Question asked by Alfredo
Thank you dear pastor Niral Patel from previous question setting up an Altar helping me a lot .Now I asking in praying a (Supplication to the Merciful One) H.H Eminence on line 3. offer light to a stupa or Buddha image 108 times or 108 lights, what I did, I lit a candle and I bow to Lord Buddha , but I don't know what is mean what should I do, Am I do it wrong, I ordered a stupa but is not yet received .
On the (Vows and Commitments) The Eight Precepts there are 8, on last one says wearing jewellery, etc. and (ENJOYING MUSIC or TV) it reminds me of, al Qaeda and Taliban im 64 year old I love oldies music such Rolling Stones, Beatles, Bee Gees etc. H.H. Eminence went with a monk after after they taught a puja they went to dance a Tibetan dance I forgot the name of the dance I saw the video my question is it you can not enjoy music or TV but H.H Eminence watching students dance and of they listen to the music to dance right , thank you so much lot of Love to all you pastors and H.H. Eminence which I truly love him because of him I truly thinking of become a Buddhist
Dear Alfredo,
Thank you for your questions. I am glad I could help. In regards to offering light, as you are using candles, once you have lit the candle, you purify the candle by lighting a stick of incense and waving it over the candle and recite the mantra “Om Ah Hum”. Here is a video about setting up an altar, making offerings, and performing prostrations which might be of some help to you: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/how-to-set-up-altar-make-offerings-prostrate-to-the-buddha-meditate-etc.html
You can also read more about the benefits of light offering here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/butterlamps.html
In regards to the eight precepts, most practitioners these days do not take the precepts for life, but for a certain time period, such as for just a day, or a week. This is so they can focus on spiritual development during that time and not be distracted by other activities. It is very different from the examples of the al Qaeda and Taliban, who ban listening to music because it is foreign and in their eyes against their religion. Rather in Buddhism is about minimising distractions so that one can focus on the mind and understanding how our mind works. This is very necessary on the spiritual journey to enlightenment.
Here is an article that may be of use to you: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/vows-the-roots-of-all-attainments.html
The particular precept not only concerns listening to music, but also from all other forms of entertainment such as dancing and singing and even wearing perfumes, ornaments, and other items that make oneself look good. When we do not engage in these activities, which are based on the physical body, we are able to concentrate on the mind.
The core of all Buddhist practice is actually the refuge vows. All other vows are based on these vows. So to beginning with, and as your fundamental practice in daily life you should keep to these vows. You can learn more about them here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/students-friends/vows-the-roots-of-all-attainments.html#tab-1-page-4. Therefore it does not mean that you have to give up listening to the Bee Gees or the Beatles at all in order to become a Buddhist or practise the Buddhist teachings. I hope this helps.
Thank you