Difference between revisions of "BUDDHIST SMOKE OFFERING CEREMONIES"
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There are two [[smoke offering]] {{Wiki|ceremonies}} that we often use when putting up new [[prayer flags]]. {{Wiki|Ceremonies}} are not mandatory, of course, but they make a special event out of the raising of the flags and help to put us in the proper {{Wiki|altruistic}} [[state of mind]]. | There are two [[smoke offering]] {{Wiki|ceremonies}} that we often use when putting up new [[prayer flags]]. {{Wiki|Ceremonies}} are not mandatory, of course, but they make a special event out of the raising of the flags and help to put us in the proper {{Wiki|altruistic}} [[state of mind]]. | ||
| − | It is always better to learn the procedures and meanings of [[Tibetan]] {{Wiki|ceremonies}} from a qualified [[lama]] but many [[people]] have written to us asking that these texts be made available. When done with an [[attitude]] of [[generosity]] and [[compassion]] - I see no harm in doing these simple [[prayers]]. Smoke [[offering]] [[prayers]] are recited while burning [[incense]] {{Wiki|substances}}. The simplest method is burning [[Tibetan]] [[incense]] sticks or spooning [[incense]] powder onto [[hot]] coals. [[Tibetans]] often build [[wood]] fires on which they place [[green]] [[juniper]] and other aromatic {{Wiki|medicinal}} saps, resins and herbs while [[chanting]] the [[prayers]]. There are [[traditional]] tunes and rhythms for these [[prayers]] but we westerners often recite them in English so that we can follow their meaning. Toward the end of the [[prayer]] pass the folded up [[prayer flags]] through the smoke (careful not to {{Wiki|touch}} them to the ground) and then put them up. | + | It is always better to learn the procedures and meanings of [[Tibetan]] {{Wiki|ceremonies}} from a qualified [[lama]] but many [[people]] have written to us asking that these texts be made available. When done with an [[attitude]] of [[generosity]] and [[compassion]] - I see no harm in doing these simple [[prayers]]. Smoke [[offering]] [[prayers]] are recited while burning [[incense]] {{Wiki|substances}}. The simplest |
| + | |||
| + | method is burning [[Tibetan]] [[incense]] sticks or spooning [[incense]] powder onto [[hot]] coals. [[Tibetans]] often build [[wood]] fires on which they place [[green]] [[juniper]] and other aromatic {{Wiki|medicinal}} saps, resins and herbs while [[chanting]] the [[prayers]]. There are [[traditional]] tunes and rhythms for these [[prayers]] but we westerners often recite them in English so that we can follow their meaning. Toward the end of the [[prayer]] pass the folded up [[prayer flags]] through the smoke (careful not to {{Wiki|touch}} them to the ground) and then put them up. | ||
Latest revision as of 13:31, 30 March 2024
Offering Prayers for Raising Prayer Flags
There are two smoke offering ceremonies that we often use when putting up new prayer flags. Ceremonies are not mandatory, of course, but they make a special event out of the raising of the flags and help to put us in the proper altruistic state of mind.
It is always better to learn the procedures and meanings of Tibetan ceremonies from a qualified lama but many people have written to us asking that these texts be made available. When done with an attitude of generosity and compassion - I see no harm in doing these simple prayers. Smoke offering prayers are recited while burning incense substances. The simplest
method is burning Tibetan incense sticks or spooning incense powder onto hot coals. Tibetans often build wood fires on which they place green juniper and other aromatic medicinal saps, resins and herbs while chanting the prayers. There are traditional tunes and rhythms for these prayers but we westerners often recite them in English so that we can follow their meaning. Toward the end of the prayer pass the folded up prayer flags through the smoke (careful not to touch them to the ground) and then put them up.
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