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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
1 Comment
A really inspiring event led by Varabhadri from Tregaron.
Amogasiddhi, the Green Buddha, associated with fearlessness and unobstructed success was the focus of the evening. |