Question asked by Luna
~ Is there any case where we are able to drink the liquid after Serkym, or is it 100% not allowed
~ I was drawing Mether, Namkar Barzin, Dorje Shugden, and I am now contemplating whether I should add Kache Marpo, but that's besides the point. I was wondering if me, as a lay person, can draw unenlightened deities. Their practices are so held secretly, it suddenly felt wrong, half way drawing Namkar Barzin. Should I continue this drawing?
~ In one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche's book, he mentioned that we can preform the Vajrasattva practice in the toilet, the toilet as Yama's mouth, the dung as the karma, but I didn't want to take another Guru's advice, outside of my own, so could I do this practice?
Dear Luna,
There is nothing wrong with drinking the black tea or other drinks offered for Serkym. However, Tsem Rinpoche advised that it’s better not to drink the Serkym liquid. This is because it is an offering, and since it is an offering, its better not to partake of it once it’s offered. This mirrors Tsem Rinpoche’s advice for other offerings, such as food offerings. Once such offerings are made, they actually do not belong to you any more, they actually belong to the Three Jewels, so you should not use it. You can however give food offerings to others as a blessing. For Serkym, however, even in this case, Rinpoche advised that we dispose of it respectfully instead of giving it others to drink, for example pouring it outside on the ground, around plants, etc. Pouring it down a clean kitchen sink is acceptable also. This is to cut attachment or potential attachment that can arise towards to drinks used for Serkym.
Yes you can draw unenlightened deities, that is not a problem, because you are not worshipping them or taking refuge in them. Namkha Barzin and Methat are okay to draw because they are also under the retinue of Dorje Shugden, so if they get offended for whatever reason, Dorje Shugden will not let any harm come to you.
I have not read the book by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. However, Tsem Rinpoche advised not to recite mantras in the bathroom, on the toilet, etc. It is not very respectful on an ordinary level. If you have certain Highest Yoga Tantra initiations however, this can be different and you can do so. So perhaps the path that Lama Zopa was referring to in regards to Vajrasattva practice was from a Higher Yoga Tantra perspective, but I’m not sure. But that would entail having received the complete initiation from a qualified teacher, keeping all the associated vows and commitments (including Refuge vows, Bodhisattva vows and Tantric vows). I hope this helps.