Koyasan, Japan, 2 November 2011 (by Sherab Woeser,
phayul.com) - One could hear a pin drop in the Koyasan University
auditorium packed with over a thousand Japanese disciples this
afternoon.
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Monks wearing ceremonial garments
during His Holiness the Dalai Lama's bestowing of the Vajra Dhatu
empowerment in Koyasan, Japan, on November 2, 2011.
Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama, while bestowing the
Vajra Dhatu (Tib: Dorying) empowerment, had told the audience to
meditate on nurturing Bodhichitta (Tib: Jangchup Sempa).
Reciting from the great Indian saint Shanti Deva’s,
“For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain,
until then may I too abide, to dispel the misery of the world“, the
Dalai Lama explained that Jangchup Sempa is the mind of enlightenment –
the most altruistic of all minds.
“When meditating, believe that you will not give
yourself the opportunity of self-centredness and benefit infinite
sentient beings, bring happiness to all and relieve them of suffering,”
the Dalai Lama said.
Guiding his disciples, many of whom were Japanese priests, through
the numerous intricate hand mudras, the Tibetan spiritual leader
bestowed the complete Dorying empowerments.
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| Members of the audience wearing
ceremonial red blindfolds during the Vajra Dhatu empowerment bestowed by
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Koyasan, Japan, on November 2, 2011.
Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL |
“I feel truly
blessed today,” said Ven. Thomas Eijo, an American who has lived in
Japan for the past 16 years, following the empowerment.
Ven. Eijo, who is also a consultant to the Kongobuji Head Temple
told Phayul that receiving the empowerment from His Holiness the Dalai
Lama gave him a true sense of refuge.
“This is precious. I will keep this with me for my entire life.”
Ven. Barry Kerzin, a monk, practitioner, and medical doctor who
lives in Dharamshala, the exile residence of the Dalai Lama and visits
Japan regularly on teaching tours said that the Vajra Dhatu empowerment
has a long and close history with the Japanese people.
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| Members of the audience viewing the
sand mandala constructed for the Vajra Dhatu empowerment bestowed by
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Koyasan, Japan, on November 2, 2011.
Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL |
“As far as I
understand, His Holiness’ Dorying empowerment in Koyasan has served a
long way in reinvigorating this sacred tradition for the Japanese
Buddhists.”
A Japanese schoolteacher, Haruki, who had driven seven hours to
receive the initiations and hear the Dalai Lama said she was “excited”
with her life ahead.
“Hearing the message of transforming your mind and practicing
genuine love and compassion for others, I believe I can be a better
human being”.
