Precepts & Practices
The Five Precepts constitute the basic Buddhist code of ethics, undertaken by lay followers of the Buddha Gautama in the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. The Five Precepts are commitments to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Undertaking the five precepts is part of both lay Buddhist initiation and regular lay Buddhist devotional practices.
The Buddha is said to have taught the five precepts out of compassion, and for the betterment of society. Thus they are to be undertaken voluntarily rather than as commandments from a god. The precepts are intended to help a Buddhist live free from remorse, so that they can progress more easily on the Path.
Conceptual Translation:
The Five Precepts:
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I vow to refrain from destroying living creatures
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I vow to refrain from taking that which is not given
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I vow to refrain from sexual misconduct
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I vow to refrain from incorrect speech
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I vow to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness
"Taking refuge" makes the difference between Buddhists and non-Buddhists. It is not even necessary to take refuge in a formal session with a teacher, but it may help to clarify your choice and to remember your commitment. The idea behind taking refuge is that when it starts to rain, we like to find a shelter. The Buddhist shelter from the rain of problems and pain of life is threefold: the Buddha, his teachings (the Dharma) and the spiritual community (the Sangha). Taking refuge means that we have some understanding about suffering, and we have confidence that the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (the "Three Jewels") can help us.
The Three Refuges
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I go to the Buddha for refuge
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I go to the Dharma for refuge
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I go to the Sangha for refuge
Renewing the vows in the Precepts and the Refuges is a part of our daily practice.
Training
How to train as a Mahajrya Buddhist?
The training consists in various meditation, recitation, and ritual techniques, done in a certain order over a certain period of time, which is meant to open your mind to the Unified Field reality.
Our training requires a bit of implication from our members. However, you can take breaks as long as you wish. When you start over, each new training period should be done on a daily basis for 20 to 45 minutes for at least two weeks at a time. The more your train, the more efficient you will become, and the more result you will get. As you complete the various levels of training, you will be offered participation in various project of the Mahajrya.
Daily Practice
The Daily Practice of the Mahajrya is fairly simple. It consists in:
• Emotional integration • Chanting of the Dandapati, Tara and Baishajye • Continuing with one's training, if applicable
Renewing the vows takes about 1 minute. It encourages our mind in remembering the general precepts that the Buddha taught, to avoid perpetuation of suffering.
The Dandapati is a protection chant, that reminds us of the importance to "better" oneself. As we act with virtue, we are protected with enhanced energy and the presence of the spiritual world.
The Divine Mother TARA is the Buddhist representation of all that there is in nature, the Divine mother, the creative force and sustaining force of the universe.
The Baishajye chant is a chant of healing taught by BaishajyeRaja, the Medicine King Buddha.
We encourage the optional chanting of one mala of the Pure Land mantra: Amitabha Buddha.
The mantra of compassion, most recommended in all: Om Mani Padme Hum.
Opening the Way: Dandapati Prayer
First, as a prayer to open the energy channels and remove obstacles, also to call forth protection, chant the "Dandapati" prayer, given by the Bodhisattva Samantabadhra, in the last chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Visualize yourself holding a stick/staff, sitting on the back of a white elephant. The white elephant is 30 feet long, jeweled in beauty, with 6 giant tusks, and clears the path where you go. Visualize an energy around you and the elephant, protecting both of you. Danda = Stick, usualy used for correction or punishment, Pati = Lord.
Charging this prayer: This prayer is more powerful when you have read and meditated on the Lotus Sutra. For 28 days in a row, recite the Dandapati prayer, then read one chapter of the lotus sutra per day, then meditate for 30 minutes on the meaning of the wisdom. It is more demanding than you think because the consciousness of the Lotus Sutra enters in you. Then, your recitations of the Dandapati will be more powerful.
Sanskrit
Adande
dandapati
dandavarte
dandakushale
dandasudhare
sudhare
sudharapati
buddhapashyane
sarvadharani-avartani
sarvandhashyavartani
su-avartani
samghaparikshani
samghanarghatani
asamge
samgapagate
tri-adhvasamgatulya arate-prapty
savasamga samatikrante
sarvadharma suparikshite
sarvasattva rutakaushalyanugate
simhavikridite
English
Without punishment
Lord of the stick
Wielding a stick all around
Skillful with a stick
Whose stick is well directed
Focused, well directed (bettering yourself)
Lord of the good way (of betting yourself)
Whose sight has been awoken
All dh?ran?s (spells) rotating
Every dwelling place is your path
Rotating well (Good at magic arts)
Investigating of the sangha (community)
Not destroying the sangha
Unattached
Departed from attachment
Equality for all through the meeting of the three ways reached with virtue
Transcending all attachment
Examining all dharmas carefully
Interested in well-being resounding in all beings
Making a plaything of lions
Divine Mother TARA
This prayer tunes your consciousness to Tara, the Divine Mother in the Buddhist tradition.
Sanskrit
Om Namas Tare Ture vire
Tuttare bhaya-nashane
Ture sarvartha-da tare
Svaha-kare namo stute
English
Om! Hommage! O Tare, Swift One, Heroine!
Tuttare who eliminates fears!
Ture, the Saviouress granting all benefits!
Sound of Svaha, worshipped and praised!
Buddha of Medicine
This prayer invokes the presence of the Buddha of Medicine, also known as the Medecine King and Master of Medicine. It is a prayer to the completely awakened self, to bring forth healing in us and others, following the intention we put in it.
Charging this prayer: Recite 108 times per day, for 108 days. This process might seem to require a lot of energy, and it is the case. For the consciousness to be able to influence physical matter, there are higher requirements. You can use a mala (prayer necklace) to count the prayers, and the mala will also transform in a healer talisman.
Sanskrit Mantra
Om Namo Bhagavate Bhaishajyaguru
Vaidūryaprabharājāya
Tathāgatāya Arhate
Samyaksambuddhāya
Tadyathā: Om Bhaishajye Bhaishajye
Mahābhaishajye Bhaishajyerāja Samudgate Svāhā
Sanskrit
Om
Namo Bhagavate
Bhaishajyaguru
Vaidūryaprabharājāya
Tathāgatāya Arhate
Samyaksambuddhāya
Tadyathā
Om Bhaishajye Bhaishajye
Mahābhaishajye
Bhaishajyerāja
Samudgate Svāhā
English
Universal syllable, no translation
Salutation Divine Lord
Medicine master
King of the precious substance
Venerable One
Completely awakened
In such a manner
Om, Physician Physician (doctor/medicine)
Great Physician, Physician King
Beyond suffering, I sacrifice