The Lotus Garland

A commentary to the [long] Dewachen wishing prayer

by [Karma] Chagme [Rinpoche] Part 2

The Second Cause: Gathering the Accumulations through the Seven Branch Prayer

First branch: Prostrations

In order to make a true dedication, prostrate with respectful devotion in front of Lama Measureless Light together with his retinue residing in Dewachen.

With a devotion that does not make any difference between near and far (a), I emanate as many other bodies of mine as there are dust particles in the universe and prostrate full of respect with my three doors.

The explanation of the Dharmakaya, the aspect which is basis of emanation:

The Dharmakaya Limitless Radiance (b), which is the basis of emanation, Lord of the Buddha family, emanates from his right hand light rays that become Chenrezi, and from him one billion secondary emanations of the mighty Chenrezi that fill the whole "Three thousandfold Universe which cannot be found". From his left hand he emanates light rays that become Tara with one billion secondary emanations of Tara similar to herself. From his heart light rays go out manifesting Padmasambhava together with one billion secondary emanations of Orgyen (c) that fill the three thousandfold universe. I prostrate to all these emanations of Dharmakaya Measureless Light.

With the eyes of a Buddha, during all six periods of the day and night, he constantly regards with love all sentient beings. His enlightened mind is constantly aware of whatever thoughts or ideas arise in the mind of all sentient beings. His enlightened ear constantly hears distinctly, without confusion, whatever words are spoken by all sentient beings. Remembering the qualities of the Dharmakaya which is of benefit for oneself I prostrate to the all-knowing Measureless Light.

Remembering the qualities of the form kayas which are for the benefit of others:

a) Nirmanakaya: Concerning Dewachen – except for those who have the two kinds of obstacles for rebirth there because they have rejected the noble Dharma, saying that teaching and practise are of no use, or who have accomplished the extremely negative deeds of immediate retribution which will be explained below – all others who have faith in You (Amitabha) and make their wishing prayers will be born in Dewachen and their prayers will be fulfilled. Because it is like this, it is said that at the time when we have died and wander in the bardo, he (Amitabha) will send an emanation together with a retinue which will come towards us, and will guide us in one instant into this land. Remembering his qualities I prostrate to the guide Nirmanakaya Measureless Light.

b) Sambhogakaya: Your life span lasting for countless kalpas you stay here and do not go beyond suffering. If we pray to you with one pointed respect, it is said that – except for the complete ripening of previous karma – the coming together of the conditions for the end of our life force will happen only after one hundred years and the various kinds of untimely death will be averted. Being aware of qualities as these, I prostrate to the sambhogakaya protector Amitayus.

Further qualities of his deeds and enlightened activity:

It is said that it is of comparatively greater merit simply to join the palms of one's hands out of faith on hearing the name of Amitabha and about Dewachen than to fill the worlds of countless three thousandfold universes of vast extent with all kinds of jewels like gold, silver, and so on and to offer them as gifts. For this reason I respectfully prostate to Measureless Light.

Whosoever, whatever person or suitable sentient being, hears the name of Amitabha and develops just once a faith, which comes from the depth of his heart and bones and is not empty talk, then this faithful one will never loose the path to enlightenment and the extremes of samsara (d) will be transformed. For this reason I prostrate to the protector Measureless Light.

From the time of hearing the name of Buddha Measureless Light until obtaining Buddhahood I will not be born in an inferior body of (for example) a woman which (due to cultural limitations) was considered an inferior support for practice, but take birth in a good family and have a pure conduct in all lives to come. I prostrate to Measureless Light gone to bliss (e).

This concludes the branch of prostration.

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Notes :

(a) This means without considering Amitabha to be far away and wishing that he would be nearer by.

(b) Limitless Radiance (Tibetan: Nangwa Thayä) is another name of Amitabha.

(c) Padmasambhava and Orgyen Rinpoche are further names of Guru Rinpoche who was the central figure in bringing the Dharma to Tibet.

(d) The extremes of samsara are all forms of clinging to existence, non-existence and so on.

(e) Someone gone to bliss (Sanskrit: sugata) is a fully accomplished Buddha.