April 26th, 2016

STORM ON THE FIFTH DAY

by Varabhadri. First practised with Llangollen Sangha 21st April 2016


PLACING 
(This section is a reading)
It is not Ratnasambhava's sunlit land
It is not Amitabha's inviting fire
It is not Akshobya's realm of dawning light
Nor Vairocana's pure domain.
It is the world at the world's end.
An ancient forest covers it, extensive, dark and fearsome.
Tangled yews and ancient oaks amid dense brambles
Thorn thickets, marshes. At its centre, a circle of pines
sway unceasingly, whispering his name: Amoghasiddhi.
Since the beginnings of time a tempest rages around the forest margin. It is composed of all the fears ever known: they rise up howling. Constantly, more arrive in the whirling wind – there is no end of them. Within the internal gloom, there is screeching, growling, bloodcurdling cries of beings unknown. Beyond the forest, further north, lies a desolate region, a frigid land haunted by cold ghosts lamenting their plight, their tears forming icy seas. Trapped by their own misfortune, they wait for aeons to be rescued.


Within the circle of pines a soft green light begins to glow. The sky collapses in thunder, revealing Amoghasiddhi. He is seated like an iron mountain, his posture roaring like a waterfall. Wearing midnight as his cloak he sits serene untroubled through the storm. Conflicting winds do not disturb him.
Amoghasiddhi! Through all the tumult resolutely calm.
Around him fly garudas who with a clash of cymbals banish demons. They fall to earth and turn into moss-covered stone.


ALL:
(in call and response)


Mighty Amoghasiddhi
watchful for the perils
that may afflict the body
your right hand raised, palm outwards
defending, says 'let no harm come'
(make the abhaya mudra)


Mighty Amoghasiddhi
knowing the host of worries
that so disturb our minds
your right hand raised, palm outwards
bids them all 'be still'.
Mighty Amoghasiddhi
Your left hand upturned
resting in your lap
is a peaceful valley 
where all may safely shelter.


Thus Amoghasiddhi
Befriender of fear
more powerful than earthquakes
swifter than a hurricane
unstoppable like a flood.
Who cools jealousy and the burn of envy
Queller of conflict
Peace maker
Remover of obstacles
Doubt dispeller
Undaunted hero
Dare we approach him, now?


GOING FOR REFUGE
I am a pilgrim
on the path of change
who desires to be free of fear.
Today I affirm
that I seek liberation.
The Dharma is my orientation.
Kind companions form a sangha
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
in diverse forms
traditional or unconventional
occupying stone or tree
or hidden in the mind,
awaiting recognition,
inspire and guide.


So I Go for Refuge
to the Ultimate Good.
When doubt or fear obstruct me
Amoghasiddhi may I remember your name.


Refuges and Precepts 


CONFESSION AND OFFERINGS
O great Amoghasiddhi
I stand and face you
I bring my fears
to bow down to you.
They must surrender their power, 
rooted in self-clinging.
I offer them now
for transformation
since they stand in the way
of freedom
and compromise my authenticity.
What follows now in particular
I wish to weaken.


(To drum beat, basket of leaves and pencils handed round for people to write down a fear, remaining seated. If anyone wishes to voice their fear....)


Mantra and Offerings


In doing this
I move closer to Amoghasiddhi
weakening what obstructs me.
His compassion loosens
my barbed defences,
his protecting love
draws me away
from self-made shadows.
I grow more confident
I am en-couraged
by his supreme compassion
by his indestructible resolve
by his wise intervention in disputes
by his pacifying my anxiety
by his vajric energy that unifies,
balancing opposing wills
by his being ever-green
which is rejuvenating.
He is the conqueror.
He knows our deepest fears.
He knows what we can attain.
Amoghasiddhi!
Liberator, doubt dispeller
Reveal yourself through me
that I too may offer fearlessness
to all who long to be free
and may I find faith
that I shall succeed.


End with 3 SADHUS
​