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| Vajra Master Initiation from the Yamantaka Tantra: |
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To do any tantric practice, a meditator first needs to receive an initiation, a ritual empowerment. The highest tantric empowerments, like that of Yamantaka, the Slayer of Death, are quite complex. They lead the initiate deeper and deeper into the mandala, the symbolic world of the deity. The Vajra Master empowerment prepares the initiate to eventually become a Vajra Master - a perfect tantric teacher - in his or her own right and to initiate new disciples into the path. |
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| Consecration: |
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In Tibet, whenever a sacred object is made, it is consecrated to infuse it with the spiritual presence of the god or Buddha which it portrays. The consecration that the monks perform this evening will not only imbue the sacred images on stage with the divine presence, but the entire environment in which the consecration ritual is held. |
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Intermission
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| Golden Libation Offering to the Combined Deities of All Tantras: |
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The Golden Libation is an ancient ceremony that Tibetans used long before Buddhism came to Tibet to offer food and drink to their gods. This Buddhist version of the rite invokes the deities of four classes of tantras and encourages them to support spiritual practice and promote the welfare of all beings. |
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| Song of Praise of Mahakala: |
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Praising the deity you invoke is an important part of most Tibetan rituals. This prayer poetically enumerates the superhuman power and wisdom of the Six-Armed Mahakala, whose fearsome powers can demolish inner and outer obstacles to progress in meditation. Mahakala is chief of all the fierce Protectors of the Buddhist path. So great is his spiritual accomplishment, that some say he is a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara himself the embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas and Tibets patron deity. |
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| Propitiation of Mahakala: |
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To encourage Mahakala to use his awesome powers for the good of the spiritual community and the world at large, the monks visualize a panoply of offerings pleasing to this fearsome personality. Artists often include some of these special offerings in paintings of the protectors, such as offering bowls made of skulls, herds of black yaks, flights of black crows, and packs of black dogs. |
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| The Seven Signs of Dominion: |
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Tibetans think of Buddhas as conquerors they have overcome the armies of their own errant thoughts and discordant emotions and initiated a state of inner peace that can spread far beyond the borders of their individual selves. The Seven Signs of Dominion, ancient Indian symbols of a universal emperor, reflect this belief. They are the wheel of universal rule, the perfect jewel, the perfect empress, the perfect prime minister, the perfect elephant, the perfect steed, and the perfect general. |
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| Remaining Steadfast: |
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Near the end of any important sacred ceremony, monks perform a special prayer. Called "Remaining Steadfast," this prayer focuses their minds on retaining the spiritual accomplishments that they have achieved through their ritual practice. |
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