His Holiness Karmapa gives a Milarepa empowerment

December 29, 2009, Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, report by Michele Martin,
photos taken by Karma Lekcho, Karma Norbu, Pema Orser Dorje, Cheng, Lu-Chung, Karma Nying je Sunmo

 

Sitting on an elaborately carved wood throne with the back covered in brocade, His Holiness bestowed a Milarepa empowerment this morning as the early light filtered down through the heart-shaped leaves of the Bodhi tree.  Behind the Karmapa was a mural depicting the Buddha giving teachings to his first five disciples, who wore the same yellow robe as the one encircling the Karmapa.

After the usual purification and offering to the local deities, His Holiness put on the Gampopa hat, made of golden brocade and interspersed with flowers. First, he gave a synopsis of Milarepa's life, starting with his generating the wish to attain full awakening for all living beings, to studying with Marpa Lotsawa, perfecting all the training of the vajrayana, and finally becoming fully awakened as he realized the essential nature of primordial purity.

Then participants offered a mandala and made prayers to Milarepa to dispel the darkness of their ignorance and that of all living beings. After the Seven-Branch prayer, the wisdom deities were evoked as His Holiness played the damaru and bell. They were requested to stay until all living beings attain full awakening.

Then for the actual bestowal of this vase empowerment, disciples were asked to visualize Milarepa with a cotton shawl, loin cloth and meditation belt and that through food in the right hand and drink in the left, they received all the accomplishments of practice.

As thanksgiving for the initiation, another mandala was offered and the merit was dedicated so that all attain ultimate realization.