..續本文上一頁ne 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

　　&n, bsp;

　　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 think…

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