Question asked by Asi
Dear Pastors, I was listening to "Chant of Metta" by imee ooi and reciting after the metta verses in the song. I visualized hell realm deep below me and heaven realm far up above me, along with the entire universe (space-like background). And then I visualized myself radiating metta to all beings and creatures in all planes of existence, whether highest or lowest. I want to ask because it is making me a little worry. I am practicing Mahayana but I heard in Tibetan Buddhism, visualization is very very powerful. So is visualizing the hell realm somewhat dangerous and I shouldn't do that? I visualized the heaven realm and hell realm and galaxy-like environment dissolving into nothingness afterwards.
Dear Asi,
Visualisation of the heaven or hell realms, or any of the realms for that matter is not dangerous. In fact, you need to do it in order to develop Loving-kindness and Compassion properly. However, there is more to it than just reciting mantras and visualisation. First you should know the reasons why you need to do it, then study the traditional visualisations which were taught by the Buddha and then explained by the great masters since his time. When we follow the traditional visualisations, since they carry the blessings of the Buddha, then we will actually develop the two qualities.
All of this and more is taught in the Lamrim teachings, which form the basis of our tradition. The text we use in Kechara is called Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand. You can find it here: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/lamrim-liberation-in-the-palm-of-your-hand
Thank you.