Inspiring and blessed Empowerments
Nov 29, 2024
29 October 2024
On Monday we spend the day entering into Heruka's mandala. Physically we enter the beautiful Temple, itself a representation of Heruka's palace, for the two sublime sessions of the Heruka empowerment. Then mentally, through the concentration of the empowering Spiritual Guide, the blessings of Venerable Geshe-la, and our own pure imagination and intentions, we are created as a newly arisen Heruka Body Mandala.
As we are guided through the various stages of the empowerments there are so many special and beautiful practices, details, subtleties and insights. There is an awareness and deep sense of good fortune that in each moment we are creating pure causes for enlightenment. There is immense gratitude, a blissful peace, and a deeper understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of Highest Yoga Tantra.
In the precious word empowerment we received extraordinary encouragement from Venerable Geshe-la about how, when we cease ordinary appearance with wisdom, pure appearance naturally appears. To highlight this transcendent possibility, the Temple in Brazil includes within it the most detailed and exquisite representation of Heruka's mandala, gloriously illuminated, and beckoning us inwards to cultivate our own body mandala.
To conclude the empowerments we make many offerings and blessed dedication prayers including the tsog offering, Assembly of Good Fortune. Thank you Venerable Geshe-la for this most precious gift and thank you to Gen-la Dekyong who granted this empowerment.
Between the empowerments people relax in the grounds under shady trees, finding quiet corners for meditation or enjoying the company of Sangha. Everything feels very pure, and for those visiting from abroad the tropical setting adds an extra other-worldly element to the day. In one participant's words, 'the place felt full of love!'
Today, new 9-inch metal Heruka statues appeared in the Tharpa shop. They were filled here in Brazil for the Festival, and people are delighted to have the opportunity to take one home.