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"The Smoke Offering" is also known
as "The Pure Offering". It was developed in the period of
Sakyamunni, and was introduced by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) to Tibet. At
that time, The Smoke Offering got rid of many different kinds of evil that
bothered Tibetans. The Smoke Offering helped Buddhism prosper, so the
people were able to live happily and healthily.
The fundamental principle of Vajrayana practice is to integrate compassion
(Karuna) and enlightened wisdom (Paramita) in order to liberate all sentient
beings from suffering. Every Dharma practice in Vajrayana always follows
these two principles. The "Smoke Offering" was also introduced
based on the above teaching. The basic essential spiritual power of The Smoke
Offering is based on the Dharma prayers' truly pure heart of compassion. Then
extend the true heart of the prayers, to realize the suffering and needs of
the sentient beings from the Six Realms who would like to demolish all of
their sins. Also, to help liberate
the bardos (those souls who are shapes of an inter-median state) depart from
this world and be re-born in The Pure Land, or as a higher level being in
order to reach enlightenment. As a result of very strong vows of compassion
from the contributors of the offering and the dharma prayers, all of the
Buddhas, Bodhisattva, Dharma protectors, Gods, and attained beings around the
whole universe will automatically bless, support, protect and help you.
Besides grain, five colored beans, five colored clothes, fresh leaves from
the pine tree, fruits, flowers, wheat, cookies and honey, the materials for
"the Smoke Offering" also include hundred of precious herbs. The
purified offerings are burned to smoke and contributed to all of the Buddha,
Bodhisattva, Deities (Yiddams or Lineage masters), and Dharma Protectors. The
offering cloud and sweet dew (Nectar) transformed from the respect for the
Buddha and supported by the Guru Rinpoche and Dharma protectors, and blessed
by the Buddha, will satisfy 1080 kinds of evil beings, all kinds of sentient
beings or dragons that bring illness to people. The offerings will also be
given to all the beings in the world including their relatives and enemies.
After getting the smoke offering, all of the beings who received the
offerings are liberated from suffering and pain, and reach the state of
happiness and satisfaction, or reach to enlightenment. The contributors of
the offerings and prayers extended their truly pure heart of compassion to
give the smoke offering, and as a result the beings who were blessed by the
offering, will have their disasters and obstacles either eliminated or turned
into luck, peace or wealth. Many human diseases will be alleviated or cured,
sins will be spiritually purified, disputes with foes will be eliminated, bad
luck or sadness will turn to good fortune or peace, and all of ones
undertakings or wishes will be supported and realized.
One should practice the "The Smoke Offering" frequently when you
moving into a new house, or suffer any form of disaster, disease, unruly
kids, lack of harmony in the family, trouble on the job, poor mental
condition, or a wish to run away from misfortune, and have the desire to be
good or better, or confess sins and pray for fortune, wisdom, etc. The Smoke Offering will benefit not only
ones self, but also others and bring boundless merits.
The following are notes in
preparation for the Center's Smoke Offering:
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Please eat meatless food only before practicing the Smoke Offering.
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All the offerings must be vegetarian and washed properly; please feel free to
contact the Center for details on how to prepare the offering as needed, and
what ingredients could be used.
·
Contributors are welcome to either prepare all the offerings, or make a
donation to the center, or the center will provide help.
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