Auspiciousness

PHOWA RETREAT

In previous week, I attended a 3-day Phowa retreat of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, led by His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche. As always, it was a transformative experience, as i gained deeper insights into the practice of deity visualisation, mantra recitation, and a better understanding of concept of ‘death’ in the tradition.

Phowa literally means ‘transference of consciousness’, usually at the time of death. It is a highly technical (scientific?) practice where one practises to become skilful in self-willing the seed of one’s consciousness out of the physical body through the use of ‘wind’ element. The consciousness is meant to unite with the consiousness of a Buddha (in this case, it is usually Amitabha Buddha) through focussed aspiration to be reborn in His pureland, strong faith in Amitabha Buddha and the method, and strong compassionate motivation to become a Buddha in order to benefit others (Bodhicitta).

It was a special retreat for me. Apart from the unique nature of it and rare conditions under which it is given, it marked a reconciliation and return to my root Buddhist tradition. It has taken me mountain climbs and valley leaps to come home, and realise a fresh meaning to the word ‘home’. Also extraordinary significance was the companionship of SW during the retreat, someone i recognise having deep [karmic] connection with.

 

PURIFICATION RETREAT: CONFESSION TO 35 BUDDHAS PRACTICE

This week, I just fulfilled a wish, having completed a full 3-day purification retreat, ‘Confession to 35 Buddhas’ - also of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This was the retreat that led me make so many full prostrations – my friend counted a few thousands, i am not sure, maybe just one thousand for me.  Very timely that it happened, and it carried special personal meaning at this point of spiritual path. I met Khen Rinpoche (Lobsang Tsephel) for the first time after hearing his name from so many friends these few years. His presence is indeed like a very compassionate grandfather, 77 years old.

Confession practices is one form of practice that I have neglected for long, and deeply longed to do. It is about being honest with oneself, dissolving pride and arrogance, and purifying the myriad discursive negative unpleasant thoughts that i have. It levels one with the heart. After these few years of what I went through, i come to a natural recognition of the valuable benefits of confession.

 

On retrospect, I am grateful that this lifestyle, my employment allows me the freedom to attend to many aspects of life that i hold in high priority.