bodhicitta. We may wonder, “Why is the order of practice different in chod?” The reason is that chod is a special practice. Its purpose is to enable practitioners to pacify and overcome emotions, especially the strongest emotions that disturb and harm most painfully (pride, anger that is born from hatred, passion, ignorance and jealousy) as well as those feelings that are not listed as the most harmful emotions but that arise due to attachment to a self (such as fear, depression, etc.). Therefore it is necessary to open one’s heart to others every time one engages in the practice of chod by first generating bodhicitta.
This concludes the discussion of the first preliminary practice, which is generating bodhicitta by opening one’s heart for all living beings. Please practice in this way.
b) Seeking Refuge
The second preliminary practice is seeking refuge in those who are competent and reliable. In the Mahamudra-Ngondro practice, one thinks that, together with all dear friends and family members, one seeks refuge in the images depicted in the refuge tree. In the practice of chod, though, one invites all those one thinks are malicious enemies. One imagines that one sincerely invites all enemies by first blowing a thighbone trumpet (kang-gling in Tibetan). This may sound strange, repulsive, and frightening. Why is the trumpet used in the practice of chod a thighbone? Nothing in dharmadhatu (“the vast expanse of space”) is really awful and dreadful; nothing is dirty or clean, because those interpretations are not real. The thighbone trumpet symbolizes this fact. Jetsun Milarepa taught, “Everything in dharmadhatu is one-taste.” He explained why the kang-gling is used and said, “The sight of a corpse disgusts us, but it is not different than the physical body we carry around with us anyway and cherish so much. Therefore, there is no reason to be repelled by a kang-gling.” So, that is why it is used.
Calling those persons, spirits, ghosts and ghouls that one thinks are repulsive and cruel in one’s imagination causes various reactions in them. Some of them may wonder why they are being addressed by us and become suspicious or disturbed, scratching their heads, puzzled and wondering whether our intentions are good or not. This is normal. If someone we don’t like calls us by our name, for example, and tells us to hurry on over, we too wonder what they can possibly want from us. Therefore one claps the trumpet three times and tells them, “Do not be afraid. Please, listen to me.” One continues by asking them, “Come on over. I wish to do something good for you, so do hurry.” One calls all negative forces one can imagine when one forwards the invitation that they please come on over to take refuge together.
When guests are invited to participate in other practices and have arrived, one usually imagines that everyone takes refuge in all teachers of the transmission lineage and that all buddhas, the Dharma and the complete sangha are assembled in the refuge tree in front. In the practice of chod, though, one imagines that Prajnaparamita is seated in the centre of space in front. She has gone to the other shore, the shore of primordial wisdom that is beyond form. During the practice of chod, one imagines that she has a form and can protect everyone from falling from low to lower states of existence and, as a result, suffer horrific wounds and laceration. She is Yum-chen-mo, the “Great Mother” of the wisdom that gave and continues giving birth to buddhas, bodhisattvas, pratyekabuddhas and shravakas, those saints and sages who manifest invaluable qualities by having realized wisdom-awareness. This is why she is more than a friend - she is a protector, a source of refuge. This is why she has a golden body, because gold is very valuable and does not change. She is not only the embodiment of supreme wisdom but also actively helps us - and she does have a lot to do. Imagining her in a physical form, she can certainly help many beings with two arms and hands, but she can do much more with four. This is why she has four arms and hands.
Each of Prajnaparamita’s four hands makes a distinct and meaningful gesture. Her first left hand is placed in her lap to show that she has reached the goal and transcended worldly knowledge with prajna. Three kinds of wisdom-awareness can be attained: (1) prajna that arises from hearing the precious Dharma instructions, (2) prajna that is developed by contemplating and reflecting the instructions one has heard and (3) prajna that becomes manifest by meditating and integrating the teachings in one’s life. The final result of having accomplished the third kind of prajna is attainment of perfect mental stability, the goal, and this is why her left hand rests in her lap.
Buddha Shakyamuni, seated directly below Prajnaparamita, touched the earth with his right hand when he attained perfect enlightenment in Bodhgaya. What does the earth-touching gesture mean? Lord Buddha called upon the earth, by touching it with his right hand, to witness that he had attained perfection of inner stability and supreme wisdom when he became enlightened. Prajnaparamita does not touch the earth with her first right hand because she is the one who gives birth to perfect awakening. Therefore her first right hand rests on her left hand in her lap. Nothing lasts, everything changes, therefore Prajnaparamita’s second left hand holds a sacred text that represents all the precious Dharma teachings, and her second right hand holds a vajra that stands for perfect realization of the immutable, ever-present changeless nature.
The Sambhogakaya-Buddha is seated above Prajnaparamita in space in front. There are two types of physical emanations of a buddha in the world of appearances: nirmanakaya and sambhogakaya. Buddha Shakyamuni is a nirmanakaya, wears three robes which denote simplicity, i.e., freedom from discursiveness. The Sambhogakaya-Buddha is depicted with many ornaments, which symbolize the radiance and abundance of insight and wisdom that bring joy and well-being. Both form kayas, each in its own way, show that perfect awakening is not a thing of naught, rather perfect awakening means being fully adorned and magnificently present while abiding in simplicity, spros-bral.
Of course, the source of refuge is the Three Jewels, i.e., the Buddha, the Dharma and the sangha, the sangha referring to all great masters, protectors, and helpers who belong to the transmission lineage. So, just as in lojong practice, together with all guests, one invokes the Buddha as the ultimate teacher who shows the way. Then one invokes the Dharma that is the teachings. One also invokes the sangha, those beings that protect, help and care for everyone most heedfully. The Three Jewels are the source of freedom from suffering and fear, the reason one invokes them. Actually, the Three Jewels represent the wisdom and compassion that we will realize too - if we practice.
The third kaya a buddha realizes is the dharmakaya, which is the own mind. One needs to realize that the dharmakaya, our own mind, is unborn, empty of inherent existence, never arises or ceases. How can this be? One can investigate by taking an opponent’s view into account and ask, “If the mind is a solid thing that can be found and identified, then how can it be changed or develop for the better? How can we even hope to attain and manifest qualities of awakening if the mind is a solid and static thing?” In truth, the own mind is dharmakaya, unborn and empty of inherent existence. This is the situation.
At this point in practice, one is assembled with one’s worst enemies, with all those one thinks are out to harm. One seeks refuge together with them. Everyone who has arrived shows deepest respect for all sources of protection, for the yidams and protectors at the base of the refuge tree, too, by folding their palms and speaking the refuge prayer with devotion and an open, loving heart. While concentrating on the source of refuge, i.e., all buddhas and bodhisattvas who possess magnificent qualities, and while concentrating on Prajnaparamita, one prays, “May the body of all living beings, including myself, be well and all our actions help others. May everything we say be beneficial and good. May our minds be pure and sincere.” One recites this because one wishes that all living beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. The causes of happiness are wholesome deeds carried out with the body, helpful and encouraging words that are spoken, and pure thoughts and intentions generated and held in the mind.
The practice of seeking refuge together with one’s enemies and foes is concluded by praying that all living beings be naturally free of painful experiences, that they may be happy and content, and that they fully realize the qualities that all those noble beings assembled in the refuge tree have. And so, in the practice of chod, generating bodhicitta is the first preliminary practice and taking refuge is the second. Generating bodhicitta means opening one’s heart for others, the reason it is the first preliminary practice.
Following, one takes the bodhisattva vows to always work for the welfare of others; it is the second aspect of increasing bodhicitta. The community of practitioners who took refuge have opened their hearts for others by giving rise to bodhicitta, but it is important to make the same promise and pledge that bodhisattvas always made and make, by saying, “Now we will really work for the welfare of others and promise never to forfeit our commitment.” This is a special practice that consists of five steps: (1) admitting and regretting all bad actions we and all others formerly carried out with the faculties of body, speech, and mind, (2) being happy about the good we and all others have been able to do, (3) seeking refuge in the true objects of refuge together with our guests, (4) conscientiously resolving to help all beings by taking the bodhisattva vows, and (5) making wishing prayers and dedicating any positive merit that has been accomplished for the welfare of others.
This is the stage in practice at which one conscientiously resolves and promises the buddhas of the three times to work for the welfare of others, just as they have done and continue doing. The buddhas of the three times are those who have worked, those who do, and those who will work for the benefit of others. One speaks the aspiration prayer together with all those one invited and resolves, “Just as the buddhas of the three times have worked for the welfare of others, we wish to do this too.” One intensifies the prayer by promising to carry out one’s intention so that it is fruitful and effective by praying, “May this aspiration not only be an
idea, but may all our wishes come true.” These two aspects are called “bodhicitta of aspiration” and “bodhicitta of application.”
c) Accumulating and Increasing Merit and Wisdom
As it is, one makes offerings to a referential object during sadhana practice in order to accumulate merit, and the recipient of offerings in the practice of chod is Machig Labdron, who is imagined to be in space before us. She embodies all saintly beings, protectors, and dakinis who are assembled in the refuge tree. She is also inseparably one with our Root Lama.
Historically, Machig Labdron was a mahasiddha (“a great pandit and saint”) who lived in Tibet and attained realization. In the practice of chod, we see her as a wisdom dakini. Dakinis are female spiritual beings that fulfil enlightened activities, which protect and serve the Dharma as well as all practitioners. They are actually the root of activities among the Three Roots. The Three Roots (rtsa-ba-gsum) are the Lama, yidams and dakinis. The Lama is the root of blessings, the yidam meditation deities are the root of all siddhis (“accomplishments”), and the dakinis are the source of buddha activities.
Machig Labdron is white in colour, has one face and three eyes. The third wisdom-eye on her forehead symbolizes her unclouded vision that sees everything. In her left hand, she holds an upturned bell at her hip; her right hand is upraised and holds a damaru (“hand drum”). One imagines that she is naked. Even though the mind’s true nature is always and already present as naked awareness, one does not see it, because illusions and emotions overwhelm and distract the mind powerfully. Mind’s true nature is inconceivable - it is the indivisibility of emptiness and luminous clarity. One can only experience the true nature of one’s mind after having defeated all preconceptions and emotions, symbolized by the tiara of five skulls that she wears. Being naked means that she has vanquished harmful emotions. Not only has she realized pure consciousness, i.e., naked, primordial wisdom, but also she possesses all qualities of mind’s true nature. Therefore, she is adorned with gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets; they symbolize mind’s abundant and radiant qualities of clarity and primordial awareness that actively abound for the welfare of others.
Realizing the true nature of all things that appear, abide and cease again through wisdom-awareness frees from having to experience unremitting suffering and pain - samsara. Realizing the true nature by engaging in compassionate activities frees from abiding in one-sided bliss - nirvana. Machig Labdron is therefore in a dancing posture; her legs symbolize these two aspects. When one realizes the true nature of everything, then one is not subject to suffering and pain but is truly free of the torments that samsara inevitably entails, symbolized by Machig Labdron’s bent left leg. Not turning one’s back on nor being indifferent towards those trapped in the endless cycle of craving, frustration and woe, by abiding in the bliss of peace, is symbolized by her outstretched right leg. Her dancing posture is an expression for her joy of having realized reality through prajna and for her delight in working for others with loving kindness and compassion. She is also happy because she is surrounded by the teachers and deities of the field of accumulation of merit and wisdom, i.e., all saints and sages of the transmission lineage, who are one with our Root Lama.
Padampa Sangye (d. approx. 1117 A.D.), father of the transmission lineage of chod, was the great Indian siddha who, it is recorded, came to Tibet five times and introduced the lineage of zhi-byed (“pacification” of suffering). Chod is a branch-teaching of zhi-byed.5 He and all masters of the transmission lineage of the skilful means of chod are seated atop a cloud bank slightly above Machig Labdron’s right side.
How did the Dharma come to Tibet? King Trisong Detsen (742-798 A.D.) contributed decisively in establishing Buddhism in Tibet by inviting the Indian Bodhisattva-Khenpo Shantarakshita from India to speak about dependent origination and the ten virtuous actions and to build the first Buddhist monastic academy at Samye, which is situated along the banks of the Tsangpo River south of Lhasa. The local spirits were hostile to Shantarakshita and intentionally obstructed his efforts. Therefore, he advised the king to invite Padmasambhava, a tantric adept from India, to deal with these malicious spirits. Accordingly, Padmasambhava came to Tibet and subdued the most powerful spirits. Once vanquished, the spirits were bound by oath to act as Dharma protectors. Both teachers, Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava, represent two different forms of Buddhist practice, the monastic academic and the mystical. They taught and spread the Dharma in Tibet. Shantarakshita prophecied that it would be obstructed in later years. He advised the king to then invite his student Kamalashila to come to Tibet and quell the troublemakers so that the authentic Dharma would not be distorted.
In accordance with Bodhisattva Shantarakshita’s prophecy, a man named Hwa Shang Mahayana came from China to spread his approach of the Dharma in Tibet. As a result, people were a little perplexed as to which method was right. Hwa Shang Mahayana taught that just as black clouds cover space and the sun, white clouds also cover space and the sun. “Similarly,” he said, “both non-virtuous and virtuous thoughts and actions obstruct the omniscient state of a buddha.” Hwa Shang Mahayana said that one only needs to be without any thoughts at all in order to accumulate merit and wisdom. Kamalashila, on the other hand, taught that the accumulation of merit and wisdom is like the two wings of a bird - both are needed in order to fly. He introduced the gradual path of practice.
Having been called by King Trisong Detsen, Kamalashila made the long journey from India to Tibet and met Hwa Shang Mahayana. Kamalashila thought, “If he has knowledge, we can meet in debate. If he is a fool, we cannot meet in debate.” In order to see whether or not Hwa Shang Mahayana had knowledge, Kamalashila circled Hwa Shang Mahayana’s head three times with a stick, thereby posing the question, “From what cause do the three realms of cyclic existence arise?” Because Hwa Shang Mahayana had great knowledge and good qualities, he understood the gesture that Kamalashila made and withdrew his hands inside the sleeves of his robe, thereby replying, “The three realms of cyclic existence arise from the ignorance that conceives of the apprehended and the apprehender.” Then Kamalashila knew that Hwa Shang Mahayana possessed knowledge and that they could meet in debate. And so, people gathered for an official debate at Samye.
The king, a witness, Kamalashila, and Hwa Shang Mahayana were sitting together, and the king placed one garland of flowers in the hands of Kamalashila and another in the hands of Hwa Shang Mahayana. The king then said, “Two systems of Dharma have arisen; the Dharma of sudden realization and the Dharma of gradual realization. Because of that, people have become confused about how to practice Dharma. To clarify this confusion, please debate. When you have debated, the loser should, without pride, offer his garland of flowers to the victor. Then, whoever loses should leave Tibet and return to his own country.” Then they debated. Kamalashila asked questions and defeated Hwa Shang Mahayana. Having lost, Hwa Shang Mahayana offered his garland of flowers to Kamalashila and returned to China.
After the debate, King Trisong Detsen asked Kamalashila to compose a text explaining the stages of meditation from the Indian Buddhist tradition and said, “You have seen the trouble that arose here. In order that the teachings of the Buddha not be distorted similarly in the future, please compose a reliable treatise that is easy to understand and of great benefit.” To guide the new Tibetan monks who were studying at Samye Monastery, Kamalashila composed a text in three volumes, called Stages of Meditation - Bhavanakrama in Sanskrit, sGom-rim in Tibetan.6 Now, Kamalashila was not only brilliant, but it is said that he was also very handsome.
Some scholars refute that Kamalashila returned to Tibet, and there is a basis for their doubt. When Kamalashila left Tibet, he went to India. There is a story that on his way to India, he came across the corpse of an Indian man who had died of a terrible disease. Because the illness was contagious, no one dared come near the corpse. Kamalashila wanted to help the people of the area. His consciousness moved to the corpse, walked it to a distant place, and dumped it there. Then his consciousness came back to the place where he had left his own body. However, Padampa Sangye, who had a very ugly body, came across Kamalashila’s body, which was not only handsome but also free from any illness. He thought, “This body of mine is not good. That fresh corpse is good and handsome. I would like my consciousness to move to that body.” His consciousness then moved into the body of Kamalashila, and he walked off, leaving his own body behind. When Kamalashila’s consciousness returned, the only body around was the ugly corpse of the Indian yogi, into which the consciousness of Kamalashila entered. Thus, the mind was Kamalashila’s but the body was not - and vice versa, the mind was Padampa Sangye’s but the body was not.
And so, that’s why it is recounted that Kamalashila came to Tibet a second time, in the body of Padampa Sangye, the yogi seated to the right of Machig Labdron. He holds a thighbone trumpet in his left hand and a damaru in his right hand. He disseminated the methods of chod in that body. The practice of prajnaparamita belongs to the practice of chod, which is why the paternal lineage of method is seated at her right side. Vajravarahi, who embodies five forms, stands at Machig Labdron’s left side. Vajravarahi is the consort of Chakrasamvara, a deity belonging to the Anuttaratantra or highest tantra. Vajravarahi is the sambhogakaya emanation of Prajnaparamita and is one of the main yidam practices in the Kagyu Tradition.
Four refuges, who enable practitioners to develop and increase loving kindness and compassion, are invoked in order to develop and increase one’s accumulation of merit and wisdom: (1) the transmission lineage seen above Machig Labdron, (2) the protectors situated below her, (3) all enemies one is indebted to, and (4) all friends.
The supreme teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni and all saints and sages who belong to the lineage of chod are assembled around Machig Labdron. They are all great bodhisattvas who were present when Lord Buddha manifested the Second Dharmachakra, and therefore they belong to the pure transmission lineage of non-dual reality. Machig Labdron was also present on that occasion. Above Buddha Shakyamuni is the emanation of Prajnaparamita, her body golden in colour. Machig Labdron is indivisibly united with all teachers seated at her right side and all yidam deities of Prajnaparamita at her left side.
One imagines that light from all saintly beings in the refuge tree shines out and blesses one’s guests while playing the damaru and bell. The damaru is the aspect of wisdom, and the bell is the aspect of compassion. The bell consists of three parts: a half-vajra on top, the face of a deity in the middle, and the barrel. The half-vajra stands for the dharmakaya, the face of Buddha Vairocana for sambhogakaya, and the barrel is adorned with an eight-petalled lotus that stands for the nirmanakaya. One uses the damaru and bell, imagining that all guests have arrived and are united.
The third preliminary practice is concluded with the words VAJRA SAMAYA DZA, the Sanskrit phrase that denotes samaya (“promise and pledge”). This short mantra reminds the deities in front to please remember their commitment and not leave. Then one blows the trumpet and speaks the mantra of the four immeasurables, DZA HUM BAM HO. The first syllable DZA means “all-encompassing love for all living-beings,” HUM means “compassion,” BAM means “joy,” and HO signifies “impartiality or equality of all living beings.” Every image in the visualization can certainly help a practitioner increase wholesome and beneficial qualities of his or her own mind.
Then one recites the seven-branch prayer. The seven branches in chod are: (1) respectfully bowing to the devotional objects of refuge, (2) taking refuge; (3) acknowledging and confessing evil acts done in the past, (4) requesting the Dharma teachings, (5) asking all awakened buddhas and teachers to remain in the world, (6) dedicating any good every living being has been able to accomplish for the benefit of others, and (7) reciting wishing prayers that everyone attains perfect realization of emptiness. At which point does one rejoice in the good everyone has been able to do? When seeking refuge. Let us use the opportunity and practice together now.
3. Dedicating the Merit and Making Wishing Prayers
When one has completed the main practice of chod, one has offered a truly precious present to all objects of refuge as well as to all those who are destitute and in need. The positive impression of having offered one’s most precious possession, one’s body, may not be thought to have been carried out for oneself, rather it is necessary to see such a generous act as a contribution so that all living beings attain perfect awakening.
When buddhas appeared in the world and turned the Wheel of Dharma in the past, many of those who were present on those fortunate occasions attained perfect awakening. In everyday practice now, one thinks of those beings that have not yet realized the ultimate goal. This is one’s ultimate wish, that one truly contributes to the awakening of all living beings who are still trapped in the suffering and torment that samsara inevitably entails. Not leaving it at that, one prays that through one’s generosity all living beings may have all luxuries, just as plentiful as all treasures that can ever be found in the entire universe. Treasures in the entire universe are all luxuries and riches that abound in the myriad worlds throughout the inconceivably vast expanse of space. Not leaving it at that, many individuals who have not received as much as others may respond with jealousy or avarice. Therefore, one dedicates any good one was able to accomplish so that everyone is content, so that no one has the feeling that they are losing control over their own lives by accepting presents from others, nor that they become angry or feel belittled as a result. One prays that nobody argues or fights but experiences joy and happiness on account of one’s generosity. This concludes the aspect of wishing. Now we will look at the aspect of making wishing prayers.
There are two kinds of wishing prayers one can make: with and without a basis. Merely wishing that a flower grows on the table, for instance, is a baseless wish. In contrast, planting a seed in fertile soil, watering it regularly, and praying that it grows is a wishing prayer with a base.
First, a practitioner has imagined having offered his or her own body sincerely and has delighted all those assembled in the refuge tree. He or she has made all those beings in need and deserving of loving kindness and compassion very happy. He or she has appeased enemies and foes, those beings who are filled with hate and rage, by not retaliating but by spoiling them generously. That is good.
Having been generous towards those more fortunate and towards those more destitute than oneself, one wishes that any good one was able to do in the past benefits all living beings who are stuck in samsara and that they accomplish realization in the near future. One especially dedicates all good accomplished presently for the benefit of demons and evil spirits, praying that goodness grows in them. One also prays that malicious individuals do not experience the results of their harmful deeds, that they become free of negative emotions and greed, that they open their hearts for others and generate bodhicitta, and that they practice the six paramitas. One prays that cruel beings not only engage in the practices of a bodhisattva, but that they become equal to Prajnaparamita. One prays that they realize that all appearances and experiences are like a dream and empty of inherent existence, that they reach the first level of a bodhisattva by accomplishing the path of seeing, and that they continue practicing until they attain the pure state of ever-present Vajradhara. One continues praying that no one remains in perfect bliss when they reach nirvana, rather that they spontaneously manifest buddha activities for the welfare of others - not for a short while, but until samsara is exhausted. That is our wish.
These most exceptional wishes and prayers are an outline of the noble path. A disciple first purifies negativities by generating bodhicitta and dedicating the merit so that others practice the path, gain realization, and manifest perfect buddha activities. The wishes and prayers describe the path as well as the excellent result that we aspire to accomplish, too.
The next wishing prayer one makes is that all living beings dedicate their lives to achieving calm abiding and insight that is established through practicing the path. One also prays that nobody ever looks down upon himself or herself. Every once in a while frustration and doubt overcome everyone and thoughts such as, “Am I an idiot! Am I a fool!” arise in the mind. One prays that practitioners cut all doubts and hesitations related to their body and speech and, instead, acknowledge and appreciate that they have attained the eight freedoms and ten endowments.7 That is the physical aspect. The mental aspect is acknowledging and respecting that everyone is endowed with the Buddha nature and has the ability to lead all living beings to ultimate realization.
In truth, we are all very fortunate to live where we do. One hundred years ago, nobody in this country even knew that the Dharma existed, and therefore nobody received instructions on how to practice chod, phowa, or yidam meditation. Now the teachings are spreading and are being practiced. We are very lucky, because we were born at exactly the right time and in the right place. Therefore we can be very happy and wish that others are just as fortunate.
Furthermore, the chod text warns with a prayer that reads, “May we never become arrogant or proud about good qualities that we may have.” This means to say that one should never think one is better than others or has more, a danger that can arise in the mind of a practitioner. Such thoughts are obstacles. Much good has been accomplished, but things can go wrong. Then a practitioner should never feel discouraged or belittle himself or herself by thinking, “I ruined everything!” or “Things went wrong!” or “I missed a chance!” It is important to realize that things do go wrong, but it is necessary to remember that everything changes and passes and not to hold on to problems by feeling sorry for oneself.
The section on making wishing prayers concludes with the prayer that evil be cut away at the root and that the authentic Dharma - that frees from suffering and never misleads anyone – flourishes and spreads like the sun that illuminates every corner of the world. The text then closes this section of practice with the prayer that we recite, “May all living beings be happy and content.” In order to eliminate doubts, let us meditate together now.
4. Conclusion
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After abiding in tranquillity meditation for a while, it is necessary to develop insight. Lord Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma three times. He taught that a personal self does not exist the way one thinks and clarified this fact on the occasion of the First Dharmachakra. What does it mean that a self does not exist?
As it is, one continuously thinks, “I,” “me,” “myself” and “mine,” because one believes that a self truly exists and clings to it as though it were an independent thing. As a result, painful emotions (like anger, pride, greed, jealously, miserliness) arise and overwhelm one, bringing on many problems. Nobody is happy when problems arise; nobody wishes to be a victim of harmful emotions. But emotions do not disappear through wishful thinking. The Buddha spoke about the source of negative emotions and taught that they arise because one believes in a self and continuously clings to this thought. He explained why clinging to a self is the root of suffering and pain that disturbing emotions always bring on. He showed that when the erroneous belief in a truly existing self is overcome, then emotions cease. Wishfully thinking that one can eliminate the mistaken belief in a self does not work, though. Those who are lucky can take it upon themselves to investigate thoughts, such as “I am” or “I am acting.” By doing so, they discover that such concepts are based upon clinging to a self, and that clinging to a self is merely based upon the erroneous belief that a self exists of its own accord. By investigating carefully, one discovers that thoughts regarding a self are wrong. Noticing and actually seeing the error dispels it.
Where does the self that one thinks truly exists and clings to so strongly, exist? Everyone’s life consists of a body, speech and mind. Searching for the self with linguistic skills shows that words are impermanent - they cease the moment they are spoken. So it is conclusive that speech is not an inherently existing thing nor that an independently existing self can be found in the faculty of speech. Let us therefore investigate whether the self is inside or is the body.
Many people believe that the body is the self or that the self resides in the body and live their lives based upon such mistaken assumptions. How can the body be an independent self? It is comprised of so many parts. Should the body be the self, how many selves would an individual have? For example, one may wonder whether the eyes, or ears, or nose, or other components that describe what is called “a head” are the actual “a head.” This example applies to the organs, limbs and other parts of the body, too. Every part of the body consists of many smaller parts and cells, so which part of the body would be the self if the self is the body?
Chariots were a means of transportation during the times of Buddha Shakyamuni, therefore it was used to exemplify that a self does not exist as assumed. Questions were posed, “Is the carriage the chariot? Is the axis the chariot? Are the wheels the chariot?” and so forth. Seven parts of the chariot were checked to find where the chariot actually is located. Lord Buddha showed that the body, like the chariot, is not fit to be called an independently existing thing, and therefore it is conclusive that the body is not the self nor that an independently existing self can be found in the body. So, let us look at the mind.
What does one really known about the mind? Like everything else, it constantly changes in a never-ending chain of moments of time, like pearls on a rosary. Now, the past is gone, the future has not set in, and the present moment is past. But one thinks and sees the mind as though it does not pass nor depend upon causes and conditions. The feeling that the self is an independent entity arises when one is born and lasts until death. This feeling contradicts reality, though. One’s consciousness (like one’s body and speech) depends upon many factors, therefore it is conclusive that the mind is neither the self nor that an inherently existing self can ever be found in the mind. Therefore, the thought that there is a self is a mistaken belief – it is merely a supposition.
The idea that an independent self exists collapses upon having investigated whether it can be found in one’s body, speech or mind. When a practitioner is aware of the absence of a truly existing self, clinging to a self ceases and harmful emotions collapse.
This was a short presentation of the teachings Lord Buddha offered when he turned the Wheel of Dharma the first time and clarified the non-existence of a truly existing self. Disciples first hear, then contemplate and meditate these most precious instructions.
When the Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma a second time, he took the topic of the non-existence of a self a step further and taught that the body and mind do not exist as supposed, since they consist of many parts - therefore they are also empty of independent existence, i.e., they exist in dependence upon other things. Looking at the body, it is evident that it consists of many parts, which, in turn, are comprised of smaller parts. A smallest, indivisible cell can never be found in the body. Therefore, thoughts and ideas about one’s body are also mistaken. Not only is the body not the self, but also it doesn’t exist the way it seems. Likewise, a smallest instant of consciousness can never be found. Therefore, thoughts and ideas about one’s mind are also wrong. Lord Buddha taught that there is no phenomenon that exists from its own side nor of its own accord, and therefore everything is empty of inherent existence.
When the Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma a third time, he took the instructions a step further and taught that emptiness of all appearances and experiences does not denote an absence of appearances or experiences when they exist, and therefore appearances are not like empty space. Rather, emptiness is the fact that appearances can certainly arise when causes and conditions prevail. Awareness of the way things appear and the way things are in the world is that quality of mind that is characterized by clear and precise awareness. In other words, when a disciple realizes emptiness, he or she is aware of the fact that delusions cover and conceal the brilliant quality of the mind, which is precise awareness.
Vajrayana is the immutable vehicle that does not restrict disciples to an intellectual understanding of emptiness, but offers disciples methods to directly realize the teachings presented in the Three Dharmachakras. An intellectual understanding, which does not suffice to realize emptiness fully, is compared to observing something from a distance and, as a result, creating a new assumption about what one saw or did not see. Vajrayana offers skilful methods to realize naked awareness, since emptiness is inconceivable while, at the same time, is clearly manifest. Therefore it can be experienced directly. Becoming accustomed to realizing pure awareness can become a constant experience - clarity and precision are then experienced and real. This is then the realization of prajnaparamita, the goal, which is wisdom-awareness.
During the practice of chod, one practices phowa, generously offers one’s body and makes wishing prayers. The commentaries on the practice say that an advanced practitioner never leaves the middle by moving away from inner stability of calm abiding nor does he or she cling to thoughts that are imagined during practice.
5. Central Practices in Chod
Practicing gTong-len
gTong-len (“giving and taking”) is the main practice of lojong and is just as central in the practice of chod. gTong-len means giving all one’s happiness to others and taking on everyone’s suffering. One offers all one’s joy, well-being, possessions, all the good one has been able to accumulate to all living beings, which makes them happy. In exchange, one takes the suffering that all living beings experience upon oneself. Why is this practiced? In the Bodhicharyavatara, Shantideva wrote, “There is no better way to attain the state of perfection than by exchanging oneself with all living beings.” Shantideva continued, “If one were to give all treasures available in the entire universe to the buddhas, they would not be pleased. But if on gives others happiness and freedom from suffering, then the buddhas will be very pleased.”
Practicing ‘Pho-ba
'Pho-ba is practiced a few times in chod. It is practiced so that attachment to a self is vanquished, by realizing that the body and mind are empty of inherent existence. Nevertheless, individuals live their lives as though the mind exists throughout or in some hidden corner of their body. When mind and body separate at death, then the consciousness necessarily leaves the body. While dying, the mind feels like it is stuck in a dark and tiny room and has the strong urge to escape as fast as possible. The body consists of nine impure openings. Those persons who led a meaningless life and cling to negative impressions leave their body through one of the lower openings of the body when they die; this means that they will be reborn in one of the three lower realms of existence. Those persons who led a meaningful life and have wholesome impressions in their mind leave their body through one of the upper openings of the body when they die; this points to the fact that they will attain rebirth in one of the three higher realms of existence. 8 Those who leave the body through the small aperture at the top of the head means that they will attain a very favourable rebirth. It is only possible for the mind to leave the body through the top aperture at death if a practitioner has acquired very good impressions and practiced phowa during life. Machig Labdron said, “From among the hundreds of practices that have been transmitted, the best practice is to open the heavenly gate.”9
Celebrating a Chod-ganachakra
Chod-ganachakra, the fifth and last practice carried out in the main section of chod, is celebrating a great feast offering. Three offering are made, by mixing together three presents into one. What is called “the three mixings” are: (1) mixing one’s own mind with that of all other living beings, especially with the minds of demons, enemies, and foes, (2) in order to purify mind, mixing all minds that have become united with dharmadhatu and (3) mixing any leftovers from one’s chod offering with the imagined and invaluable ingredients of the ganachakra offering.
There are three types of ganachakra offerings. (1) Outer ganachakra refers to all external appearances that exist in the world and do not belong to oneself, like mountains, streams, meadows, and beautiful clouds. (2) Inner ganachakra is all personal possessions, all merit and luxuries one has collected in the past. (3) Secret ganachakra is any realizations and experiences one has attained through practicing the generation and completion phases of yidam meditation, Mahamudra, Dzogchen.
Offering the Mandala
The first paramita of generosity is a very decisive factor in the practice of bodhisattvas. One can give to those more fortunate as well as to those less fortunate than oneself. In Vajrayana, we learn that material offerings do not make the buddhas and lineage masters happy, rather the most precious present one can give to the buddhas and lineage masters is realizing the true nature of one’s own mind. Imagining all treasures of the universe in the form of a mandala is an extraordinary present, because a practitioner is free of being stingy or competitive while correctly arranging the mandala. In the practice of chod, surrendering one’s own body is understood to be most difficult but also most beneficial, therefore this practice is only imagined. Imagining one’s body arranged on a mandala and offering it in chod is an exceptional way of being generous.
Releasing the Four Faults into the Vast Expanse of Space
The purpose of Vajrayana practice is to become free of four faults. They are the fault of thinking or believing one is godly or special, the fault of disturbing emotions, the fault of fearing death and the fault of believing that all or a few of the five skandhas are the self.10 The four faults are described a little differently in chod.
The chod instructions say that (1) the first fault is thoughts, for example thinking, “This is red, and that is white,” “There are mountains over here and lakes over there,” “This is beautiful, that isn’t.” Having thoughts that are a fault refers to personal judgements. Thinking that one thing is good subtly implies that other things are bad. Attachment to what one thinks is good and aversion against what one thinks is bad are born due to thoughts. If they aren’t cut, thinking that apprehensions are real and being influenced by one’s personal discursiveness as a result lead to greater and greater obstacles. During meditation practice, awareness needs to be precise. One needs to detect slightest movements of the mind. What does one do when one notices that attachment (that eventually turns into passion and greed) arises? One does not follow the thought, leaves it alone and simply sees that it disappears into the vast expanse of space.
(2) The second fault is being without thoughts. All thoughts of greed, jealousy, pride, etc. are based upon thinking things are real. When thoughts that are conceived due to believing that things are real cease, joy can arise in the mind of a practitioner. After a short while, this joy ceases, and fright and doubt suddenly spring up in the mind. Similar feelings are not emotions. They are non-referential and therefore called “absence of thoughts.” Being without thoughts is a feeling that has no reference. What does one do when this happens? One needs to notice the sensation, cut it with PETH and remain in pure awareness.
(3) The third fault is being joyous, which also arises because one clings to a self. While practicing, one can feel very happy that things are going so well. One can even be happy that signs of accomplishment have become evident, or that one is progressing along the path, or that one is really good. Such joy about one’s progress becomes a problem if one clings to it. Progress is obstructed by such arrogance, which stops wholesome qualities from increasing. Joy happens naturally and is not bad, but it becomes a fault if one clings to it. What should one do when this happens? One recognizes the error, says PETH and rests without a thought and without a reference.
(4) The fourth fault is being stubborn, which is also based upon the mistaken belief in a self. Even though one may know that there is no self, one often stubbornly insists that there is, for example by thinking, “I have to do something good” or “I should not be bad.” The idea of a self is present in such thoughts. Although these thoughts are not wrong but can lead to good results, they become a fault if one is influenced by the idea of a self and acts as though it were true - that creates problems. Therefore being stubborn is a fault that needs to be cut off. How does one do this? By recognizing that the idea of a self arose, saying PETH and letting it go, all on its own.
Taking Bodhisattva Vows
Taking bodhisatva vows means opening one’s heart for bodhicitta. It is a wonderful moment in life, and I am very happy when I am able to help those persons who wish to take it by performing the ceremony. Why is it such an exceptional moment in one’s life? Countless buddhas of the past were once bodhisattvas. What caused them to achieve perfect awakening? The wish and decision to attain buddhahood. They opened their hearts for others’ well-being and gave rise to bodhicitta.
So many beings suffer in samsara because they are governed by their own disturbing emotions, but up and until now they have not aroused the extraordinary aspiration of bodhicitta. One needs to remember that wanting to leave suffering behind is the ground as well as the stepping-stone to gradually realize perfect awakening. The aspiration of a bodhisattva means having a good heart.
People are free to engage in two kinds of activities: beneficial or harmful. One can harm others, either by hurting them directly or by putting obstacles in their way. Harmful activities are senseless, beneficial activities aren’t, because they are born from the wish to help others. Therefore, generating and keeping good wishes in one’s mind is very good – the more, the better. Even if one’s wishes are small, one’s own life as well as that of others will be better. Of course, it is natural to mainly wish those persons one likes most the best. In contrast to such limited wishes, the greater aspiration of a Mahayana practitioner is to wish that all living beings without exception (no matter who and where they are) equally realize prajna, experience lasting happiness and become free from suffering.
Another aspect of bodhicitta is actually putting one’s wish to help everyone into practice by engaging in bodhicitta of application. One sees what others need and helps by giving them food, clothes, shelter and daily necessities. This is the aspect of compassion. Is that helpful in the long run? Someone with a good heart sees that generosity helps and is certainly effective, but a bodhisattva who has wisdom-awareness knows that offering reliable means so that everyone is able to become free from suffering and experience lasting happiness is better. This is the aspect of wisdom. A person who takes the bodhisattva vows wishes to practice both aspects of bodhicitta, that of aspiration and that of application.
Sometimes students doubt whether they can keep the commitments. There is no reason to hesitate when the opportunity presents itself. Promises made by novices and lay practitioners pertain to body and speech and are resolutions. Of course, a promise is broken when someone breaks their word, but bodhisattva vows pertain to the mind. Let us be honest, we do not have control over our mind, so it is not really possible to keep the vows. Taking the vows is a practice that is based upon the aspiration, so renewing them again and again is right. The aspiration of a sincere practitioner becomes better and better each time he or she renews the vows. The ability to actually keep the vows becomes more stable and firm through practice, therefore faltering while aspiring should not be considered bad. For example, a novice and lay practitioner can be compared to a fragile porcelain cup that requires careful attention so that it does not break. The bodhisattva vows, on the other hand, can be compared to a golden vase. When dented, the golden vase can be hammered back into shape. This is why the bodhisattva vows can be taken again and again, because a sincere practitioner becomes better and more conscientious each time. After all, every time a stupa is whitewashed, it becomes just as white as it was before it got dirty.
There are three steps involved when taking the bodhisattva vows: the preliminary ceremony, the main section and the concluding practice. The preliminary ceremony is taking refuge in the Three Jewels. One may think one has already done this and wonder why one does it again. The general practice of seeking refuge in the Three Jewels pertains to this life, whereas taking refuge in the Three Jewels within the context of the bodhisattva vows means taking refuge until one has attained perfect awakening. So, (1) one first seeks refuge in the Three Jewels for as long as samsara persists. (2) One then resolves to practice just like buddhas and bodhisattvas did in the past. And (3) one rejoices that one has taken the vows.
Shantideva wrote in the Bodhicharyavatara that the resolution to achieve awakening brings great joy to oneself. Why? Joy encourages - regret discourages. Having taken the vows, one realizes that it was a very good thing to do and a wonderful moment in life. Having planted the seed, one appreciates that one’s life has become meaningful and that one is a member of the Buddha family. One is certain that one will attain perfect awakening, and therefore one is very happy.
Many people waste their lives away. During the official ceremony, one imagines inviting all those who are helpless, lost, freezing and starving, without a protector and a purpose in life. One asks them to rejoice in the fact that they will receive help, that they will become free from suffering and will have the opportunity to lead a meaningful life.
The concluding practice of taking the bodhisattva vows consists of three steps: (1) appreciating that bodhicitta is exceptional, because it is the foundation and ground of full awakening. Why are so many beings trapped in samsara and experience suffering as a result? They have not aroused bodhicitta. Therefore one prays that everyone generates bodhicitta and understands that they can become free of misery and woe. (2) Many have opened their hearts but forget, in which case they cannot become free from suffering. One prays that bodhicitta that has arisen in their mind remains and does not get lost. (3) There are many people who have made the commitment and hold bodhicitta in their minds, but they do not increase it. One prays that they progress in their practice.
What is bodhicitta of aspiration? The invaluable wish to attain buddhahood, just as buddhas and great bodhisattvas have done in the past and continue doing. Let us look at what is taking place in the world and recall that Buddha Shakyamuni was born in India more than 2500 years ago and that he presented the precious teachings when he turned the Wheel of Dharma three times. As a result, many great arhats,11 yogis, and yoginis have attained perfect awakening. The precious Dharma was brought to Tibet and is spreading to all corners of the world now. Everything that happened then and is continuing to happen today is a manifestation of his buddha activity. Where does buddha activity come from? Buddha Shakyamuni appeared in the world, attained realization and shared his insight with others. When did his amazing buddha activity start? In a sutra it is said that a long time ago a poverty-stricken beggar was born as a Brahmin. He only owned a begging bowl. When he met the former Buddha of this aeon,12 he offered what was inside his bowl with deep devotion. The Buddha accepted the present. In that moment, the Brahmin had the wish and made the prayer to become just like the Buddha he met. It was a simple wish, a wish that grew and grew and came true. Today we experience the resolution that the Brahmin once made. We have given rise to the same aspiration, and the effect will be just as wonderful and immense.
Giving Dharma
All living beings one could imagine were invited to take part in our practice – even worst enemies, evil spirits and gods. They were spoiled with material comforts of all kinds. But it is necessary to give them the Dharma that frees from the delusions and emotions that bring on suffering and pain. Therefore, one begins the concluding practice of chod by thanking one’s guests for having come and for having accepted the offerings. Then one tells them that one wishes to speak about the source of happiness, since mundane happiness is only of short duration. One tells one’s guests that the causes of happiness need to be known - beneficial actions are the causes of happiness. The same for suffering - harmful actions cause suffering. One cannot overcome suffering without knowing and eliminating the causes, which are delusions, emotions and so forth. Knowing the relation between cause and effect supports a practitioner to refrain from doing slightest bad deeds. Therefore, the chod sadhana continues with the verse one reads to one’s guests: “All things, without exception, have a cause. This has been explained by the Tathagatas. Freedom from suffering depends upon knowing the cause, therefore hold the treasure teachings in your heart.”
The instructions on cause and effect are presented extensively in the Vinayapithaka, Sutras, and Prajnaparamita treatises and are summarized in the following verse of the sadhana: “Do not commit the slightest bad deed. Do good and control your mind.” Good deeds are performed by means of body, speech and mind. Beneficial activities are the source of happiness. Therefore the sadhana offers practitioners a summary that reads: “Perform good deeds and tame the mind.”
What are the actual instructions on abstaining from evil and on doing good? Sometimes positive thoughts govern the mind, sometimes bad thoughts. Learning to control the mind is crucial in stopping the mind from alternating between bad and good actions. One needs to know that the mind is ruled by the belief in a self, the primary cause of bad deeds. And so the sadhana presents a summary that reads: “Do not do anything harmful. Do good and tame the mind.” The text addresses those who hurt others, not those who don’t.
Taking Dharma on the Path
The closing instructions on chod deal with taking Dharma onto the path. One imagines being Arya Chenresig, white in colour and with four arms. Why? He embodies compassion of all buddhas. One wishes to help all guests one invited, therefore one imagines oneself as Chenresig. Light shines from one’s heart and transforms all male guests into Noble Chenresig and all female guests into Tara. Following, everyone sings the six-syllable mantra together.
One imagines that everyone is happy and returns home again.
6. Eliminating Doubts
If someone who seems to be obsessed or haunted by demons asks a practitioner to perform a chod ceremony for them, inviting such persons as guests during the practice is not in vain. Maybe we will be in a similar situation some day and need to ask a Lama or practitioner to please perform this practice for us. Westerners who travel to India meet persons who look like crazy yogis, playing a damaru and blowing a thighbone trumpet while wandering from one corner of the country to the next. Certainly, there are charlatans everywhere, even in India, but that is not the point. Since one cannot judge, one can simply be generous towards them or appreciate their generosity. The point is watching one’s own mind, taking advantage of the opportunity to rest in calm abiding and to practice equanimity, instead of being judgemental.
Sometimes one doesn’t want to go to the trouble of engaging in all the details of the practice, yet one wants to practice chod. There are simple practices, such as abiding in loving kindness and compassion, transferring one’s consciousness once in a while and abiding in loving kindness and compassion again afterwards. This is phowa with characteristics and without a reference, in which case consciousness, awareness and the vast expanse of space become one. Then one rests in loving kindness and compassion again. But sometimes this can also seem too tedious. In that case, one can do the extremely short practice of resting the mind in dharmata (chos-nyid in Tibetan, “suchness”), which refers to emptiness and means that the true nature of every appearance and experience in dharmadhatu, the vast expanse, always remains as such.
Disciples who practice chod in the West certainly wish to appease all enemies but often disturb their neighbours while trying, who become madder and madder the more one plays the instruments. In those less fortunate surroundings, one engages in the entire practice without using the drum, trumpet and bell. Another unfortunate situation can arise, described in the story I want to tell. Once an unkempt chod practitioner walked through India and found a right spot to practice. The wild-looking yogi saw a little boy who was crying and asked him, “What is the matter?” The little boy trembled at the sight of the longhaired yogi and wailed all the more. The yogi wanted to make the little boy happy by cracking a joke and teasingly said, “I’m going to eat you up.” Utterly terrified, the little boy ran home, screamed for his mother, who called the police. They found the man, searched through the dirty bag he had and found a skull cup. Yes, we need to be cautious.
Actually, there are so many reasons to rejoice, especially about the fact that one received the Dharma teachings and can practice, which is very good. Lord Buddha taught that we need to tame the own mind. The practice of chod enables us to become free of emotions and delusions, which means to tame the mind. This is why one practices Dharma, and it is very helpful. There are no rules and regulations that say one must be moderate and shy - one can practice Dharma as much as one wants. Anyone who is less proficient need not worry or feel badly. If university students flunk their exams, they are frustrated and feel that their studies were a waste. Dharma is different, because even the smallest practice is beneficial. We need to know this.
In Sutra it is said that hearing and practicing the Dharma is truly exceptional. But what about someone who is stopped from reaching the spot where the Dharma is being taught? Lord Buddha was asked for his opinion about this. He answered that the intention leaves an extremely good impression in the mind of someone who is hindered from receiving instructions. That person will one day receive the teachings and attain full awakening. All the more reason for those who receive the teachings and learn to practice now to be really happy.
Questions & Answers
Question: Rinpoche said that one should not offer one’s body before having perfectly realized the motivation. The Western medical tradition is asking us to donate our organs when we die, but people who do not have the perfect motivation and are not aware of the implications involved will experience pain and regret when their organs are transplanted, at a time when the mind has not fully separated from the body.
Thrangu Rinpoche: I did not talk about actually giving away one’s body, organs or limbs while alive. In the Bodhicharyavatara, Noble Shantideva spoke about not giving away one’s bodily parts or organs while still alive and that such acts of generosity would cause much pain and regret to unenlightened beings. To clarify this statement, living dismembered, without a hand, for instance, is not really recommendable because handicapped people are usually not happy. So that would not really be good. Shantideva said that one should only be just as generous as the Buddha if and only if one is sure and certain that one will not regret it afterwards. Giving one’s organs away after one has died is really good because then one does realize that the body is of no use to oneself anyway. Offering one’s organs that one is not attached to anymore and does not need anyway will help someone else, and therefore donating one’s organs after death does not contradict Shantideva’s statement.
Q.: But the teachings say that the deceased should not be touched for a while after death has occurred so that the mind is not disturbed while leaving the body.
TR: That isn’t so bad. At this point in life, when leaving the body behind while dying, we are finished with it. If we are a little alive or a little dead, our expectations about this life are zero when we die. This is why donating one’s organs is not bad. A bardo being has clairvoyance and feels little or no attachment to the body left behind, especially if he or she decided to donate organs for the welfare of someone else after death. Seeing the person receive one’s organs, like someone who does need a new kidney in order to survive, is very beneficial and good.
Q.: I want to ask you for practical recommendations against panic, which strikes suddenly. Visualizing the refuge objects is complex and takes quite a while.
TR: It may be true that beginners have difficulties visualizing the objects of refuge just as fast as panic strikes, but the real benefit of visualization is developed by practicing - more and more and again and again - and by integrating the practice so that one is accustomed to it. Then the benefit is good.
Q.: So it is not helpful in that moment?
TR: That is true. Simply hearing that the Three Jewels can free one from suffering does not set anyone free, rather it is necessary to integrate the instructions in one’s life. Then it is most beneficial.
Q.: Did I understand correctly, that the source of the mind is the own mind, the dharmakaya? If all objects of refuge as well as my teachers are projections of one’s own mind, do I actually take refuge in my own mind?
TR: Yes, that is right. On the other hand, realization of the own mind as the unborn dharmakaya is not something that just happens, rather it is a matter of becoming accustomed to the sources of refuge now - the Buddha, Dharma and sangha. We diligently engage in practice in order to one day realize just this, the true protector and goal, which is discovering that the own mind is dharmakaya. You will achieve this.
Q.: What is the difference between the benefit of chod practice, the results described in these teachings, the yidam practices in which we visualize ourselves as a deity, Mahamudra and Dzogchen? What is the benefit of chod? Why is it better and faster?
TR: Surely, that is right. The results of Mahamudra, Dzogchen, generation and completion phases of yidam practice are identical. Chod is different in that one uses the strongest emotions, like hatred, anger, jealousy, fear, etc., by inviting those most negative emotions to take part - one even uses a thighbone trumpet when one earnestly invites them to appear in a physical form. This distinguishes the practices, but they are in truth not different and do lead to the same result.
Q.: What does OM mean?
TR: OM belongs to all mantras and consists of three parts, A, O, and MA - awakened body, awakened speech and awakened mind.
Q.: We are supposed to invite our worst enemies with love and compassion. But what happens with the hate and fear that I feel and have when I give rise to love and compassion?
TR: The purpose of the practice is to increase loving kindness and compassion for all living beings, even if it means losing worst enemies.
Q.: I have three questions. If we are supposed to visualize Machig Labdron as being indivisible with our Root Lama, is he the one who endows the transmission and teachings, or is he the teacher one feels closest to? Secondly, there is a protector said to be a demon in the Gelug Tradition that we should not invoke. Should I invite him or exclude him from my practice? Thirdly, when I invite the demons, do I visualize them in front and among the lineage masters? If I visualize them in front, I would be taking refuge in them. Or do I visualize them surrounding me?
TR: The main teacher is the one you are connected to the most. Secondly, the purpose of practicing chod is to increase wisdom, so beginners do not need to invite controversial images. There is no need to worry. Thirdly, the practice of chod offers a possibility to increase love and compassion, so demons are very important. They are situated below Machig Labdron and look at us.
Q.: Is it possible to practice chod for others, like doing phowa for the deceased?
TR: It is possible to do phowa for others. There exists a practice called “phowa for the living,” in which the method of the transference of the consciousness to a buddhafield may be given as a blessing for the benefit of longevity in life. The practice of phowa that is carried out during chod is done only for oneself.
Q.: If we have offered our body as a mandala, what about the other offerings we need to make?
TR: That doesn’t matter. We can repeat it.
Q.: Is there a subtle difference between the offerings?
TR: When we offer the best we can imagine, accumulation of wisdom and merit increases. We imagine that our offerings really please and appease the recipients.
Q.: Isn’t there the danger that we see devils and gods in life when we engage in practices like this? Wouldn’t it be better to concentrate on our own simple mind? Aren’t these visualizations dangerous, doing all these things? Our mind is filled to the rim as it is. Wouldn’t it be better to use our simple mind as a basis?
TR: Yes, if one can. The practice of cutting through is a wonderful method to directly realize the final result, which is primordial awareness. Then one is free of discursiveness that causes people to assume that apprehensions are real. Skilful methods are practiced in order to realize the true nature of apprehensions. We do employ various methods to increase and establish positive factors of the mind, making it easier to realize reality. If we want to realize the true nature of our mind, fighting and being stubborn will lead nowhere; avoiding those factors will not help either. Visualizing enemies is only dangerous if one is proud, jealous, angry, greedy – bigger dangers in life. In the practice of chod, our aspiration to help others with love and compassion is so very pure and sincere. Therefore, nothing dangerous can ensue.
Q.: It seems that seeing the nature of the mind is difficult if one is busy with all these ideas rather than with simple things.
TR: Yes, it would be less complex if it were possible to simply realize the true nature of the mind. That would be perfect realization - simple and clear. But it is just simplicity that seems to be so difficult to appreciate and realize. In order to realize the true nature of the mind, practicing love and compassion is a very beneficial approach and makes it so much easier. Being suspicious that evil lurks in every corner of the world and learning to deal with apparitions kindly - by giving spirits and ghosts only the best so that they are happy and content - increases one’s own love and compassion. Then fear decreases and eventually subsides, which makes it easier to realize mind’s true nature, which is simplicity.
Q.: Why all the trouble of preparing such a lavish offering in chod?
TR: Looking at daily life, we too can think it is okay to only eating bread every day of the year, but vital nutrients that our body needs would be missing. Some people spice their food a lot, making their meals more tasty and delicious. So we include many ingredients in the offering practice of chod.
Q.: Rinpoche said that the feeling of generosity increases through the practice of chod, but when my mind is outside my body, it sees such a rich array of offerings and countless possibilities to be generous, without limitations that the physical body presents.
TR: Offering the body the way we see it in daily life is very, very difficult. Since the ingrained habit of clinging to the body is so immense, we practice in this way.
Q.: I didn’t understand pages 34a – 34b in the text.
TR: Those pages deal with the wishing prayer to practice the path and reach the goal. Sometimes these pages are recited, sometimes not, therefore they are not obligatory. These pages offer instructions on the five paths.
There are five paths a bodhisattva who has completed Ngondro practices before reaching the highest stage of perfection. These five paths are: 1) the path of accumulation, 2) the path of unification, 3) the path of seeing, 4) the path of meditation and 5) the path of no more learning. While on the second path of unification, a practitioner is in the process of approaching the third path, at which stage he or she sees emptiness for the first time. But seeing emptiness a first time, only once or merely on and off does not suffice because of the intense habit of living in delusiveness about reality for so many lifetimes. One needs to become accustomed to seeing the true nature by practicing the fourth path of meditation, again and again. Seeing becomes more regular, increases and becomes clearer and clearer as one progresses and reaches the fifth path of no more learning, at which point a noble bodhisattva becomes one with the Great Mother.
Q.: In the ganachakra visualization, Rinpoche spoke about three ways of mixing: mixing the own mind with that of others, mixing the mind with dharmadhatu and offering the body. If my mind has mixed and dissolved into dharmadhatu, how can I continue visualizing?
TR: First one imagines mixing one’s mind with that of all others, then one imagines releasing mind into dharmadhatu. How can other visualizations then take place? Abiding in dharmadhatu means one has attained the state of a buddha, a state in which all delusions and emotions have been eradicated and all-knowing has been attained. In this sense, buddha is dharmakaya and experiences universal emptiness. Should resting in non-referential awareness of universal emptiness be the goal, there would be no benefit for others. Therefore, two form kayas manifest due to realization of dharmakaya. The sambhogakaya manifests and appears to those individuals who are pure enough and ready to receive special teachings, and the nirmanakaya manifests and appears to ordinary beings that are open. The two form kayas benefit others. Releasing the mind into dharmadhatu is ultimate realization, so we imagine that we have achieved perfect realization and are inseparably mixed, i.e., united in dharmadhatu. This benefits us. From out of the vast expanse of space, forms manifest for the welfare of others. Therefore, one engages in further visualizations and imagines or pretends that one manifests wonderful qualities for the welfare of others.
I want to tell you how happy I am that so many people are studying the Dharma,
that so many people have come to receive teachings and want to practice chod.
I pray that your endeavours help many beings and are auspicious.
Thank you.
May the life of the Glorious Lama remain steadfast and firm.
May peace and happiness fully arise for beings as limitless (in number) as space (is vast in its extent).
Having accumulated merit and purified negativities, may I and all living beings without exception
swiftly establish the levels and grounds of Buddhahood.
