Question asked by Stephan V
Dear Pastors,
When I last visited KMP I was given the epic novel of Lama Tsongkhapa's life story by Li Kim. I have read it almost every day since then over and over again. I have a couple of questions that sprang from my reading of the epic novel and I hope you can help me out.
1) Who are the 35 Confessional Buddhas? I tried Googling it but the search only gave me scanty information. Are the 35 Confessional Buddhas manifestations of Sakyamuni Buddha?
2) I am a little confused as to the differentiation between Lord Setrap and Lord Vajrapani. Could you please clear up for me what is the main difference between these two deities.
I am not a Buddhist in the whole sense of the word but I believe I find great beauty in Buddhism and also a lot of practical common sense that appeals to me. Although I do not wish to make any sort of religious commitment is it still okay for me to say the mala and offer prayers in the Buddhist fashion for the easing of others' suffering and to ask for protection for my elders and myself?
Thank you
The 35 Confessional Buddhas are beings who made a vow that when they become enlightened, they will be able to help people purify. Their wish manifested into reality when they attained buddhahood, thus, when we recite the 35 confessional prayers or perform prostrations to the 35 confessional buddhas, we are able to purify.
It’s more important as you are starting to learn, avoid making too much comparison of the different buddhas but instead, learn about who they are and the benefits of doing their prayers.
Rinpoche has given teachings on Lord Setrap which you might check out on youtube.com/tsemtulku