Question asked by Marcus Foo
Hi Pastors,
I have a question, I’ve formally considered taking Refuge and undertaking on the 10 Refuge Vows and Commitments very soon. I’m not in Malaysia so may I take it at my desk altar on any day? Or on Lama Tsongkhapa’s day? I was planning to take it soon before renewing it on Lama Tsongkhapa’s Day. Also, in regards to one of the commitments being to offer what we eat and drink to the Three Jewels, what happened if we are dining outside etc? Thank you Pastors for your kindness.
Dear Marcus Foo,
Yes, if you cannot take Refuge in person, then it is perfectly fine and encouraged for you to take Refuge in front of your own altar. Refuge is taken from the heart, wherever you are. You should read the sections of the Lamrim in regards to Refuge and how to do it. The text we use in Kechara is known as Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, available here if you need a copy: https://www.vajrasecrets.com/lamrim-liberation-in-the-palm-of-your-hand.
At Kechara, our Pastors can help guide you through Taking Refuge online. You can take it in general, or specifically Take Refuge under Tsem Rinpoche and create a strong bond with Rinpoche in that manner. Tsem Rinpoche himself gave teachings to the Pastors on how to do this before he passed into Parinirvana. If you are in interested, please email care@kechara.com.
In regards to offering what we eat or drink to the Three Jewels when you are outside, you recite any food offering prayer before you begin eating or drinking. Visualise that the Three Jewels have received and accepted your offering. It is not necessary for you to separate out the food, just recite over your meal and then eat. I’ve included two food offering prayers below, you can use either one. I hope this helps.
Food Offering Prayer to Lama Tsongkhapa:
OM AH HUM (3x to purify the food)
“GANGCHEN SHING TAI SOLJE TSONGKHAPA
NGOTOB RIGPAI WANGCHUNG GYALTSAB JE
DONGA TENPAI DAGPO KHEDRUB JE
GYALWA YABSE SUNLA CHOPA BUL”
“Within the Snowy Land is the chariot leader Tsongkhapa
One who has power & great attainments Gyaltsabje
Master & holder of Sutra and Tantra Kedrup-Je
To the Exalted Enlightened Three Father and Sons, I offer this.”
Food Offering Prayer to Dorje Shugden:
OM AH HUM (3x to purify the food)
GANGSHIG DRENPA TSAMGYI CHINANGI
BARCHE KUNSEL LESHEY TRINLEY NAM
TSOLDZE GYALCHEN SHUGDEN RIG NA TSEY
TENSUNG KORDANG CHELA CHO PAR BUL
All the obstacles from within and without,
Completely you dispel and make things clear and fulfil activites,
To the Five Families of Dorje Shugden,
Your great entourage and assistants I offer this.