Condensed Amitaba Practice By Jetsunma Ahkön
Lhamo
I’d like to address the very newest Dharma practitioners, and offer
the method I speak so often and so fondly of. All can benefit. Many
are interested in Buddhism, read and think about it, enjoy it’s
thoughtfulness. But the main point of Dharma is accomplishment. One
can be a friend of Dharma, a supporter, collector, even a Guru
junkie! But the point of Dharma is awakening, + method applied.
There are no quick and easy routes, no magic buttons, no gadgets,
no tincture of this or that worth the money or effort. Dharma is
free. All you really need is a comfy cushion, a quiet sacred space,
a Mala (prayer beads) an image relating to your practice really
helps.
Most practice requires empowerment (Wang) breath transmission
(Lung), and the Lama’s commentary. Therefore one needs a qualified
Guru. Fortunately, through compassion, certain Buddhas have made
themselves more accessible in these times. One is Buddha Amitaba.
Amitaba vowed that anyone speaking His Mantra or even hearing it,
He would liberate at death, thus accomplishing Dharma in one life.
Practicing Amitaba, then, is swift and extraordinary, can be done
without wang or lung if the strong vow is made to seek these out
asap.
This is a VERY short condensed method, taken from Nam
Cho.
The best thing to do is make a commitment to do this practice every
day. It is in the commitment and the doing that benefits, Along
with the very sacred Mantra and the blessing it holds. Therein lays
benefit and accomplishment. Samaya.
The Practice Now, settle onto your cushion. Allow the mind to
simply relax and clear. Practice makes perfect, you will improve in
time. The body is relaxed but the spine straight, The legs should
be crossed Indian style or Lotus style, but comfortable.
Instantly in the space in front-above arises Buddha Amitaba. He is
red in color, one face, 2 hands resting in His lap, palms up
w/knuckles touching. This mudra symbolizes meditative equipoise. He
is holding a begging bowl and wearing robes of ordination, seated
in Lotus Posture. He is surrounded with His retinue of Sublime
ones.
As we are awed by His splendor we take refuge with body, speech,
and mind.
“Buddha Amitaba I take refuge in you in this and every life“ repeat
3 x
Then, thinking kindly of all sentient beings, recite: “For the sake
of beings I give rise to the Bodhicitta so all may benefit” repeat
3 x
If you have a PURE Lama, consider that while the appearance is
Amitaba, the essence is identical to one’s Root Guru. If not, get
one.
Then hold the mala and recite Mantra, counting with beads. One full
Mala is 108 reps. The mantra; OM AMI DEWA HRI is repeated 108
times. While reciting, one concentrates on compassion as
motivation, the extraordinary qualities of Amitaba, the yearning
for Liberation in one life.So the mind should be filled with pure
Devotion and wholesome yearning, and Kindness toward all beings,
every one, animals, ALL.After at least one full Mala of Mantra,
recite:
“I prostrate to Amitaba Buddha!”
“May I be reborn in the pure realm of great bliss”
Then Amitaba and his entourage dissolve into light, and pour into
top of one’s head (crown). And mixes like milk and water with one’s
mind.“And may all sentient beings without exception be placed in
that very state.”