Power Place: Jog Falls
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
In the Heruka and Vajrayogini tantras, it is mentioned that there are 24 holy places that are empowered with the energy of Heruka and Vajrayogini. Within these 24 power places, a very powerful deity that is worldly in aspect and samsaric in nature abides there in the past.
Therefore, many people worshiped and adulated this deity, and they also made a lot of offerings to him. When they did that, many people got their wishes granted but as a repercussion, their desire and attachment grew because this deity was very attached and desirous. He abides in the god realm but on earth, he has 24 power places where his energy is very potent. So great temples in ancient times were built and dedicated to him in these 24 places, and people would go there to worship and make direct contact with him.
Vajrayogini and her entourage abides in the 24 sacred sites including Jog Falls.
Therefore, Buddha Heruka understood the disbenefit of the so-called ‘blessings’ of this deity, and he found that it was time to overcome this deity’s energy and transform it into something more positive. So, Heruka blessed this deity and sent him to Kechara Paradise. Heruka also took over the 24 holy places and they became the 24 holy places of Heruka and Vajrayogini along with their entourage. So, these 24 holy places are very alive, potent and very blessed because Vajrayogini and Heruka’s energy abide there. Consequently, it is recommended for anyone visiting those places to study the Dharma, meditate and practice any of the tantras there.
This is a picture of myself and my assistant monk, friends and students with Jog Falls waterfalls behind us in 1993.
If you practice the Heruka and Vajrayogini tantras, these places would be very powerful to help us gain higher insight and realization. One of these 24 power places is called Jog Falls in the Karnataka state of South India. This is in the same state where Gaden and Drepung monasteries are, and it is about 3 to 5 hour drive, depending on how fast you drive because the paved road is rudimentary. You have to go through a winding and remote road in order to get there.
A is where Hubli is, which is close to Gaden Monastery and B is where Jogs Falls is located.
Back in 1993, I went with a few of my monk assistants, students and friends over to Jog Falls from Gaden Monastery and our plan was to spend a day having picnic with the monks and to do some rituals and pujas associated with Vajrayogini and also to do a tsog offering. So, it was a splendid day because it was a pleasant drive to Jog Falls and the driver that was hired to take us there knew the roads well. When we arrived, we checked into a simple hotel, which had simple rooms and beds. Nevertheless, we were happy with that and we stayed there for two days instead.
Myself with monks swam in the lake that formed at the bottom of the Jog Falls waterfalls. It is considered a blessing to be in the waters.
Jog Falls is a massive set of waterfalls with a lake at the bottom with rocks surrounding it. You can swim in the lake. It is a popular place for local Indian tourists, and it is very beautiful especially in the summer. So, we went there, we went swimming and we swam across the lake, which is quite broad and big. We swam to the waterfall and went behind the waterfall and swam back. After that, we had our meals and the most exciting part was when we set up and had our puja there.
We were able to do a very good puja and generated a good motivation there with good prayers. It was wonderful. So, I am sharing about this place in South India and if you are ever in the area, it is recommended to visit Jog Falls. In fact, I have heard that many monks go there to do prayers and rituals.
What Makes a Place Holy?
- A place can be holy because of a man or lady had done intensive meditations and generated higher insight and developed higher states of mind such as love, compassion and Bodhicitta in an area, cave, house or a particular place. So, the generation of this higher state of mind infuses the place to become holy and imprints the place with its energies. So when people go there, they feel at peace, happy, become healed and they can actually feel the energy blessing them.
- A holy or sacred place can become holy and sacred because someone had a pure vision of a holy being such as a Buddha, mahasiddha, daka, dakini and so forth. For example, if someone had a pure vision of Lama Tsongkhapa in that place and he had spoken to them or had given them a Dharma discourse or composed texts or given them a special transmission, then that place becomes infused with Lama Tsongkhapa’s energy. Then the place becomes infused with the energy of the teaching that was given. So that infusion makes the place holy. When we do meditations or study there, it has special blessings.
- Another reason a place can become holy is when it has sacred beings abiding there apart from the ordinary people abiding and travelling in the same area. For example, it could be a place where Bodhisattvas converged in the past. It could also be a place where the nagas had kept the teachings of the Buddha. It could be a place where supernatural beings have engaged in positive activities and infused the area with good energies. Examples of such holy places is where the Buddha was born – Lumbini, where the Buddha first turned the wheel of Dharma – Sarnath Park in Varanasi, where the Buddha became enlightened – Bodhgaya, where the Buddha had entered parinirvana – Kushinagar. These are the places that are holy because a Buddha had appeared there, a Buddha had performed Dharma activities and Dharma works or a Buddha had done works that benefited others. It is because the Buddha had been to those places, they had become infused with very powerful energies. So, these are some ways that a place can become very powerful and energised.
- Another way a place can become infused with powerful energy like a certain forest, cemetery, lake or a certain mountain where a realized being had blessed and consecrated the place and left a Buddha, Dharma Protector, a special naga or a special being to abide in that place. So when people go there, they are blessed by these beings or these beings can be seen where people can ask questions and they can give prophesies of the future. So there are quite a few lakes in Tibet where it is infused with the lama’s energy. So when a place is infused, blessed and consecrated by the lama’s energy, then these places will bless and heal a person. You can drink the water from this place as it is blessed because it has healing properties and one can even receive visions of the future. Also a place can naturally have a powerful spiritual being abiding in it already and recognized by a seer. There are many places in Tibet, India, etc where there are mountains in which special spiritual beings abide and assist the locals in the area.
Jog Falls is very popular with the local Indian tourists as well as Tibetan practitioners.
These are various ways in which a place can be consecrated and thereby becoming a sacred power place. There are more ways a certain place can become a holy place but these four methods just to name a few for now. When we do any type of spiritual activity in these places, the blessings are potent and thereby it is believed our spiritual results will be quicker and also healing of our body expedited. People often like to visit holy places like where Buddha Shakyamuni manifested His activities in the four special places of India (Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath-Varanasi and Kushinagara), Tsongkapa’s birthplace and meditation cave, Milarepa’s cave, Lake of Pelden Hlamo, Dorje Shugden’s Chapel (Trode Khangsar) in Lhasa, Jokhang where Jowo Rinpoche abides, Gaden Monastery, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery, Tsongkapa’s mausoleum, Pabongka Rinpoche’s Chuzang Hermitage, Kandy the tooth temple in Sri Lanka, Mt Kailash and even our root guru’s residence. For a tantric practitioner, according to Marpa the guru of Milarepa, the most holiest place is the residence of our personal guru where we can offer prostrations, butterlamps, prayers and meditations. The best is to generate bodhicitta and meditate on emptiness in these holy places. Reciting the prayers to our guru is very auspicious also to ask for higher attainments. So there are many holy places in this world and various methods they become holy.
What Do We Do at These Holy Places?
When we arrive at these holy places, it is very good to chant out scriptures, Dharma books or passages, engage in the meditation of various Dharma subjects, recite mantras, perform prostrations, contemplate on the Guru’s kindness, engage in special rituals such as tsog, recite prayers or we can simply just sit and recite healing mantras to heal our body and mind and to intoxicate ourselves with the blessings of the place. We can engage in any of these actions at these holy places.
In some of these places, there are shrines where you can make butter lamp offerings, khatas, prostrations or you can just offer garlands of flowers. So, it is very good to offer these things at these holy places. There are holy places all over the world that are infused by holy beings and the key point of a holy place is that it is infused with higher thoughts of love, compassion, selflessness, generosity, openness and tolerance. These places are also infused with the energy of beings who have generated a kind heart and a kind mind. So this is what makes a place very powerful and holy.
The Mahabodhi Stupa at Bodhgaya where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
For us Buddhists, the holiest place in the world (there are many) is the Buddha’s place of enlightenment, which is Bodhgaya. So, Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha meditated and manifested full enlightenment and so, it would be wonderful to go to a place such as Bodhgaya where Buddha had manifested enlightenment to do prayers, circumambulations, make offerings and simply to pay homage to the Buddha.
Aside from Bodhgaya, some of the holiest places are where the Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, where the Buddha first turned the wheel of Dharma in Sarnath Park, Varanasi and also passed away into parinirvana at Kushinagar. In fact, it was recommended by the Buddha himself to visit these places after he was gone because these places are infused with powerful blessings and by going to these places, it would be equal to meeting the Buddha himself.
For more interesting information:
- 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 1
- 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 2
- David’s Pilgrimage to India
- Nepal Pilgrimage full videos
- Puja at Naropa’s Cave, Kathmandu, Nepal
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Great article great teaching by Khabje Rinpoche- incredible Buddha indeed 🫶 Thank you so much for giving dharma to us 🙏🙇♀️
Beautiful Jog Fall located at southern state of Karnataka is India’s highest waterfall. It is a segmented waterfall which depends on rain and season becomes a plunge waterfall. Its one of the power where our Lama H E the 25th Tsem Rinpoche had visited years ago. From the beautiful pictures of Jog Fall can tells us more. Looks peaceful to do prayers, recitation , meditation, retreat as encouraged by our Lama when visiting holy place. When there is stupa we can also do circumambulations, offerings and more. Doing prayers at all these power holy places would be wonderful. There are many places as mentioned by Rinpoche do have powerful positive energy. It’s those place where great masters have visited , varies prayers done, meditation ,and retreats. All these holy places such as Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath-Varanasi and Kushinagara, Tsongkapa’s birthplace and many more all over the world is infused with the powerful energy of beings. A good article to read and great knowledge of some of the power place and go on pilgrimage.
We are fortunate to have Rinpoche here in Malaysia where Kechara Forest Retreat was conceptualized ….a holy place infused with powerful energy. It has indeed benefited many and many more to come.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing with folded hands.
This is interesting and good article to read and provided many information of holy places.It is always good to visit spiritual power places. it can open up dharma seeds within us and bless our minds to engage in spiritual practice.
Great to get know what we suppose to do at these Holy place ,recite prayers, make offerings and so forth to intoxicate one selves with the blessings of the place.Thank you so much for the article and beautiful pictures.
Starting on Vajra Yogini now. Practicing Vajra Yogini without initiation.
Find out more- https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/2019/04/chat-1554237623.mp4
Dear friends around the world,
Many people have asked how to connect with Sacred Diamond Dakini Vajra Yogini without initiation and formal commitments. I have explained how to do so here: https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp
Any form of Vajra Yogini you worship leads to the same benefit. All her forms are just her wisdom manifesting for different karmic propensities at different time periods.
Please be blessed with these beautiful pictures of Ucheyma (Severed Head Vajra Yogini) from my personal shrine. Read more on this sacred form.- https://bit.ly/2QghvhS
May you all be blessed and ascend to Kechara Paradise.
Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche
——————————————————————————
致世界各地的朋友：
人们曾无数次问我：如何在没有受灌顶和誓言的情况下，跟殊胜的金刚空行母——金刚瑜伽母结缘。我已经在此文中跟大家解释：https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp
不管我们供奉以哪种形象示现的金刚瑜伽母，所得的益处是一样的。她以无上智慧，顺应不同时代众生的业力而示现不同形象。
衷心希望我佛坛上的“乌切玛”（断首金刚瑜伽母）像的这些庄严相片能加持你的心续。更多关于这一殊胜法相的资料，可在此阅读：https://bit.ly/2QghvhS
祈愿你获得加持，日后能登克切拉净土。
詹杜固仁波切敬启
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videouploads/comment-1552836424.mp4
Dear friends around the world,
Many people have asked how to connect with Sacred Diamond Dakini Vajra Yogini without initiation and formal commitments. I have explained how to do so here: https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp
Any form of Vajra Yogini you worship leads to the same benefit. All her forms are just her wisdom manifesting for different karmic propensities at different time periods.
Please be blessed with these beautiful pictures of Ucheyma (Severed Head Vajra Yogini) from my personal shrine. Read more on this sacred form.- https://bit.ly/2QghvhS
May you all be blessed and ascend to Kechara Paradise.
Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche
——————————————————————————
致世界各地的朋友：
人们曾无数次问我：如何在没有受灌顶和誓言的情况下，跟殊胜的金刚空行母——金刚瑜伽母结缘。我已经在此文中跟大家解释：https://bit.ly/2JjTTXp
不管我们供奉以哪种形象示现的金刚瑜伽母，所得的益处是一样的。她以无上智慧，顺应不同时代众生的业力而示现不同形象。
衷心希望我佛坛上的“乌切玛”（断首金刚瑜伽母）像的这些庄严相片能加持你的心续。更多关于这一殊胜法相的资料，可在此阅读：https://bit.ly/2QghvhS
祈愿你获得加持，日后能登克切拉净土。
詹杜固仁波切敬启
1984 Los Angeles-Left to right: Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, monk assistant to Zong Rinpoche and the 18-year-old Tsem Rinpoche prior to ordination. Read more- https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/me
View
A poem inspired by seeing a picture of my teacher, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche…
In the sport of correct views,
all that is correct is just a view,
without permanence or substance.
As long as we hold onto views,
our sufferings are gathered
to be experienced without end.
Without the strong methods of emptiness
and compassion, bereft of merit,
we sink deeper without respite.
To arise from this samsara is but
a dreamscape on the deluded mind.
Therefore seek the guru, who confers the yidam,
hold your vows and fixate on liberation
free of new creations. Free of new experiences as
there are none.
~ Tsem Rinpoche
Composed in Tsem Ladrang, Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2014
A sacred image of the rare form of Vajrayogini known as Ucheyma, the Buddha that shows us the path to eradicate the ego. For this and many other high-resolution images of the enlightened beings to download for free visit: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini) (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): H.H. the 7th Panchen Lama, Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini), Vajra Varnani (green assistant), Vajra Vairocani (yellow assistant), Dorje Shugden and Citipati.
The central deity is known as Chinnamasta or Dorje Neljorma Ucheyma. Both Chinnamasta (Sanskrit) and Ucheyma (Tibetan) literally mean, ‘She Whose Head is Severed’. The meaning behind her form is to show practitioners that they need to completely remove the grasping and self-identification with the “I” or the ego. Generally, the identity of the self is strongly associated with our face more than any other part of our body. We usually recognise a person when we look at a person’s face. Hence, our self-identification or ego is strongly associated with our face. To show us that this self-identification needs to be overcome on the spiritual path to enlightenment, Vajrayogini uses her ritual chopper to decapitate herself. This is symbolic of her practice eradicating the ego.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini, as she is also known, removes all afflictive mental constructs by removing the root cause – the identification of the self, the ego. We are either attached to or averse to people and circumstances because we have an ego to please, gratify and protect. But in the grander scheme of things, this self-identification with the ‘I’ is illusory and does not really exist. Therefore, Vajrayogini reveals this ultimate truth through the dramatic decapitation of her head and at the same time is still able to live and function. She is able to live due to her direct perception of emptiness and egolessness.
Contrary to what some people might think, the eradication of the self does not destroy individualism, our personality or make us into a mindless person. In fact, the eradication of the ego makes us become a vibrant and compassionate person, someone that has greater awareness of the suffering of others. In other words, we become much warmer, kinder, forgiving, tolerant, conscientious, generous, contemplative and we are become a joy to be with. The cutting of the ego or the ‘I’ brings us towards awakening our true self, the Buddha nature within.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini has two dakini attendants. From the trunk of her neck, there are three severed blood vessels spurting three jets of blood that flow into the mouths of her own decapitated head that she carries in her left hand and into the mouths of her two attendants. Tsem Rinpoche explained that the three jets of blood represent that her practice purifies the three psychic poisons of ignorance, hatred and desire. In turn, this leads to the attainment of the three bodies of a Buddha – the emanation body, the enjoyment body and the truth body. In other words, the severance of the ego via her tantric path leads to the purification of all delusions and ultimately, the attainment of Buddhahood itself.
The 7th Panchen Lama, Palden Tenpai Nyima is featured floating above because of his compilation of sadhanas from the ancient Sadhanamala texts. This includes a particular sadhana or collection of prayers, visualisation and mantra focused on Ucheyma. Incidentally, Dorje Shugden in many of his previous lives was a lineage master of the Vajrayogini tantras as well. These previous lives include the likes of the Mahasiddha Naropa and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso. The Lord and Lady of the Charnel Ground, known as Citipati, are one of the main protectors of the Vajrayogini Tantra.
Last of all, the ascetic meditator engaging in his devotional practices towards Ucheyma in the cemetery represents the ideal environment for tantric practice because such environments invoke deep renunciation towards worldly affairs and attachments. All Buddhist traditions advocate meditating on the bones of the deceased because it reminds us of our mortality and hence, we develop revulsion towards the transient nature of worldly or ordinary existence.
More free downloads: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Read more about Vajrayogini: https://bit.ly/2iVLCuG
Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini) (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Maitri Kacho (Flying Vajrayogini), Maitri Kacho (One-Leg Up Vajrayogini), Naro Kacho, Sukhasiddhi, Ucheyma (Severed Headed Vajrayogini), Vajra Varnani (green assistant), Vajra Vairocani (yellow assistant), Citipati, Vajravarahi and Dorje Shugden.
The central deity is known as Severed Headed Vajrayogini, Chinnamasta or Dorje Neljorma Ucheyma. Both Chinnamasta (Sanskrit) and Ucheyma (Tibetan) literally mean, ‘She Whose Head is Severed’. The meaning behind her form is to show practitioners that they need to completely remove the grasping and self-identification with the “I” or the ego. Generally, the identity of the self is strongly associated with our face more than any other part of our body. We usually recognise a person when we look at a person’s face. Hence, our self-identification or ego is strongly associated with our face. To show us that this self-identification needs to be overcome on the spiritual path to enlightenment, Vajrayogini uses her ritual chopper to decapitate herself. This is symbolic of her practice eradicating the ego.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini removes all afflictive mental constructs by removing the root cause – the identification of the self, the ego. We are either attached to or averse to people and circumstances because we have an ego to please, gratify and protect. But in the grander scheme of things, this self-identification with the ‘I’ is illusory and does not really exist. Therefore, Vajrayogini reveals this ultimate truth through the dramatic decapitation of her head and at the same time is still able to live and function. She is able to live due to her direct perception of emptiness and egolessness.
Contrary to what some people might think, the eradication of the self does not destroy individualism, our personality or make us into a mindless person. In fact, the eradication of the ego makes us become a vibrant and compassionate person, someone that has greater awareness of the suffering of others. In other words, we become much warmer, kinder, forgiving, tolerant, conscientious, generous, contemplative and we are become a joy to be with. The cutting of the ego or the ‘I’ brings us towards awakening our true self, the Buddha nature within.
The Severed Headed Vajrayogini has two dakini attendants. From the trunk of her neck, there are three severed blood vessels spurting three jets of blood that flow into the mouths of her own decapitated head that she carries in her left hand and into the mouths of her two attendants. Tsem Rinpoche explained that the three jets of blood represent that her practice purifies the three psychic poisons of ignorance, hatred and desire. In turn, this leads to the attainment of the three bodies of a Buddha – the emanation body, the enjoyment body and the truth body. In other words, the severance of the ego via her tantric path leads to the purification of all delusions and ultimately, the attainment of Buddhahood itself.
Severed Headed Vajrayogini is surrounded by some of her other forms, including Naro Kacho, two forms of Maitri Kacho, Sukhasiddhi and Vajravarahi. These forms of Vajrayogini are more commonly practised compared to Severed Headed Vajrayogini and are prevalent in most Tibetan Buddhist lineages. Though they may look different, all forms are indivisible from her true nature and all her practices can lead practitioners to enlightenment. Naro Kacho arose from a vision beheld by the Mahasiddha Naropa, Maitri Kacho from a vision beheld by Maitripa, and Indra Kacho from a vision beheld by Indrabodhi. The Lord and Lady of the Charnel Ground, known as Citipati, are one of the main protectors of the Vajrayogini Tantra.
Last of all, Dorje Shugden is a protector with special affinity with Vajrayogini practitioners because he arose from an incarnation lineage that includes Naropa and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso who practised and proliferated her Tantra.
More free downloads: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Read more about Vajrayogini: https://bit.ly/2iVLCuG
Vajrayogini (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Naropa, Vajradharma, Hero Vajradharma, Naro Kacho, Maitri Kacho (Flying Vajrayogini), Dorje Shugden and Vajravarahi.
Vajrayogini is a female tantric Buddha and she has many forms that are derived from various lineages. She mainly embodies the fully enlightened female (shakti) aspect of a Buddha. She belongs to the Mother Tantra classification, which refers to her practice concentrating on the wisdom aspect of the path to Buddhahood. She is also the principal dakini, the compassionate female guides and nurturers of tantric meditation who lead practitioners to enlightenment. In the thangka, the main figure in the middle is Naro Kechari as she arose from the pure vision of the Mahasiddha Naropa.
In Anuttara (Highest) Yoga Tantra, principal dakinis normally appear in union with a male consort and this can be seen in the cases of deities such as Guhyasamaja, Hevajra, and Kalachakra. In the case of Vajrayogini, she is the principal female Buddha of the Chakrasamvara Tantra and therefore, she is normally in union with Heruka Chakrasamvara. Furthermore, Vajrayogini is also considered a Vajradakini, who are yidams or meditational deities in their own right. Their practices have evolved from the main practices of their consorts, simplifying the otherwise complicated original practice by reducing it to a single-deity meditation without sacrificing the main benefits and features of the original. Hence, Vajradakini practices such as Vajrayogini and Nairatmya are derived from the original Chakrasamvara Tantra and Hevajra Tantra respectively.
In essence, Vajrayogini is known as “Sarvabuddha-dakini” or the Dakini Who is the Essence of all Buddhas. Her mantra is known as the King of All Mantras as it has the most powerful ability to bless us with spiritual attainments even without any visualisation or meditation. There are 11 Yogas in the generation stage of her practice and a few which have the power of transforming ordinary actions like sleeping, waking and ordinary daily tasks into a collection of merits. Ultimately, her Tantra offers salvation for ordinary practitioners at death with her special promise of guiding practitioners towards Kechara, or the Paradise of the Dakinis, in which we can continue deep practices to become a Buddha without fear, obstacles and interruptions.
Within Vajrayogini practice, soliciting the blessings of the lama and the lineage master are of paramount importance in order for our practice to bear results. Hence, the lama is visualised as the red Vajradharma with arms crossed at the heart, holding the vajra and bell. The lineage masters are visualised as Hero Vajradharma, holding a damaru and skullcup while cradling a khatvanga. Aside from the main Naro Kechari form, Vajrayogini also appears in the form of Maitri Kechari, who is known as Flying Vajrayogini, and arose from the vision of Maitripa. Another common form is known as Indra Kechari, or Vajravarahi, who arose from the vision of Indrabodhi.
Last of all, Dorje Shugden is a Dharma protector with a special affinity with Vajrayogini practitioners. This is because he himself arose from an incarnation lineage that includes the likes of Naropa, the progenitor of Naro Kechari practice, and Tsarchen Losel Gyatso who had practised and proliferated her Tantra and is listed as one the lineage masters invoked upon every day by Vajrayogini practitioners.
More free downloads: https://bit.ly/2oxb4qU
Read more about Vajrayogini: https://bit.ly/2iVLCuG
Original illustration and text posted by Eric D Hatchell as a reply to H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s facebook post on Vajrayogini here: http://bit.ly/VYogini0001
The Dākiṇī with the Essence of all Buddhas, Vajrayoginī
Her practice includes methods to end the otherwise repetitive states of Bardo and rebirth, by transforming the process into a journey, which may lead to full enlightenment. In preparation for which, Vajrayoginī further offers the omnipresent ability to reconstruct the nature of the most, mundane everyday experiences, such that they may reveal higher destinations, via the spiritual paths she may choose to reveal. [1] Vajrayoginī being defined as, “The Dākiṇī who is the Essence of all Buddhas”, [2] is amplified by scholar Miranda Shaw when she implied that this deity is no less than, the supreme nature of the very Tantric pantheon. No male Buddha, including her divine consort, Heruka-Cakrasaṃvara, further advances her in metaphysical implications. [3]
Vajrayoginī’s sādhanā originates from India circa 10/12th C, [4] when summoned as Heruka-Cakrasaṃvara’s Yab-Yum consort [5], with later forms including Vajrayoginī as “Solitary Hero”, she may be visualized with the deep red complexion of a 16-year-old female, whose stance is nude amidst a blazing fire of pristine awareness and most exalted wisdom. Her head is adorned with a crown of five skulls and upon her forehead, the third eye of wisdom is set vertically (represented here by an auspicious jewel). She drapes a necklace of fifty dried human skulls and is depicted with her traditional vajra-handled knife in her right hand; with a blood filled kapala in her left, she drinks with upturned head while looking above, toward the pure realm of Khechara. This seemingly gruesome gesture is actually symbolic of her clear light in great joy, known as “mahasukha” (the great bliss), [6] [7] thus the blood she drinks may be offered to us all as if a fine wine.
Resting on the left shoulder is a Katvanga staff as she stands tall with her two feet, trampling the bodies of red Kalaratri and black Bhairava (with heads bending backward), representing the embodiment of illusion and ego-awareness. The composition, all of which rests above a sun disc and multicolored lotus pedestal, she is rendered here after a thankga of Naropa Tradition (passed down from a special teaching of the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa). Vajrayoginī herself may be classified as the personification of “Wisdom” or “Mother” and her practice originates with the Chakrasamvara Cycle of Tantras, which is one of the five principal tantric practices of the Sakya School, although found in one form or another, she is included in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. [8]
Vajrayoginī also appears in versions from the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, with one popular system having the practitioner visualize themselves as Vajrayoginī, as such, their guru taking the form of Milarepa. [9] Thus depicted above the central deity here we see Milarepa on our right, with his great Guru Marpa left (whose guru was Naropa himself, and other great Indian masters). [10]
Vajrayoginī is a simplified, single most form of the female Buddha, who is otherwise a collection of alternate forms. From her sādhanās she is visualized in English terms as “Vajra Sow”, “Wrathful Lady”, “Fierce Black One”, and other such similar manifestations of female energy found in numerous iconographic renderings and traditions. Each feature of Vajrayoginī’s visualization conveys important spiritual concept. For example, her three eyes indicate her ability to see all (past, present and future); her red-colored body symbolizes the blazing of her ”inner fire”, and the curved knife she wields, demonstrates the power to sever the delusions and obstacles of her followers and of all living beings. [11]
—–
Wordmarque Design and Photography
—–
References:
[1] Gyatso, Kelsang. Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini. London: Tharpa, 1996, p.xii.
[2] “The Berzin Archives.” Bonding Practices for Mother Tantra. Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.berzinarchives.com/…/bonding_prac_mother_tantra_….
[3] Shaw, Miranda Eberle. Buddhist Goddesses of India. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2006, p. 8.
[4] English, Elizabeth. Vajrayoginī: Her Visualizations, Rituals & Forms: A Study of the Cult of Vajrayoginī in India. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2002.
[5] “Vajrasattva (Buddhist Deity) – White (with Consort).” Vajrasattva (Buddhist Deity). Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.himalayanart.org/items/77598.
[6] Gyatso, Kelsang. Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini. London: Tharpa, 1996 p. 123-127.
[7] Glenn H. Mullin
[8] “Item: Vajrayogini (Buddhist Deity) – (Naropa Tradition).” Vajrayogini (Buddhist Deity). Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.himalayanart.org/items/290.
[9] English, Elizabeth. Vajrayoginī: Her Visualizations, Rituals & Forms: A Study of the Cult of Vajrayoginī in India. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2002, p. xxiii.
[10] Drinking the Mountain Stream: Songs of Tibet’s Beloved Saint, Milarepa … by Mi-la-ras-pa, Rinpoche Lama Kunga, Brian Cutillo, p.305.
[11] Gyatso, Kelsang. Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini. London: Tharpa, 1996, p.123-127.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the interesting background of the 24 holy places where Buddha Heruka blessed the powerful deity resided in these 24 places previously and sent him to Kechara Paradise for the benefit of all people. After reading through the article, I realize that we in Malaysia, are so fortunate to be able to visit Kechara Forest Retreat located at Bentong, Pahang where this holy land was conceptualized by Rinpoche since 2012 (http://retreat.kechara.com/news/message-from-rinpoche-2/) and make it available today for all of us to pay homage to the Buddhas, recite prayers and mantras, perform meditation within the natural environment and carry out many Dharma activities for healing and spirituality.
On top of that, holy sites with walking path to circumambulate around the Buddha with candle light offering is one of the recommended Dharma activities to participate in Kechara Forest Retreat as many Buddhas are invited to Kechara Forest Retreat with sacred sites as following:
1) Buddha Shakyamuni
2) Lama Tsongkhapa
3) Vajra Yogini Stupa
4) Nageshvaraja
5) Loma Gyonma
6) Mother Tara
7) Manjushri Nagaraksha
8) Four-Armed Manjushri
9) Medicine Buddha (with blessed healing water)
10) Dorje Shugden
11) Dorje Shugden Gyenze
12) His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s first cabin home in KFR
According to my understanding from the article, although we might not able to travel to any of the holy site to recite prayers and mantras or carry out any form of spiritual activity, we can just stay within our home and do a lot of prayers, mantra recitations and meditations with pure motivations to benefit others under the guidance of a qualified Guru. Eventually, our home will be blessed, protected and filled with enlightened and holy energies which can benefit our family members and anyone who come to visit us in our home.
May many people will be blessed and protected by all the Buddhas and the Three Jewels through the holy sites that are full of enlightened energies.
Thank you with folded hands,
kin hoe
For more free high resolution images of Vajrayogini, visit: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html?nggpage=9
A poem by Tsem Rinpoche
This is my beautiful Bodhgaya Vajra Yogini on my personal altar. May you be blessed by her always. Read about her here https://bit.ly/2AfEK4Q
Tsem Rinpoche
I was walking past a second hand shop on Western Ave selling old things. They had a Japanese-style clay Buddha which was beige in colour on the floor, holding the door open. I thought the shopkeeper would collect a lot of negative karma without knowing if he kept such a holy item on the floor as a doorstop. So I went in to talk to him, but he didn’t look like he wanted to talk or that he even cared. So I asked him the price and he said US$5. I purchased it so he did not collect more negative karma. I was 17 years old and that was in 1982.
I escorted my new Buddha home and washed it lightly and wiped it. I placed it on my altar and was happy with the Buddha. I would do my meditations, prayers, sadhanas, mantras and prostrations in front of this shrine daily. When I left for India in 1987, I could not bring this Buddha along and gave it to a friend. It was a nice size and I made offerings to this Buddha for many years in Los Angeles. In front of the Buddha I placed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photo. I remember I was so relieved that the price was affordable. But US$5 that time was still expensive for me but worth it I thought. But I was happy to have brought the Buddha home. Tsem Rinpoche
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com
The current form of Naro Kacho Vajra Yogini appeared to the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa after he meditated intensely on her practice inside a cave. He beheld her glorious form in a vision. This unique form became known as Naropa’s Vajra Yogini or Naro Kacho, as it had never existed before. Later, in Tibet, His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche also had visions of Vajra Yogini. His vision differed slightly from the vision of her that Naropa beheld. In the original Naro Kacho form, Vajra Yogini looks towards her pure land named Kechara. However in Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s vision, she looked straight at him, symbolic of the deity empowering him to bestow her practice to many people in order to benefit them. The practice of Vajra Yogini belongs to the Highest Yoga Tantra classification that leads to tremendous inner transformation and can even grant enlightenment within just one lifetime.
Video of Tsem Rinpoche’s shrine taken July 16, 2018. Very beautiful, well done and meticulous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPAfpMoN2bA
Video of Tsem Rinpoche’s shrine taken July 16, 2018.
Very beautiful, well done and meticulous.
https://video.tsemtulku.com/chat-videos/chat-1531752637.mp4
Tsem Rinpoche at Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong, Malaysia
Vajra Yogini has many different forms and in each of these forms, the positioning of her sacred body, the various implements she holds and the expressions on her face have profound meaning into various aspects of enlightenment. The implements she holds, the expressions on her face, and her body symbolise specific aspects of enlightenment that suit people during a particular time and place according to their karma. So, therefore, Vajra Yogini’s pose, forms and emanations change over time in order to suit different karmically-connected practitioners. It will keep changing because enlightenment is fluid, compassionate and skilful. To gaze upon Vajra Yogini is to look at a complete ‘roadmap’ to enlightenment as every aspect of her body is a manifestation of enlightenment. Therefore to have her form, picture, painting or statue is very blessed. We should make offerings to her daily diligently.
After the great Mahasiddha Naropa had served his guru the Mahasiddha Tilopa for 12 years, Tilopa conferred the Vajra Varahi (another form of Vajra Yogini) initiation with full instructions unto Naropa. Then, Naropa diligently meditated on Vajra Varahi and had a vision of her, and when she appeared to him directly, she appeared in the form of Vajra Yogini. Normally, when he engaged in the Vajra Yogini (Vajravarahi) practice, she was in the form of facing him directly, holding a skull cup and a curved flaying knife in front of her heart. One leg was up and one leg was down as in a dancing pose. That was the form of Vajra Yogini that he had meditated on to gain the highest attainments.
After he had meditated on Vajra Varahi and gained visions of her, she appeared to him in a different form, with her face looking up at Kechara Paradise instead of facing him directly. Her left hand holding the skullcup was thrust in the air and her right hand holding the curved flaying knife, also known as a cemetery knife was facing down at sentient beings or samsara to help beings cut their bonds to suffering. Her left leg was bent, and her right extended while standing in a pose of looking towards Kechara Paradise like she is about to take off there. This form signifies she will take you there and out of suffering. That form of Vajra Yogini became special and that was called Naro Kacho or the Vajra Yogini of Naropa. This Naropa’s Vajra Yogini was initiated to the Nepalese Pamtingpa brothers and they meditated diligently and this tradition of Naropa’s Vajra Yogini just became prevalent and took off from there. Naropa started initiating his other disciples as well into this special form of Vajra Yogini and she became known as Naropa’s Vajra Yogini till this day and it is considered a highly blessed lineage. That is the lineage we have now and most prevalent.
She is looking up because this Naropa’s Vajra Yogini is indicating she will lead her practitioners to her Kechara Paradise within one lifetime if you are diligent in her practice. Realizing enlightenment is harder for people in today’s world and needs more time during Kaliyuga degenerate period, she leads you to her paradise where you can practice undisturbed to Buddha-hood.
In this brilliant artwork, what you see is the Mahasiddha Naropa having a direct vision of Vajra Yogini. It’s the first time she has appeared to Naropa in this form. This form is associated with Naropa. Prior to Naropa, this form of Vajra Yogini did not exist. She in this vision is initiating him into this form (Naro Kacho) of herself indicating this form will be most efficacious now according to our karmic period. In the background, you will see a cave with a light in it because when Naropa used to meditate in that cave, it is said that from his body would emit a light and people could see it from afar. You can also see animals surrounding Vajra Yogini, they can feel her compassion and her great blessings and they are at peace around her.
Vajra Yogini brings peace, love, compassion, wisdom and freedom to everyone who practices her incredibly powerful tantra. Therefore, this artwork is a very beautiful representation of the time when Naropa had a vision of Vajra Yogini in this form for the first time and it is now known as Naropa’s Vajra Yogini. This artwork was offered to me as a gift from a very talented artist. I deeply appreciate this piece of visual spirituality very much.
Tsem Rinpoche
To download for your shrine, please click here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=62528
It’s always good to visit spiritual power places. it can open up dharma seeds within us and bless our minds to engage in spiritual practice. This is the first time I am reading about Jog Falls. Of course, to be able to visit and do prayers at these power places would be wonderful but some may not be able to do so. And it’s always interesting to see old pictures of Rinpoche ? Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this beautiful blessed place and pictures ?
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche is very devoted to his root guru, H.H. Zong Rinpoche.
From Tsem Rinpoche: Every person who has Maha-anuttaratantra empowerments (Eg. Heruka, Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, Vajra Yogini, Chittamani-Tara, Kalacakra, Hevajra, Gyalwa Gyatso Chenresig, etc) should keep a copy of this on their shrine or prayer book. These are all the ritual items tantric practitioner must keep by commitment. If it is in picture form, it is alright also.
It is always good to visit spiritual power places, it can open up latent seeds within us and bless our minds to engage in spiritual practice. Samsaric powers and rewards can only create more causes for us to stay in samsara,
I do wonder what happened to that worldly deity now? Has it achieved supreme enlightenment by now?
Thank you Rinpoche for showing us such a beautiful place like Jog Falls.
There are so many holy areas in the World, and it will be a great blessing to visit those areas together with Rinpoche. So much to learn and do.
I hope to be able to visit some during my lifetime and to be able to do pujas and prayers there and absorb in the energy and be embraced by the blessings.
What we have now in Kechara Forest Retreat will also be another great spot to soak in the holy energy and blessings as many prayers and Dharma teachings were and are conducted there.
Looking forward to doing my Gyenze puja in KFR 🙂
In an article by pastor Niral previously “Twenty-Four Holy Places & Eight Great Charnel Grounds”, we were enthralled by the story of Heruka Chakrasamvara and the origin of these 24 holy places. It is very fortunate for us to have His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche sharing with us one of the these power places, called Jog Falls in the Karnataka state of South India. His Eminence had visited the Jog Falls in 1993. In this article, we learn the several reasons that make a place holy and be infused by powerful energy, for example a place where a realized being had blessed and consecrated the place and left a Buddha, Dharma Protector, a special naga or a special being to abide in that place, so when people go there, they are blessed by these beings or these beings can be seen where people can ask questions and they can give prophesies of the future. It will be very blessed for us here in Malaysia to have a holy place that fulfils these conditions in the near future. Thank you Rinpoche for this article.
It would be a bless and wonderful to visit all these holy places! People should start planning to visit all these holy places, especially Buddhists!
Just like how our Muslim friends in Malaysia are doing, they start saving to visit Muslims’ holy places since they are borned with the helps from their parents. An example of Muslims’ holy place Masjid al-Haram (“The Sacred Mosque”), is a large mosque in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia and the second largest in Islam,considered by Muslims to be the holiest place on Earth.(Retrieved from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiest_sites_in_Shia_Islam).
In fact, I should start saving as well! =)
This is interesting article to read and provided many information of holy places.Thank you rinpoche sharing this article. Whenever we have change to visit India and Nepal, rinpoche always instructed us go to different holy places to make offering and generate good motivation,in order received blessing from the deities or masters from the pass who has generate their inspiration prayer in these scared places. It will help us purify our negative karma and make closer connection with them at the future. So we able to born near to this holy places received teaching and close to the dharma.
Interesting place called Jog Falls, the scenery is really beautiful and it is great enough to attract people to go visit. The best part for a holy places is beside enjoying the beautiful view, we can get connected to the Buddha’s energy, in this place, it is Heruka and Vajrayogini, how wonderful it is to get the blessing from this 2 Buddhas.
To me, the best holy places I’ve been in Gaden monastery, where there are His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche, His Holiness Zong Rinpoche and many High Lamas stayed there before and Kechara Forest Retreat where my guru, His Eminence the 25th Tsem rinpoche founded this place. Gaden is the starting of Gelug Lineage and kechara Forest Retreat is the continual spreading of this lineage. It is very fortunate for me to be able to born near Kechara Forest Retreat.
Thank you Rinpoche for introducing this Holy place, Jog Falls. This is the first time I heard of it and it looks very beautiful.
Thank you also for explaining of what make these places holy and what can we do in these holy places. So the next time if we have a chande to visit, it will not be just a sight seeing but we can engage in more beneficial activities as explained in the articles.
This is a beautiful Power Place, the Jog Falls.These are beautful pictures and amazing benefits to visit such a holy place. I would love to visit the Jog Falls. Luckily we have a powerful holy place in Malaysia, Kechara Forest Retreat.
Through the kindness of H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, Kechara Forest Retreat has a Vajra Yogini stupa, Buddha statues, meditation walk and the Ladrang or the residence of Rinpoche. It is most beneficial to visit Kechara Forest Retreat.
文章里说到由于圣地都是诸佛菩萨与历代高僧大德们修持过及加持过的地方，因此修行者们朝礼这些圣地，能够得无量的加持与功德，所以尽可能在圣地可做禮敬、朝拜、供養及诵经等以净化恶业累积功德。
米勒日吧的上师Marpa说：“ 世界上最神圣的圣地就是我们上师的所住的地方。我想这神圣来自于我们身为弟子心中所发起之一功德或者断除之一过患等一切所证所断皆源自上师善知识。
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this holy place ( Jog Fall ) to us, it is another good holy Buddhist pilgrimage site to visit. And thank you for sharing ( What Do We Do at These Holy Places? ) in detailed.
For sharing : When we arrive at these holy places, it is very good to chant out scriptures, Dharma books or passages, engage in the meditation of various Dharma subjects, recite mantras, perform prostrations, contemplate on the Guru’s kindness, engage in special rituals such as tsog, recite prayers or we can simply just sit and recite healing mantras to heal our body and mind and to intoxicate ourselves with the blessings of the place. We can engage in any of these actions at these holy places.
PS : If everyone go for a pilgrimage trip should read about this article
Thank You
Eric kksiow
There are many places on Earth deemed holy as described by Rinpoche in this article. Here in Malaysia, Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) fits the description. Not only are there different Buddha statues and Vajrayogini stupa in KFR, the whole land is highly blessed and charged up due to the ongoing dharma activities being carried out. Also, KFR land was consecrated and blessed by visiting monks from India and Tibet. And by Dorje Shugden through the 7th Panglung Oracle in trance. There will be more Buddha statues, more dharma activities, and more blessing by Dorje Shugden henceforth. And the most blessed is that KFR is the residence of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche.
The Jog falls is beautiful and holy but i have to agree with Pastor Henry that Kechara Forest Retreat does fit into this category too. Thousands of retreats, pujas, fire pujas meditation and teachings have been done personally by our root guru H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, by his students, lamas, geshes, Rinpoches and monks from many monasteries. The holy Dharma protectors such as the kind himself Dorje Shugden and His minister Kache Marpo visited here and given a very profound Dharma teachings via the most well known oracle in the world. We also have the world biggest Dorje Shugden. Kechara Forest Retreat is also a healing place and merit field for the people who stay here, who do their retreats and pujas here, who visited here due to the powerful energy here.
I really would like to visit there and circumambulate the Vajrayogini Stupa!
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing one of this beautiful and sacred place of Vajrayogini and Heruka, the explanation of how a place become holy also very important information to understand.
The holiest place that I went before was Bodhgaya, where Shakyamuni Buddha achieved enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree. After finish reading on this post, I found that the most holy place I visit is Kechara Forest Retreat, where my root Guru resides, and it’s a place that fulfills all the points of making a place holy.
Thanks Rinpoche for conceptualizing the beautiful Kechara Forest Retreat, I believe there will be more people be benefitted in not long future when everything is completed.
Thank you.
This is the first time I am reading about Jog Falls. Of course, to be able to visit and do prayers at these power places would be wonderful but some may not be able to do so.
So, one of the nearest holy place that I can think of at the moment, is Kechara Forest Retreat (we have a waterfall nearby too!)! It has all the points as stated in “What Makes a Place Holy?” We don’t even have to go far to visit. Here, we can do meditations, retreats, circumambulations, pujas, offerings and many more. I have always love the peace and calm here in KFR, it makes me feel the same. How blessed to be able to live and ‘work’ here!
Thank you Rinpoche for this Holy place!
It’s important for us to set a good motivation to perform Dharmic activities such as reciting mantra, prayers, perform prostration and etc. at the holy places. For me it’s a great blessing and fortunate for one to be able to visit such holy places and should not miss the chances to energise ourselves from this place where strong energy and holy seed that has been planted.
Of course if those holy places we treat it just like another place for eye viewing it will just be it but if we take this great opportunity to treat it as a one a life time and contemplate the history and the energy that infused by the great being that resided there with positive motivation it will not only change our perspective on this places but also make a fruitful beneficial Dharmic pilgrimage.
From this article I will relate KFR as one of a holy place. This is due to there are many people and Lama did various type of retreats here, numerous teaching has been conducted by Rinpoche, various holy & blessed statues & holy monument around KFR, numerous puja/prayers have been done to bless KFR and we also have the great World Peace Protector took trance and personally bless and give teaching. All this just fit in KFR as a holy place to benefit many people to visit, to make offering, to meditate, to do retreat and many more holy activities.
Some of the points mentioned in this article about what makes a place holy and what do we do at these holy places are interesting knowledge. I believe in energy field and I believe human has interactions with these energy fields around us.
Since ancient times, we have been lured by the presence of powerful energy fields. Maybe once upon a time our ancestors held some knowledge of these energy fields and hence built places like the pyramids of Giza and many other pyramids around the world, Stonehedge, Machu Picchu, and so on. Our ancestors appeared to know how to harnest these powerful energy fields and built civilizations based on them. Perhaps it is because in ancient times, the archituect also held knowledge of healing, astrology and of nature. They were holistic architects who built to connect life, nature and knowledge. An ancient and precious craft that we may have lost over time.
Another term that is now very popular in new age spiritual movements is energy vortex. A Vortex by definition is a place in nature where the earth is exceptionally alive with energy. Some of the well known places of powerful enerygy vortex include Mount Kailash, Lake Titicaca and Glastonbury to name a few. The question still remains as to why in that specific place and where did the energy come from? There are many explanation given but the scientific evidence is still inconclusive.
Based on the definitions given in this article on what makes a place holy, Kechara Forest Retreat definitely qualify as a holy place.
Wow! I hope that one day I am going to have the journey to all those 24 places. Probably it has to be the amazing adventure where you can find yourself and people to talk about everything that worries you.
Dear Szymon,
Welcome to tsemrinpoche.com. Thanks for your comment. Yes, it will be amazing. In the meantime, you can check out our Travel & Pilgrimage category which has many wonderful posts, some with videos, such as:
1. Nepal Pilgrimage full videos
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/nepal-pilgrimage-full-videos.html
– H.E. Tsem Rinpoche led a group of 61 pilgrims to Nepal to visit the holy power places in Kathmandu valley
2. Excellent Travelogue of holy places in Tibet
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/travel/excellent-travelogue-of-holy-places-in-tibet.html
– 2.5 hours of wonderful Tibet
How did you get to know about the blog? It’s nice to meet more friends from around the world here on this blog.
Hello Shin Tan,
I am a big fan of meditation & yoga and started to write about it 2 months ago. I found this blog when I was looking for inspiration for new topics and experts (I want to show my readers amazing resources that they should read to know more about their mind and thoughts).
Thank you for letting us know. I’m sure you will find plenty of articles useful. One post I’d like to share with you is “Our Neurotic Mind”, which many told us has helped them understand their mind more: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/our-neurotic-mind.html
Another good one is “The Mind and Lama Tsongkhapa” where Rinpoche speaks about the vastness of our mind, how our mind shapes our present condition and how it’s interlinked with our spiritual practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/the-mind-and-lama-tsongkhapa.html
There are more, but I think these 2 will be good to share. Feel free to leave comments on the posts, and you can also drop by our blog chat at https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/chat
Hope to see you more on the blog.
谢谢仁波切的分享。
我对胜乐金刚及金刚瑜伽母24个圣地的文章都非常有兴趣。 胜乐金刚慈悲把一位天神的圣地转变成胜乐金刚及金刚瑜伽母的圣地， 让我们凡人都有机会近距离接触到他们的力量， 也让我们感觉到圣地并不是遥不可及的地方。
佛陀涅盘之前也告诉过他的弟子们， 在佛陀涅槃过后， 前往佛陀出世、成佛、转法轮及涅槃的地方朝圣都可以接触到佛陀的能量， 而且前往这些地方就如同亲自见佛陀一样。
不过文章中也有提到米勒日吧的上师玛尔巴说过， 世界上最神圣的圣地就是我们上师的住所， 如果我们有机会去到上师的住所就要更珍惜这些机会。
谢谢
The waterfall is beautiful and it does look very blessed. Thank you Rinpoche for introducing Jog Falls to us and knowing the story behind it. For many, it may just be a place to go for relaxation but besides that, it does bless the visitors.
It is also very nice of RInpoche to share his experience and trip with us to know Rinpoche better. Nice to see Rinpcohe with the other monks having some relaxation time as well as doing prayers at Jog Falls. Wherever Rinpoche goes, RInpoche will always bless the place or do a prayer there with offerings. Just like what Rinpoche did in Mt Shasta in USA.
Would definitely like to visit this place in the future.
感谢仁波切的分享与开示
当我看到照片时，我被那宏伟的瀑布所吸引着，原来在印度的这个地方（乔格法尔尔斯）有着那么美丽的金刚瑜伽母朝圣地，我们也在仁波切的开示与教导下，我们组团到尼泊尔许多殊胜的地点（包括几个金刚瑜伽母圣地）朝圣，祈福，并且在过程中学习放下，在朝圣的过程中，我们诚心依据仁波切的教诲来诵经，并且持素，看着一张张感动的脸孔，有些团友更是在不同的朝圣地点，被感动与感受到那力量磁场纷纷红了眼眶掉下了眼泪。
朝圣是一个过程，让我们在灵修的道路上，寻找自己内心，学习方向，并透过朝圣来累积大量的功德… … 希望我们踏上这一个美丽的地方朝圣，在印度与金刚瑜伽母有一个完美的邂逅
谢谢
Jerry
Thank you Rinpoche for the detailed explanation on how the places became holy and what should and can do when visiting these holy places such as perform prostrations, offer butterlamps, recite mantras, engage in meditation, make khatas,fruits and flowers offerings to the Buddhas.As for people who are going on pilgrimage must read this post.
Wow,,,another Holy places of Vajrayogini and Heruka….Jpg Falls in south India.Thats interesting to know. Thanks Rinpoche for sharing with a clear explanation what makes a place so powerful and Holy, I did not know that is such a beautiful power place exist till after reading this post.I could imagine its indeed a beautiful place from those photos shown. Great to know what we suppose to do at these Holy place as taught by Rinpoche ( Recite prayers, make offerings and so forth to intoxicate
oneselves with the blessings of the place.) May all those who have visited Jog Falls and any other Holy place to be blessed as these places are infused with powerful blessings.
Thanks again ,its a wonderful teaching.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing such wonderful Dharma on Holy Places and the blessings these places invoke onto people who visit.
Thank you also for sharing and recommending on what to do when one arrives at these holy places.
If I have sufficient merits to be able to visit any of these places, I am well prepared on what to do upon arrival to “Meet the Buddha.”
Thank you.
Lum Kok Luen
This sounds like a place right at the top of the list with holy places like Bodhgaya and Lumbini. It would be a must visit place if we wish to create more cause to be able to receive Vajrayogini practice in our future lives?
But, I guess, it is of no use if we do not have the right motivation and action to go with it.
Thank you, Rinpoche for always giving us comprehensive teachings on holy places and the motivation and visualizing during pilgrimages.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing another holy places of Vajrayogini and Heruka. It is such a blessing to be able to visit all these holy places.
Appreciate all the explanation on what make a place holy and what a pilgrimage can do at these places. I think it is very important to understand and set the correct motivation when visiting.
I have not visited any of the above mentioned holy places yet except for Kechara Forest Retreat. However, this set as a good start and I’m sure by engaging more dharma workd and retreat I will have the affinity to visit holy places.
Even when Rinpoche goes on a ‘holiday’ to take a break, it’s somewhere that is imbued with Dharma significance. Thank you Rinpoche for explaining the basis of what makes a place. This is a post everyone should read before they go on pilgrimage anywhere, not just Jog Falls, because it makes their pilgrimages that more meaningful than just another holiday.
When Rinpoche took us to Bodhgaya in 2005, I remember the advice Rinpoche gave to us before we started circumambulating the Mahabodhi Stupa. Rinpoche advised us to visualise that we are walking to receive teachings from Shakyamuni. That whatever pains, obstacles, sufferings we had experienced in reaching Bodhgaya, we should visualise as the purification of our karma in order to receive the teachings.
Then as we circumambulate, we recite mantras and prayers. In that way, our mind (visualising we are going to see the Buddha), our body (actually circumambulating) and our speech (reciting mantras) are all engaged in the virtuous act of making merit. Rinpoche advised us that our time in such a holy place was short so we should maximise the opportunity for us to make merits. I will never forget this teaching.
Anyway I wanted to share with everyone these beautiful pictures of another holy place – Pabongka Monastery, just north of Lhasa in Tibet. I hope you like them.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the story of the holy place, Jog Falls, one of the places where Buddha Heruka and Vajrayogini’s energies abide in. It would be wonderful to offer prayers there. Now I understand further what constitute a holy place and what we should do at places as holy as this and how we can gain the benefits of the blessings.
As Lew said, Kechara Forest Retreat in Bentong is a very holy place due to our precious Guru residing there and all the prayer and offering activities engaged there. With the many large holy statues and Vajrayogini Stupa consecrated and placed at various places of Kechara Forest Retreat blessing all as they make offerings, pray, circumambulate and make strong aspirations. We even had the blessings of the powerful enlightened Protector Dorje Shugden graced our land in taking trance of the 7th Panglung Kuten and with Karch Marpo too. It is all thanks to our compassionate Guru who made it all possible for everyone to receive the blessings and a place for us to learn & practice towards gaining attainments. May we all never forget his love for us and strive to fulfil his wishes which will benefit so many.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the meaning of “holy places”. There are many times we have heard people said Bodhgaya is very holy, but we don’t know what makes the place holy.
Based on the reasons given, we can also conclude that Kechara Forest Retreat is a holy places, because: 1) There are many people engage retreats frequently; 2) Rinpoche had been giving teachings here in KFR; 3) Dorje Shugden has arrived in KFR before during trance session in 2015.
I must say I am extremely fortunate to be able to work & do my practice in this very holy place. I pray more and more people can come to KFR to engage in even more retreats to make the place even more blessed.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing about Jog Falls and the attitude we should have when visiting holy places such as these.
I remember reading an article written by Pastor Niral about the 24 holy places and I think it’s a very nice complement to this article for those interested to know more about the 24 holy places (https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/twenty-four-holy-places-eight-great-charnel-grounds.html#comment-715780)
Many of us have been or perhaps are planning to visit holy places, which is an important component in our lives as Buddhists. However, I think most people may not be well equipped with the knowledge of what they should do in such holy places, making the trip nothing but a sight seeing trip or a holiday. Though we still get the blessings for physically being there, we could have derived more if we took the trip to a higher level, and make it a meaningful pilgrimage that will make a difference in our lives.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing this meaningful article. I always want to visit these holy places in India and Nepal especially those related to Lord Buddha and Vajrayogini. Pastor Patsy has given me a book of the photo of Vajrayogini holy temples and statues. I always browse the book and feel the energy of Vajrayogini and wish one day I will be able to receive the Vajrayogini Initiation from my Guru in this life.
However, the closest holy place I can visit is KFR. It is our home center, I wish I can retire over there and work full time to serve my Guru and protect KFR. That is my dream and wish, I hope one day I can realize this dream after I settled my worldly commitment.
Wow! I pray and wish that one day soon I will be able to make a pilgrimage trip to this beautiful powerful sacred place – Jog Falls.
The water must be very healing… it would be nice to go there to do our sadhana or puja like what Rinpoche did with the monks. India and Nepal is truly a beautiful mystical land with so many powerful sacred places.
I’m glad I went to Bodhgaya with Rinpoche, another powerful holy site where many of us receive refuge under a Bodhi tree 🙂
Wouldn’t mind going there again and then to Jog falls.
Thank you for sharing with us what makes a place holy… and this clearly shows that our Kechara Forest Retreat can be a pilgrimage site as well due to our aspirational prayers and of course the blessings of our Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
Thank you for sharing this nice article about the holiest places that we should visit, do prayers, circumambulations, make offerings and pay homage to the Buddha eg The Mahabodhi Stupa at Bodhgaya , Lumbini, Sarnath-Varanasi, Kushinagara, Tsongkapa’s birthplace and meditation cave, Milarepa’s cave, Lake of Pelden Hlamo, Dorje Shugden’s Chapel (Trode Khangsar) in Lhasa, Jokhang where Jowo Rinpoche abides, Gaden Monastery, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery and so forth.
These places are so holy with full of energies which would bless us and spiritual results will be quicker and also healing of our body expedited when we do any type of spiritual activity there.
Nevertheless, not everyone is managed to visit each of the holy places. What we can do is to offer prostrations, butterlamps, prayers and meditations at our guru’s residence as according to Marpa the guru of Milarepa. In addition, we can recite the prayers to our guru is very auspicious also to ask for higher attainments.