..續本文上一頁ealizing the true mantra means experiencing the presence of clarity and radiant precision, i.e., realizing that the mind and all things are not only empty of inherent existence but are clear and radiant when they arise, abide and cease. Realization engenders and increases one”s confidence in and certainty of the fact that things are not only empty of self-existence but also are clear and distinct when they arise - truly experienced when the secret mantra of cutting through has been accomplished. In daily practice, chod means surrendering one”s body. Once in a while practitioners organize a big party and celebrate a feast, called chod-ganachakra in Sanskrit.
What is the fundamental, day-to-day practice of giving away one”s body
Machig Labdron - who learned, perfected, and delineated the practice of chod that was imparted to her by great Indian Mahasiddas - taught the preliminary practices, the main practices, and the concluding practices. There are five preliminary practices: (1) opening one”s heart for all living beings by giving rise to bodhicitta, (2) taking refuge in the Three Jewels, (3) accumulating and increasing merit and wisdom, (4) dispelling negative mental habits and (5) giving offerings as an expression of gratitude and joy.
2. The First Three Preliminary Practices
a) Generating Bodhicitta
It is so much easier giving things to those persons one loves and likes than giving things to those persons one cannot stand, or giving things to those who have already harmed or who wish to harm one. But in the practice of chod, one firstly thinks of worst enemies who are really out to hurt and harm. They are the most important inpiduals who need to be appeased through generosity. Secondly, maybe there are no tangible enemies who wish to hurt one; maybe there is nobody around who insults, belittles or disparages one. Sometimes someone just gets in the way, or sometimes difficulties at work rule the day, or sometimes financial worries, sorrow or anguish bring on disturbing situations in life. Then one can imagine that similar situations are spirits. Now, we do not really know if this is true, but it can be imagined - one can imagine that misfortunes have an intangible form and make good use of the opportunity to practice chod. So, one can imagine the second type of recipients of generosity in the form of evil spirits. Thirdly, obstacles can also be objects of generosity, and there are many, e.g., being stopped from carrying out a plan, or having been robbed, or experiencing a streak of bad luck. One can imagine that such circumstances are intangible beings and wish to do something good for them. Sometimes there is tremendous fear of disaster or slight fear that something may go wrong. One can imagine such instances as formless living beings and not be afraid, rather use the opportunity to practice chod by wishing and trying to do something really good for them.
In general, there are many reasons to be fearful and to suffer, for instance, terrifying images or apparitions can manifest in one”s mind. Nevertheless, it is important to resolve not to respond with anger and fear to vicious apparitions but to welcome every terrifying experience or appearance by saying, “Okay, you are not evil but are actually good, therefore I greet and bid you welcome. I want to do something good for you.” There are demons causing diseases and sicknesses, there is much ill health that one can and often does go through. When this happens, one can think, “Just a short while ago I was well, and suddenly I got sick.” One can also be afraid of getting sick the next day or feel uncomfortable and uneasy in a certain place. Nobody can deny that vicious spirits (that cannot be seen with the eyes but who may be eager to harm) haunt those places. But …
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