Question asked by Kenny
Hello Pastors!
I have questions about this part of prayer to Mother Tara:
How I should understand this line of the prayers?
Because we have invoke many Dharma Protectors in all Gelug Monasteries like Lord Setrap, Palden Lhamo, Dorje Shugden but why in this prayer tell quite opposite with our daily practice?
That we always include Dharmapalas practices session in our daily practice.
A Song of Longing for Tara, the Infallible
By Lobsang Tenpey Gyaltsen
…."Most Dharma protectors do not show their powers. Tired of those who invoke them, they do not act. Other protectors, lacking insight but proud of their power, may be friendly for a while but will later do me harm. Since I cannot rely on other protectors, you are my principal protector. With divine action, Wisdom Mother, essence of love, arouse the great power of your compassion and think of me…."
Thank you so much
Dear Kenny,
Thank you for your question. The first part of the prayer, refers to the Dharma Protectors that we usually practice such as Lord Setrap, Palden Lhamo, Dorje Shugden, etc. In order to benefit from their practices, we need to develop a strong relationship with them, that is why their practices are done daily.
The second part, which starts “Other protectors,” actually refers to worldly (unenlightened) protectors. That is why the lamas recommend not to propitiate them, unless there is a specific need and only under close supervision from our guru.
Praising Tara as your the sole protector shows you the qualities of Tara, who is extremely compassionate. Tara is a deity who covers both the roles of a yidam or meditational deity that can take you to enlightenment and also a protector in that she can create the conducive conditions we need to practice the Dharma and also to remove obstacles, etc. But even for Tara, you do need to develop a strong relationship with her, by engaging in daily practice, making offerings, etc. I hope this helps.