Question asked by Jonathan
Good Day Pastors,
Regarding the "Diamond Path Sadhana" if I choose to do the condensed version. Am i allowed to start with Gaden Llhagyama of the short version, but follow the condensed version for the protector practice?
After the Guru Yoga of Lama Tsongkhapa, I would add Vajrasattva practice (https://resources.tsemtulku.com/prayers/deity-prayers/vajrasattvas-purification-practice.html), Chenrezig Ngesung Kundrol Sadhana, Tea Offering To Vajrayogini (https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tea-offering-to-vajrayogini-for-the-1st-time.html) a short prayer to Shakyamuni and Arahant Sivali (from thai buddhist tradition please advice if i am doing this wrong) before I start the Condensed version of the protector practice.
Please advice. /|\
Dear Jonathan,
Yes, you can start with the Gaden Lhagyama and then follow the consensed version of the protector practice from the Diamond Path. This will be very good as you will be building a stronger connection with Lama Tsongkhapa.
For the remainder of the prayers, you can follow the following order if you would like, after Gaden Lhagyama, before Dorje Shugden practice:
> Prayer to Shakyamuni and Arahant Sivali (though these are not from the Tibetan tradition, they are okay to include. However, please bear in mind, they are from a different tradition. It is more appropriate to use prayers from the tradition we are practicing, rather than reciting prayers from other lineages. However I have never seen an independent prayer specifically to the Arhat Saivala as he is known in Sanskrit.)
> Chenrezig Ngensong Kundrol
> Tea offering to Vajra Yogini.
If you are doing all these prayers, however, it may take some time. If you have the luxury of time, then by all means, please go ahead. However, if you have a busy daily schedule, it is best to keep the prayers shorter and make sure you are able to do the prayers daily without fail. To have a daily practice that is consistent and sustainable is important. It will also prepare you for higher practices in the future, which you have to engage in daily without break, otherwise it breaks certain commitments. It is best to prepare ourselves for the future, this is what Tsem Rinpoche has recommended. Rinpoche advised never to miss our daily practices. It is a foundation needed for higher practices. I hope this helps.